Panasonic AG-DVC30 listed as unknown firewire device in System Profiler

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Panasonic AG-DVC30 listed as unknown firewire device in System Profiler

We have a iMac 2.8 GHz Intel Dual Core that does not connect with a Panasonic AG-DVC30 digital camcorder. We used countless procedures of connecting to the system and 4 different types of firewire cables. But, still the system profiler in red type states, "Unable to list FireWire devices". Is there a patch or codec to download for the intel? Or am I screwed?

1dgordon

iMac 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 4 G Ram

Posted on Jun 16, 2010 7:42 AM

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Answer 1

babowa

Level 9

78,556 points

Jun 16, 2010 9:28 AM in response to 1dgordon

I tried to find a manual or detailed specs for your camcorder, but since it is an older model, there wasn't even any info available at the Panasonic site. From what I did find, your model appears to be a mini-DV model? I'd suggest reading up in iMovie Help re. importing footage from a camcorder - I found several step by step articles e.g. you must have iMovie open, switch camcorder mode to a certain setting, etc. I cannot post a link since those are pop up articles.

Also, have you tested your iMac's firewire ports (are they 400 or 800 or both) to make sure they are working?

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

90,850 points

Jun 16, 2010 5:23 PM in response to 1dgordon

Hello 1dgordon

Welcome to Apple Discussions

System Profiler +(red type)+ sounds like your firewire overload protection is tripped.

Try resetting your SMC > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

+1. Shut down the computer.+
+2. Unplug the computer's power cord.+
+3. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.+
+4. Release the power button.+
+5. Attach the computers power cable.+
+6. Press the power button to turn on the computer.+

Then if that doesn't get the ports working, go to > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1317

Dennis

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Answer 3

1dgordon Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 17, 2010 10:42 AM in response to 1dgordon

Hi Dennis and Barbara,

Seems to be not a iMovie problem but rather a firewire communication protocol discrepancy between the camcorder and the Intel iMac. Dennis, I did try the SMC reset but was unable to keep the system profiler from sending me the red "unable to list devices" warning. We tried using the camcorder on another Intel iMac here and got the same results.

I brought the camcorder and same firewire cable home, and it works fine on my powermac (twin 1.8 GHz) tower. So, next I will try to plug it into a older iMac without Intel chips.

dgordon

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