Can't get iMovie to import from VHS recorder

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davyj1 Author

Level 1

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Can't get iMovie to import from VHS recorder

I am trying to import video from a decent quality VCR (a JVC S-VHS machine) into iMovie via a Canopus ADVC55.

I am using S-video connection from the VCR player into the ADVC55, then firewire from this into my Macbook Pro.

In iMovie i have selected import mode (with the small camera icon) and the import window states 'Camera connected'.

The problem is that when i hit play on the VCR i get no video playing back into the iMovie window.

I'd really appreciate any pointers. Am i missing something obvious?

Thanks in advance.

Posted on Jan 12, 2013 4:44 AM

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Answer 1

Klaus1

Level 9

52,873 points

Jan 12, 2013 5:30 AM in response to davyj1

In iMovie i have selected import mode (with the small camera icon) and the import window states 'Camera connected'.

You should also see the Canopus listed in the drop-down menu.

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Answer 2

davyj1 Author

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Jan 12, 2013 5:49 AM in response to Klaus1

Thanks Klaus1, I see that now and ADVC-55 is ticked, yes but i still have just a blue window stating 'Camera playing' and a timecode in the top right of the window that just stays on 00.00.00.00 all whilst the connected VCR is playing a tape obviously.

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Answer 3

Jan 12, 2013 5:59 AM in response to davyj1

As a trouble shooting step, I suggest connecting your Canopus via the red white and yellow RCA cables and see if that works. If it does, there is an issue with the S-Video.

Some VHS decks may have S-Video IN but not S-Video Out for example.

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Answer 4

davyj1 Author

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Jan 12, 2013 6:06 AM in response to AppleMan1958

Thanks 'AppleMan' i will try this. I have to go out for a while but will give that a go with the RCA connections. Yes, i have checked that i am coming from an 'S OUT' socket. THE JVC also has an S-Video socket on the front which doesn't state 'in' nor 'out'. I may try that for good measure but i assume it's an 'in'.

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Answer 5

Jan 12, 2013 6:16 AM in response to davyj1

If your deck is "S-VHS" it should work.

In theory S-Video will give you a better capture, and is worth doing if it works.

However, VHS is pretty crappy to start with so there is only so much you can do to it. In other words, storing a 400x300 image onto a 640x480 frame does not improve the final result to 640x480. It just takes up more space.

Good luck.

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Answer 6

Klaus1

Level 9

52,873 points

Jan 12, 2013 7:21 AM in response to davyj1

I use the ADVC110 which has a switch on the front between difital and analogue input. If I forget to switch it to digital I get the same non-inputting blue screen as you. Worth checking?

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Answer 7

davyj1 Author

Level 1

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Jan 12, 2013 9:50 AM in response to AppleMan1958

I can't try it with RCA connections because the VCR doesn't have RCA video out, only s-video and scart and RCA audio outs.

This is driving me nuts. Expensive little AV to DV box and i just have blank blue-ness.

iMovie even recognises that the ADVC55 is connected (in the drop down list by the little camera icon) but still no video. Could the converter box be a dud even though the software recognises its presence?

Thanks Klaus1 but the ADVC55 doesn't seem to have a similar switch to yours.

Very frustrating

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Answer 8

Klaus1

Level 9

52,873 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:54 AM in response to davyj1

I use a scart to RCA cable to the Canopus, and firewire from the Canopus to the Mac. Connecting it by firewire is essential.

Does the ADVC55 have DIP switches to set? (See the manual).

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Answer 9

davyj1 Author

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Jan 12, 2013 10:04 AM in response to Klaus1

Yes, it has DIP switches. I believe i have them set correctly. i.e first switch set to on for PAL format. All other switches off.

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Answer 10

Klaus1

Level 9

52,873 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:38 AM in response to davyj1

On the ADVC110 you set the first switch and the last switch to on, the rest off, but your setup may be different so:

1. Digital reference syn:. Stream Sync (off) Fixed (on) - set to ON

2. Power on Input Mode: Analog (off) Digital (on) Set to OFF

3. Audio mode: 48kHz/16 bit (of) 32kHZ/12 bit (on) Set to OFF

4. Locked Audio Mode: Locked (off) Unlocked (on) Set to OFF

5. NTSC Setup Level (SW6=OFF): )

PAL/SECAM (SW6=ON) - set to OFF

)

6. Video Format: NTSC (off) PAL (on) Set to ON

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Answer 11

davyj1 Author

Level 1

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Jan 14, 2013 6:05 AM in response to Klaus1

Klaus1 and Appleman1958,

My thanks for your valued input. The latest is as follows:

I connected an HDD/DVD player to the Macbook via the ADVC55 with the same S-video cable and RCA cables for the audio and i get beautiful smooth video and audio input into iMovie. So i know that cables are good and the ADVC55 is doing it's job and the dip switches are configured correctly.

The issue seems to be that signal is not coming OUT of my JVC VHS player. Neither audio nor video. I will experiment by plugging the JVC into a tv with S-Video and trying to get some output that way. Any other ideas as to why the JVC isn't 'outputting' through the S-video? By the way the JVC works fine when connected to a tv via scart.

Gents just to give you some background to this project: I am trying to create a compilation DVD of old footage of my father as he had a stroke months ago and I'm preparing for his funeral. When i first posted my question dad was just alive but he passed away on Saturday when we were exchanging posts on here. So now i am under a much more finite time limit to get this sysytem working. Again, much gratitude to you.

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Answer 12

Jan 14, 2013 7:29 AM in response to davyj1

I am so sorry for your loss.

My only thought is that this is the time to lean on friends and family. You could put out the word that you need a VHS deck or a VHS to DVD converter, or see if anyone has the capability to do this on their on machine. At a time like this, you need to delegate if possible.

My guess is that the S-Video out has some form of copy protection where it can tell the difference between a TV and a recording device. (Just a guess).

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Answer 13

davyj1 Author

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Jan 14, 2013 7:38 AM in response to AppleMan1958

Thanks..

Delegation would be good but my issue is that the editing process of the old VHS tapes will be quite specific and can only really be done by myself.

I have connected the JVC to a television via the S-Video and get nothing. The S-video output of the JVC VCr just doesn't seem to be outputting.

I think i have a solution though... i am heading to Maplins to get an adaptor so i can come out of the Scart of the VCR and then out of the adaptor with S-video and RCA audio.

I'll let you know!

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Answer 14

Klaus1

Level 9

52,873 points

Jan 14, 2013 9:12 AM in response to davyj1

Please accept my condolences also, Davy.

By the way the JVC works fine when connected to a tv via scart.

I would definitely experiment with a scart to RCA cable rather than worry about the S-video.

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