HDV Log and Capture in Final Cut Pro - Tape Digitized into many clips

[alexnl]

I use Final Cut Pro 6, kept up-to-date, and am digitizing several HDV Mini DV tapes. Using a Sony HVR-5ZU Pro Camcorder and attaching to my MacPro via Firewire 400. I have tried several ways of logging clips, and despite adjusting settings and trying different methods, it creates a new clip every 30 seconds to 90 secs. So my 60 min video ends up being about 40 clips in total with a short momentary break between so that speakers have a word missing in there dialogue, etc.

I have noticed that whenever it creates a new clip it says in the capture dialogue window: Searching for Media

I have also tried Apple Pro Res and Intermediate Codec and neither captures past 20 secs, before telling me it is done capturing.

 

[filman408]

It creates a new clip everytime you pressed the Record button on the cam to start recording again. HDV sets those markers and FCP utilizes them.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Have you tried cleaning the heads of the camera you are using for capturing? The video shouldn't 'break' in the middle of a shot.


Lethal

 

[alexnl]

rec/stop button not pressed

Thank you for your response. I filmed and I know I stopped recording about 2 times in each tape

 

[alexnl]

Have you tried cleaning the heads of the camera you are using for capturing? The video shouldn't 'break' in the middle of a shot.


Lethal

We haven't but the camera is brand new. Is it neccessary to clean in the case. We have only filmed perhaps 10 hrs on it. Thanks!

 

[djkirsten]

I hate using "capture now" but try that ( if you haven't already) and then if that doesn't work try rolling with your deck in local, capture now, and "uncontrollable device" set as deck control.

 

[alexnl]

I hate using "capture now" but try that ( if you haven't already) and then if that doesn't work try rolling with your deck in local, capture now, and "uncontrollable device" set as deck control.

I have tried logging clips and capture now. Haven't tried using a different device control, but will give that a try and let you know.
Thanks!

 

[TheNightPhoenix]

Open User Preferences
You will see "Abort capture on dropped frames" and "On timecode break : Make new clip"

You can try switching to "Abort capture on dropped frames" to off and set the "On timecode break" to "Warn after capture"

This may help.

 

[alexnl]

Open User Preferences
You will see "Abort capture on dropped frames" and "On timecode break : Make new clip"

You can try switching to "Abort capture on dropped frames" to off and set the "On timecode break" to "Warn after capture"

This may help.

I have this already set. I am now trying with an external tape deck, the sony HVR-M25U, and get the same thing. How is it possible there are this many dropped frames??

 

[EtieneR]

Hey Alexnl

I've had the same problem just a few hours ago... so like a good student I went to the FCP manual and I just realized what was the problem.
The HDV capture is configured to "Create new clip on start/stop" in the Clip Settings tab of the Log and Capture Window, so you can deselect the box and the problem is solved.

I hope you'll get the answer.

Etiene

 

[martinX]

I have this already set. I am now trying with an external tape deck, the sony HVR-M25U, and get the same thing. How is it possible there are this many dropped frames??

Dirty recording heads, crap tape, mixed tape brands ... these are the reasons I won't mind seeing tape go.

We (not my decision and I wasn't consulted) changed from Panasonic miniDV tapes to Sony tapes and got nothing but trouble. I have ditched all the Panasonic tapes (which gave zero trouble over the years), don't mix the brands and have cleaned everything. Often. The deck is in for a clean and general service as we speak, err, type whatever. The Sony 5-pack of tapes we buy actually comes with a head cleaning tape. Says something...