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Home: Video University Forums: Mac Video:
NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems...

 
 


MLiebergot
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 12:14 PM

Post #1 of 13 (1081 views)
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NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... Can't Post
Ok, in a nut shell, here's my problem. I can preview (JVC monitor) via Firewire from FCP with no problem. But can't capture via FW (no preview in Log/Capture or deck control).

This is my setup.

JVC DVS3U Mini DV/SVHS deck

The JVC 3U is plugged into my Canopus ADVC100 converter box (via firewire IO on back of deck).

JVC 3U is also plugged into via Video/Audio out on back to my JVC "10" monitor for color correction.

When working on PC (or on MAC via Bootcamp) with Sony Vegas I would simply plug in a Firewire cable from the front of my JVC deck to the front of my ADVC100.

Then my PC Windows wourl recognize a second Firewire source and I can then monitor my media being captured and Vegas would allow me deck control via firewire while I'm capturing.

As I said, I have bootcamp installed on my MAC and can capture in the above way with no issues.

However, when I try to use FCP's Log/Capture I don't have deck control or a preview in the FCP window. Capture (deck control) tries to play when I push play (get spinning color whel of death) then it switches back to stop.

I have tried two FW setups.

1. Plug FW cable from front of JVC deck (via FQ I/O) into 2nd ADVC100 FW (I/O).

2. Straight FW out of JVC deck into the front port of my MAC PRO.

Capture is setup for FW

Neither yield good results.

The only other FW interface that I have running on my MAC is a external FW800 1TB Raid atht is being fed out to my MAC and other PC system.

Could this be the source of the problem?

Is there a good affordable FW capture/preview option for the MAC and FCP?
I was looking to the Blackmagic Deckling card (as I'm looking to go HD in a year or so), but it seems that it only captured via HDMI.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Jun 11, 2007, 12:20 PM)


brucecleveland
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 4:13 PM

Post #2 of 13 (1070 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Michael

What a bummer. My first question would be is that deck compatible with fcp?? Yes the black magic is for hdmi. FW from the deck to the mac pro should work. I don't have that deck, but that is how I have it set up.

Bruce Cleveland
"Always over my head, but not quite deep enough to drown."


MLiebergot
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 4:31 PM

Post #3 of 13 (1066 views)
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Re: [brucecleveland] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Hi Michael

What a bummer. My first question would be is that deck compatible with fcp?? Yes the black magic is for hdmi. FW from the deck to the mac pro should work. I don't have that deck, but that is how I have it set up.

Bruce Cleveland
FCP and Apple doesn't have it listed as a compatible deck, as they only list pro decks on their website. And the JVC DVS3U is considered a consumer deck.

So it doesn't have BNC connections only analog RCA on the back (SVHS) and of course the mentioned FW ports on the back (connected to my ADVC100) and front, which I would normally connect back into the ADVC100 (works on windows side via Vegas) or straight into the MAC via FW front port.

I'll have to try some things when I get home, but I think that the problem might be the FW connection between both of my (MAC & PC) systems. As I have FW800 external 1TB drive wired into both my PC and MAC.
When I had both systems on and KVM between the two then the PC would have problems with the external connection (the MAC didn't report one). When the MAC was off the PC had no issues with the external drive, although I didn't KVM back and forth.

Another weird thing with my setup is that my current FW capture setup (ADVC converter into MAC) is only wired directly into my MAC.
I should only therefore only be able to monitor my video from my NLE (Vegas or FCP) from the MAC.

Well wouldn't you know it, I had to redo an edit on my old PC system, and I was able to view my video via FW to my external monitor in Vegas from my PC.
All I can figure out, is that the reason must be the external FW800 drive that is connected between both systems (as it was on while I was working) and is daisy chainning (which the ADVC doesn't work well with).

So my problem might be working with both systems on and the external FW800 drive.

I'm going to try capturing in FCP with the FW800 on and my PC off, as well as the PC off and the FW800 drive off. Both setups with deck plugged into ADVC100 converter or into FW from deck right into MAC (front) FW port.

Another weird thing, was that in one instance I did get preview with no deck control (deck FW directly into MAC), and the other instance deck control but no preview in FCP Capture window, but only my external monitor.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


brucecleveland
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 4:58 PM

Post #4 of 13 (1064 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Michael

I am having a real hard time comprehending your setup. I would be willing to bet that if you plugged that deck into just an apple computer with no pc related stuff, it would connect beautifully. Personally I never felt the desire to run bootcamp. I have a pc separate to run my pc programs, but thats just me, I know lots of people are running bootcamp. Wish I could be more help.

Bruce
"Always over my head, but not quite deep enough to drown."


MLiebergot
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 5:37 PM

Post #5 of 13 (1061 views)
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Re: [brucecleveland] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Hi Michael

I am having a real hard time comprehending your setup. I would be willing to bet that if you plugged that deck into just an apple computer with no pc related stuff, it would connect beautifully. Personally I never felt the desire to run bootcamp. I have a pc separate to run my pc programs, but thats just me, I know lots of people are running bootcamp. Wish I could be more help.

Bruce
I tried plugging the deck straight into teh MAC with no additional connections in between, and still had problems. Even though FW is hot pluggabel, the only thing that I didn't do was to have my ADVC plugged into teh MAC like it is for previewing purposes and the JVC deck plugged right into the MACs front FW port before booting up, and see what happens.

Maybe this will help to get a grip on my nutty setup.

For previewing

MAC (FW)----> ADVC 100 Converter (SHVS video RCA audio out) ----> JVC deck (via RCA audio RCA video out [RCA to to BNC connections]) ----> JVC Monitor

For capture

JVC deck----> ADVC converter----> MAC or PC for capture.
Keep the same setup as previewing, but in addition to that, use the 4 pin FW (I/O) on the front of the ADVC converter and plug that into FW (I/O) on the front of the JVC deck. Thus sending the FW signal from the JVC deck into the ADVC box, then into my computer for capture.

Add to the equation, I have an external FW800 Raid0 hard drive that is connected via FW800 cables to (both) my MAC and PC computers. I think this is why I am able to preview my footage in Vegas on my PC, as it seems to be daisy chainning the signal through the FW800 drive to my PC somehow.

But I also think that this connection might be part of the problem with my FCP capturing. As the FW800 connection might be interupting the decks connection to the MAC somehow.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


brucecleveland
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 5:48 PM

Post #6 of 13 (1058 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
Yes I would be suspect of that firewire drive setup. What does the ADVC 100 converter do?

Bruce
"Always over my head, but not quite deep enough to drown."


MLiebergot
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 5:57 PM

Post #7 of 13 (1055 views)
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Re: [brucecleveland] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
The ADVC100 is an external converter box, that lets me hookup a deck via SVHS/RCA connections and feed that signal via FW into my computer. It has a built in TBC to help keep audio drift with video.
I purchased this a long time ago so I could digitize analog VHS video into my computer system. This is the reason that I also purchased the JVC combo Mini DV/SVHS deck.

The setup worked great on my PC and also on the MAC (bootcamp) running Sony Vegas (I'm training myself in FCP via video training DVD's. And plan to make the switch over when I feel I'm ready.), but FCP seems to have a problem somewhere.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


brucecleveland
Veteran


Jun 11, 2007, 6:13 PM

Post #8 of 13 (1054 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
Have you tried plugging in a different hard drive? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Bruce
"Always over my head, but not quite deep enough to drown."


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Jun 18, 2007, 2:35 PM

Post #9 of 13 (1015 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
I am trying to figure out why you are going from the SVHS/MiniDV deck into a canopus box. My school had one of these and we used the firewire port on the front for capture and it worked great. It seems to me like you have too many devices in the chain. You might want to start at disconnecting all of your firewire devices and plug them back in 1 at a time until you figure out what is causing the problem. start with just the deck (NO CANOPUS DEVICE!!!) and try to capture to the main system drive and then start adding devices until you find out what is causing problems. you shouldnt need the canopus device at all unless you are digitizing from something like hi8 etc

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Odessa, TX

"I'd rather be a conservative nut job than a liberal with no nuts and no job."




(This post was edited by Timothy Harry on Jun 18, 2007, 2:36 PM)


MLiebergot
Veteran


Jun 18, 2007, 2:54 PM

Post #10 of 13 (1011 views)
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Re: [Timothy Harry] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I am trying to figure out why you are going from the SVHS/MiniDV deck into a canopus box. My school had one of these and we used the firewire port on the front for capture and it worked great. It seems to me like you have too many devices in the chain. You might want to start at disconnecting all of your firewire devices and plug them back in 1 at a time until you figure out what is causing the problem. start with just the deck (NO CANOPUS DEVICE!!!) and try to capture to the main system drive and then start adding devices until you find out what is causing problems. you shouldnt need the canopus device at all unless you are digitizing from something like hi8 etc
Tim thanks for the reply.
I was finally able to get FCP to capture via FW from the front of the JVC deck. I had deck control and preview ability (in FCP), as long as my Canopus box was turned off. If the Canopus box was turned on then I had deck control (either JVC deck pluged into Canopus box, or JVC deck plugged staright into MAC via front FW port), but no preview in FCP capture window.

The only reason that I have the ADVC100 Canopus box still around is for preview purposes to my external JVC deck. I could use the front FW port for this as well, but I hate having to have my FW cable plugged from the front of the JVC deck into the front port of the MAC PRO. If the JVC deck and both front and back FW ports, then I would just plug my deck into the back of the MAC (lie my ADVC100 box is) and be done with it.

My next deck (HDV when I make the move) will have the capability to do this, and thus eleiviate this problem.
I would go out today and pickup a new SONY HVR-M15U, except for the fact that it does HDV/DV video playback, but only in SP not LP mode. I currently sometimes still use my VX2100 recording in LP mode and the M15U just won't play back LP footage.

The only thing that sucks about my current workflow is, for external preview using the ADVC 100 box, that I have to click out and then back into FCP (once FW cable is removed from JVC deck and ADVC box turned on) in order for FCP to recognize the ADVC box again. The MAC has no problem seeing all devices (JVC deck, ADVC 100 etc.) but FCP seems to have a problem.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Jun 18, 2007, 6:48 PM

Post #11 of 13 (1008 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
you may want to look into an AJA kona card, or Black Magic Decklink for preview. External preview is vital to what I do as well and like you said it is really a pain in the butt to run all the cables and take up the firewire inputs. I am about to purchase an AJA card, and from the limited amount of time I got to play with it at the Texas Production Roundup, I was very pleased with the controls. THe AJA card will also now let you install the xena drivers on the windows side via bootcamp, letting you use it with vegas or premiere.

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Odessa, TX

"I'd rather be a conservative nut job than a liberal with no nuts and no job."




MLiebergot
Veteran


Jun 18, 2007, 8:43 PM

Post #12 of 13 (1005 views)
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Re: [Timothy Harry] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
you may want to look into an AJA kona card, or Black Magic Decklink for preview. External preview is vital to what I do as well and like you said it is really a pain in the butt to run all the cables and take up the firewire inputs. I am about to purchase an AJA card, and from the limited amount of time I got to play with it at the Texas Production Roundup, I was very pleased with the controls. THe AJA card will also now let you install the xena drivers on the windows side via bootcamp, letting you use it with vegas or premiere.
Thanks thats great to know.
I was looking into either the Black Magic Decklink cards or the AJA KONA LHE card. I was leaning towards the KONA because of the hardware accelleration, whihc the Black Magic cards don't offer.

So would the KONA card be able to run on the windows platform as well via bootcamp?

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Jun 19, 2007, 12:35 PM

Post #13 of 13 (990 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] NEW FCP Capture/Deck Control Problems... [In reply to] Can't Post
yes, you can download the xena driver and it will work, or that is what was demonstrated at the texas production roundup by the AJA rep. Check out this press release, there was not one on the cross platform licensing, but I take it as gospel because it came from the AJA reps mouth. (http://aja.com/html/news_xenaNAB07.html) Also the AJA and Xena are physically the same card, they just had different drivers.

I am really excited about the LHe I am about to order for the Mac Pro I am also about to order. I really wanted the Kona 3, but it is very difficult to integrate into my betacam deck, which is unfortunately too important to leave out. I am very excited about the hardware acceleration as well. This system should absolutely scream!

Tim Harry

Bandwagon Media
Odessa, TX

"I'd rather be a conservative nut job than a liberal with no nuts and no job."