Trying To Capture 16:9 Video, But Getting Squeezed

[Peacekeeper]

After reading through several posts on this forum, I am unable to find an answer to what may be a unique problem.

 

I have a Sony DCR-TRV70 camcorder. This camcorder has the ability to record videos in 16:9 format, even though it is a standard-definition camcorder.

 

The problem is that when I try to capture/import these 16:9 videos via USB streaming using EMC9, they are captured in a 4:3 format causing the image to appear "squeezed" and all the people and objects look "skinny".

 

According to Sony, their "support rep" sez that they only support 4:3 USB streaming and that I would probably have to use an analog connection to get the 16:9 format. These videos do appear correctly on the camcorder LCD screen and on my TV via analog RCA connectors when I use the camcorder to play the tapes.

 

So, does anyone know of any tricks to get the Sony to stream in 16:9 format? If not, how can I take the 4:3 video and stretch it to fit into a 16:9 format, thereby making the people and objects look normal?

 

Any help would be appreciated!

[grandpabruce]

Is that what Sony refers to as their iLink cable? The Sony documentation never specifically refers to the availability of Firewire, just iLink.

 

Is stretching the video from 4:3 to 16:9 an option?

 

Yes, Sony refers to it as iLink. I just got a Sony camcorder, and I have been fooling around capturing via firewire. Digital video is far better than analog.

 

You do download photos that you snap, via the USB cable. They won't download via firewire. At least mine don't.

[ggrussell]

I have the TRV740. The USB port is used ONLY for transferring still images or (as you mentioned) 'streaming' which is nothing more than using the camcorder as a webcam. The resolution is lower and the bitrate lower so the quality is much lower.

 

iLink is Sony's trademark for firewire. This will give you FULL resolution and quality that the camcorder is capable. Most camcorders use the smaller 4 pin connection while most computers have the larger 6 pin connector. Check you computer before purchasing a cable. Sony desktops are the only ones that I know that use the 4 pin connector which are also used on laptops. So you will probably need a 4 pin to 6 pin cable.

[Peacekeeper]

Thanks guys! I wonder why the Sony "support rep" I spoke to never mentioned this little bit of information? I'm off to Best Buy to get the the cable tomorrow!

 

grandpabruce, are you capturing 16:9 content via firewire? I would so love to not have to revert to shooting video in 4:3 format.

[grandpabruce]

After reading through several posts on this forum, I am unable to find an answer to what may be a unique problem.

 

I have a Sony DCR-TRV70 camcorder. This camcorder has the ability to record videos in 16:9 format, even though it is a standard-definition camcorder.

 

The problem is that when I try to capture/import these 16:9 videos via USB streaming using EMC9, they are captured in a 4:3 format causing the image to appear "squeezed" and all the people and objects look "skinny".

 

According to Sony, their "support rep" sez that they only support 4:3 USB streaming and that I would probably have to use an analog connection to get the 16:9 format. These videos do appear correctly on the camcorder LCD screen and on my TV via analog RCA connectors when I use the camcorder to play the tapes.

 

So, does anyone know of any tricks to get the Sony to stream in 16:9 format? If not, how can I take the 4:3 video and stretch it to fit into a 16:9 format, thereby making the people and objects look normal?

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

You need to connect your camcorder, to your computer, via firewire cable, not USB. And, if you get a firewire cable, get a Sony, not a cheap cable.

[grandpabruce]

Thanks guys! I wonder why the Sony "support rep" I spoke to never mentioned this little bit of information? I'm off to Best Buy to get the the cable tomorrow!

 

grandpabruce, are you capturing 16:9 content via firewire? I would so love to not have to revert to shooting video in 4:3 format.

 

I have been playing around with the camcorder, a little. I haven't had much time to test it, but I have shot some short segments of 16:9, captured that via firewire, then shot some short segements of 4:3 and captured that via firewire. Both captured just fine.

 

I got the Belkin AV22001-06 (4 pin to 6 pin) firewire cable. It was $35, I believe.

[Peacekeeper]

Follow up...

 

Thank you grandpabruce & ggrussell! I bought the firewire cable from Best Buy today. It was their Geek Squad brand, as they didn't have the Sony in a 4-pin to 6-pin cable. It was a 6' cable and cost about $35.00.

 

IT WORKS GREAT!! I was able to capture my 16:9 source and I could see the difference in quality as opposed to the other captures I had done using USB!

 

Also, I had read many of the other posts about what format to use and I had already elected to use AVI, and that is what worked for me.

 

Thanks for the tip regarding 16:9 video and mpeg capture. I'll be sure to avoid that in the future.

 

Thanks guys!

[grandpabruce]

Follow up...

 

Thank you grandpabruce & ggrussell! I bought the firewire cable from Best Buy today. It was their Geek Squad brand, as they didn't have the Sony in a 4-pin to 6-pin cable. It was a 6' cable and cost about $35.00.

 

IT WORKS GREAT!! I was able to capture my 16:9 source and I could see the difference in quality as opposed to the other captures I had done using USB!

 

Also, I had read many of the other posts about what format to use and I had already elected to use AVI, and that is what worked for me.

 

Thanks for the tip regarding 16:9 video and mpeg capture. I'll be sure to avoid that in the future.

 

Thanks guys!

 

You are welcome, and have fun.

[ggrussell]

I'll warn you ahead of time. ALWAYS capture using DV AVI. There is a know bug when capturing 16:9 via firewire to MPEG 2 files. It loses the 16:9 flag bit. This has been reported.

[grandpabruce]

I'll warn you ahead of time. ALWAYS capture using DV AVI. There is a know bug when capturing 16:9 via firewire to MPEG 2 files. It loses the 16:9 flag bit. This has been reported.

 

I forgot to mention that I do capture as .avi files. I had my fill of capturing as .mpeg2 with my Hauppauge card.

 

I had no problems capturing, and the quality looks great. I am wondering if I should have searched for a Sony firewire cable though. I didn't want a 14' cable, and that is all Sony had on its site for 4 pin to 6 pin.

[ggrussell]

I have a Belkin 4 pin to 4 bin I use with my laptop. Haven't had any trouble with it yet.

[grandpabruce]

I have a Belkin 4 pin to 4 bin I use with my laptop. Haven't had any trouble with it yet.

 

Good. I haven't had a chance to play with it much, but what I did capture, was very good quality.

[Peacekeeper]

Is that what Sony refers to as their iLink cable? The Sony documentation never specifically refers to the availability of Firewire, just iLink.

 

Is stretching the video from 4:3 to 16:9 an option?