Video Capture

[BagpiperDude]

I'm attempting to capture video using Roxio Creator 2009 Ultimate and the software captures for 31 seconds and then stops. I've tried this several times and each time it freezes after 31 seconds.

 

The camera I'm capturing from is a Sony Digital Video Camera DCR-TRV240.

 

Thanks.

[ggrussell]

We've seen this problem several times, but don't recall if there was ever a solution. Are you capturing via Firewire?

[BagpiperDude]

I uninstalled Roxio Creator 2009, disconnected my internet, turned off my virus program, reinstalled Roxio Creator 2009. I still have the problem in which the tape stops after exactly 31 seconds.

 

Any suggestions? This has sort of taken things to a halt with my dubbing.

 

The only new software I've added is Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 onto my computer. I wouldn't think it would mess things up.

[Jim_Hardin]

Is this the only tape you have tried to capture using the same camcorder/Roxio/Firewire combo?

 

Can you manually start the capture at 30 sec. and continue past the 31 sec. Mark?

 

I recall you have the USB Capture device too… Have you tried that, just as a test?

 

[BagpiperDude]

Yes, I'm capturing using a FireWire. I've done plenty of capturing and it seems it's only recently that I began having this problem. I even reloaded the software and still have the problem.

[ggrussell]

So it just started? Have you updated Windows or other software? Try disconnecting from the net and temporarily turn off antivirus.

[BagpiperDude]

I have added other unrelated software. I will uninstall Roxio, turn off my virus protection and then reinstall Roxio and see if that works.

[ggrussell]

Creator 2009 uses .net and DirectX so 'unrelated' software could easily change something or remove something that C2009 needs.

[BagpiperDude]

Yes, I do mean capturing. Bad choice of words...

 

I have not tried the capturing device but this was my next step. Also, I might point out I'm capturing to an AVI format. I'm not sure if this makes a difference.

 

I believe I was capturing using a 1334 cable. I was under the impression this was the best way to capture if capable of doing so.

 

I am still perplexed as to why the software is picking on this one video tape. I will capture using another method and report back any findings.

[ggrussell]

Digital capture is really not 'capturing', but transferring bit for bit via the firewire (1394) cable. With older ANALOG tapes, some people used to fast forward the tape a bit between shoots. This is not a good idea with digital camcorder because the software reads the digital date/time. If there is no date/time, the software assume the tape is blank and stops the capture.

 

So one thing to check is to see if there is any blank area at 31 seconds. If not, possibly something wrong with the time track playback. You should still be able to connect to the Roxio USB device and capture using the analog output (yellow, red, white cable).

 

Yes, capturing via firewire will give you the best quality possible from your camcorder. Capturing as DV AVI will also be faster to edit although the files are larger than capturing to MPEG2.

[BagpiperDude]

Okay, I was finally able to capturing using the USB capture device (Boeing is keeping me busy working hours and hours of overtime) and it did capture just fine. I did prefer to capture via the AVI format because I believe I see a better image in the end product. I was only able to capture as a DV HQ.

 

It's still frustrating as to why I couldn't record using the firewire cable...

[BagpiperDude]

Sorry for the delay in an answer. It appears I'm able to dub other video tapes so the problem only seems to be isolated to the particular tape. I tried repeatedly with the tape to dub it and each time it stops at exactly 31 seconds.

 

This is video tape of a funeral so I'm in hopes I can get this dubbed properly. Thanks.

[Jim_Hardin]

“Dubbing” is adding audio over the existing audio. I believe you meant 'capture' other tapes.

 

Did you try using the USB Capture Device? I looked and the camcorder does have a composite output (Red/White/Yellow).

 

It seems like the only hope for this tape.

 

Do you use a fresh tape for each service?

 

[BagpiperDude]

No, I've not tried it with other tapes. I will try another video tape. I do have the USB capture device. However, I'm not sure if I can hook it up to my camera in a way that will allow me to capture the video.