capturing tv programs in FCE

[GrannySmith_G5]

I'm trying to capture tv footage into final cut express (1), through my dv camcorder. It streams fine in the camcorder and shows up fine in the capture preview window, but when I hit capture now, all I get is the "waiting for timecode" window. There is no timecode since I'm not actually capturing from tape. I have tried in imovie, but I just get the blue screen saying camera is connected. Any ideas how I can import? I don't want to have to record onto dv tapes and then import it all into fce. That seems like too many steps.

[WinterMute]

In the log and capture window there is an option to choose the controller, it's under the Capture Settings tab (well, it's there on FCP, I don't have FCE, but I assume it's the same, as I had the same problem). You need to select "Non-controllable device" from the devices menu, that'll disable the timecode reference, and you'll be able to freewheel the clips into FCE. You can't log the clips and then batch capture them, you'll need to start the programme and then hit "Capture Now".

Hope this helps. :)

[GrannySmith_G5]

Unfortunately I am not seeing any capture settings tab or any other such option in final cut express. I will keep looking though, and thanks for the reply.

[snickelfritz]

Go to the "Final Cut Express > Easy Setup" menu; choose "NTSC Firewire Basic".