problem with create archive from mini-DV tape

The tapes are old (which is why I am trying to archive them to disc). The camcorder - my only playback device - is also pretty old. Between the two, I wouldn't be surprised if some degradation exists which could cause breaks in the timecode. FWIW, the timecode display in the import window shows a continuous stream of time.

My understanding is that "Create Archive" was supposed to capture the entire tape and ignore timecode breaks? From what I have read, timecode breaks would simply force the archive to contain the content broken into multiple clips.

I thought I was having better results with a different tape... it allowed the archive of the entire tape, with one split where there was apparently a timecode break. However, when I viewed the completed archive, things were strange. There were two partial clips inside the archive showing about the first 15 minutes of the tape. Although FCP claimed to archive the rest, there was no other footage.

I'm also curious as to why FCP insists on rewinding to the beginning of the tape when I attempt to "create archive." According to the Apple KB article, it is supposed to start from the current tape position.

Very frustrating.

So what are my options on the tapes that FCP will not archive? If I simply import the media into a library is there a way to get a file similar in function to an camera archive?

Is there a way to join the split files inside an archive into one (i.e. edit an archive), without ruining the archive package?

The bit about archiving from the current tape position is from Apple:

"Final Cut Pro begins archiving from the current location on the tape."

From Final Cut Pro X: Create and manage camera archives

Last updated 9.16.14

Obviously, that is wrong.

The part about archiving ignoring timecode and just archiving the entire tape I have read in several online forum posts. Some I believe are in this forum. These same folks usually advise to use archive rather than import in a bad TC scenario. Again, it seems that wrong information.

I am now simply doing an "import" of a tape, which appears to be working as expected. Seems either the age of the tape and/or the playback device is causing less than perfect timecode. Lot's of stutters resulting in a single "scene" being imported as many separate clips. I understand what you mean by assembling when ready to edit, but this is not practical. It looks like some areas are broken down to clips of 1-2 seconds (some even less).

What a mess. I'm looking for a mini-DV player as I suspect my camcorder may be the culprit. Not easy to find one.

Seems I will have to assemble the multiple clips to recreate the original. I am hoping I can then output the assembled sequences to DV files to maintain the "original" quality of the import (which should be the same as the tape since it is all digital). I would then create some FCP libraries to organize and store the clips.

Was really hoping to simply do the camera archive thing. My tapes are all cataloged and organized. Having a number of archives which match each tape would have saved a lot of time and trouble.

--and thanks for the help. It's a bit frustrating trying to preserve old tapes, especially when things don't work how you expect. Any workarounds or ideas to get a library of raw files out of this mess is appreciated. IF I can get that far, I plan to back up to M-disc.

I haven't tried QT player yet. Just FCP X... my thought process was stuck in the "archive" concept because that is what I really want to do. I also see that FCP captures original timestamps from the tape... then I realized that doesn't matter. More than 1/2 the tapes involved are transfers from VHS and S-VHS recordings, so the timestamp on the mini-DV is the date of transfer, not the date of the recording.

I am in the middle of an "import" in FCP now. It seems the breaking up has subsided, so it may not be as bad as I originally thought.

If I continue to have trouble, I will go the QT route. Is there anything special I should know regarding settings? I simply want to retain as much of the original tape information as I can. It is horrible quality by today's standards, but I don't want to lose any more than I absolutely have to.

Thanks

That type of archive is really just a library, right?

When the version of FCP X introduced that feature, I reorganized my digital files (newer ones recorded on my tapeless camcorder) to take advantage of that. That makes sense.

I had my blinders on with the "Camera Archive" route. I can be thick-headed like that - spend hours looking for a solution rather than five minutes for a valid workaround. 🙂 Some bad online info also had me thinking that was the simplest route.

Sure hope my camera has enough life left in it to transfer all these tapes.

Again, thanks for the help.

Just finished importing a tape. Didn't work. It imported about 10 minutes worth into two separate clips. Tape played fine in the import window for the remainder, it just didn't import any video. Arrrrgh.

Switching over to Quicktime Player to see if that will work. My only choices are "high" and "maximum" for quality. What file format is this going to save as? Will it be compressed or is there a way to save lossless? Again, I am trying not to lose any more quality that I must.

Color me completely lost.

Aside from the camera archive (which is an import function that I cannot do) I see no mention of "archive" in the help files or menus. The only thing I can find is this Apple page:

Final Cut Pro X 10.1 and later: Back up libraries and archive projects - Apple Support

According to this, an archive is just copying a project and its files to a new library, which would have the library icon, not the archive icon. Can you point me to any docs on creating an archive from imported clips?

On QT Player... I did check maximum and it wanted to import as Apple Prores 4444. From what I understand, this will create a considerable larger file than a DV/DVCPRO format. QT X has no preferences menu, and I can't find how to change that setting. I switched over to Quicktime Player 7 and set recording option to "same as source." This imports as a DV/DVCPRO format file.

Of course, it isn't that easy. QT Player (both X and 7) stop recording at various places on the tape. Looks like I will have to manually work around some problem areas. I hope all 100+ tapes don't have these issues, although it doesn't look good based on the first two.

I may invest in a used mini-DV player on eBay. I am hoping my problem is the player and not the tapes.

Holy cow. That's so obvious that it totally eluded me. This worry about possibility losing data on the old tapes isn't helping my thought process either.

Have the saved files on disk. Go to import and crate an archive using the selected files. I love it. I was looking for some sort of archive function in one of the menus. Thanks you!

On the QT Player... not trying to export. QT Player X doesn't seem to allow you to set record parameters aside from "high" and "maximum." While recording I open the "info" window and I am told the formate is Apple Pro res 4222. When done, I just close the window (no export). The file is on the desktop. Playback info confirms Apple Pro Res.

QT Player 7 allows setting of record parameters. Using "same as source" it gets imported as DV/DVCPRO.

Now I just have to figure out why both QT and FCP will not capture large sections of video. Playback through the camera viewfinder is fine. Playback with sound in the capture/import window is fine. Both QT Player and FCP act as if they are importing, but no file is created.

I can understand the capture aborting due to some strangeness on the tape. What doesn't make sense is that I can watch the entire tape play - sound and video - in the import window, but have either a partial recording or no file at all.

I am going to get a new firewire cable and try that first. If that doesn't work, I may have to pick up a MiniDV player.

What if the problem is the tapes? Is there any way to save some/all of the information? As mentioned, they do play and you can see the video, hear the sound. I am assuming there must be some way to get the information if is can be seen and heard.