Apple's HDMI to Thunderbolt 3

[kodybear]

Does anyone know if the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter will allow bidirectional data flows? I want to capture DV from old mini DV tapes into Final Cut Pro X using Sony recorders. From the recorder using HDMI to send data through the adapter and then into the thunderbolt 3 port on my new Mac Pro (2019) and hopefully connect with Final Cut Pro software. Appreciate the help.

 

[Kaspin]

No.

If the recorder has firewire, you can use a TB3 to TB2 adapter and a TB2 to FW800 adapter. If you want use HDMI you'll need a dedicated video capture device.

 

[kodybear]

Thanks Kaspin for your helpful reply. I guess the iLInk information travels over the FW800 cable to allow Final Cut Pro the ability to connect and control the recorder. I am assuming FW400 connected to TB2 (connector) would work as well.(?) Do you have a recommendation regarding a dedicated video capture device for HDMI? Again, thanks.

 

[Kaspin]

I guess the iLInk information travels over the FW800 cable to allow Final Cut Pro the ability to connect and control the recorder. I am assuming FW400 connected to TB2 (connector) would work as well.(?)

Yes, I use a cable that goes direct from ilink to FW800, but ilink to FW400 and an additional FW400 to FW800 adapter would work just as well. In FCP X it will show up under Cameras in the import window, with transport controls.

Do you have a recommendation regarding a dedicated video capture device for HDMI?

There are lots. if you're just capturing old DV tapes, you don't need anything high end.

Elgato, Blackmagic Design, and AverMedia all have good options, both internal pcie, and external usb.

 

[kodybear]

Thanks again Kaspin. I just ordered a mini DV to FW 800 6' cable, Apple FW 800 to TB2 connector and another TB2 to TB3 Apple connector to capture mini DV video. I think this will work based upon your input. Purchased Elgato VC for the many VHS tapes made in the early to late 80's. Just retired and I can't wait to see how the new Mac Pro handles rendering video data as I begin to digitize key events from over a hundred tapes to each family member. Take care

 

[ColdCase]

You may find that the biggest issue importing those VHS tapes is that the tape has degraded, making some sections probably unusable. This is where a good tape player comes in handy. There are a couple specific models that can be tuned to the tape and extract otherwise unreadable video. Off hand I don't recall the models. They are hard to find. Sometime a discussion in the home theater sub forum pops up.

This is where sending the VHS tapes of your recordings to a pro shop for recovery may pay dividends in the long run. They have the right kind of players and correction software as well as the expertise.

 

[e1me5]

The ultra studio mini recorder can help you I believe. Much more professional connections and quality than the Elgato device. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/ultrastudio