iMovie 6 can't see my Panasonic NV-DS38 Mini DV PAL camcorder

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iMovie 6 can't see my Panasonic NV-DS38 Mini DV PAL camcorder

I have a Panasonic NV-DS38 Mini DV Pal camcorder that I have always used no problem with iMovie. I am on 10.5.8 and have probably at some point done a software update to iMovie 6.0.3. Now with this new iMovie, I cannot see my Panasonic at all. I'm not sure which iMovie it did work with, but am certain it did because I have imported clips in an iMovie project.

I don't usually post at forums because I usually find my answer somewhere online. This time I'm really stumped. Help would be greatly appreciated. I hope I have supplied enough info.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Dec 17, 2010 1:09 PM

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Answer 1

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Dec 17, 2010 3:00 PM in response to oofma

Welcome to the forums!

Try this:

Open the Audio MIDI Setup (Utilities folder) and set the default audio output to 44100hZ. Then make sure that the audio output of the camera is set to 16 bits and not 12 bits. Try the camera again.

If no luck try these:

iMovie: Cannot See or Control Camera
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1924?viewlocale=en_US

and here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2025

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Answer 2

oofma Author

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Dec 17, 2010 4:30 PM in response to Klaus1

Thanks for trying to help, but no luck. My Audio MIDI Setup does not have a 44100hZ option for default audio output it just has "Built-in Output". The camera was already set to 16 bit, though. The links supplied don't help either. The first I had already been through. The second is concerning pixelated and choppy previews, I'm not even at the stage where I can get the video into iMovie. I guess it could be a faulty cable...

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Answer 3

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Dec 17, 2010 4:40 PM in response to oofma

My Audio MIDI Setup does not have a 44100hZ option for default audio output it just has "Built-in Output".

It should look like this:

I guess it could be a faulty cable...

Certainly possible. Have you got another you can try?

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Answer 4

oofma Author

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Dec 17, 2010 5:48 PM in response to Klaus1

My Audio Output section in the bottom right has grey text that reads "Output is not supported". The others don't read "Built-in Audio" they read "Built-in Input" and "Built-in Output". Also my Audio Input (bottom left) is "Line in" rather than "Internal microphone".
I don't have another cable I can try, but might end up purchasing as a last resort.

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Answer 5

oofma Author

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Dec 17, 2010 8:18 PM in response to Klaus1

Actually I just figured out how that Audio MIDI Setup page works. I changed the settings as specified and still no go.

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Answer 6

oofma Author

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Dec 17, 2010 8:21 PM in response to Klaus1

Don't know what possessed me to do this, but I copied the iMovie HD 6.0.3 from my MBP to my old G4 which is also on 10.5.8 and it is working fine. Importing now.
Still would like to understand why I can't get it to work on my MBP, but at least now my daughter's Christmas concert performance can be sent to family far away.
Thanks for your help! If there are any other suggestions about my MBP it would be much appreciated.

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