Error message

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

I am getting an error message that says "Unable to preview the HDV device". I am using a Sony HDR-HV3 and a firewire to attempt the transfer. There is an option in the camera to change to iLink HDV->DV. I changed that to on and it shows the video but in lower quality. Any ideas? I am a rookie so please be gentle and descriptive. I am using a Dell Studio XPS 8000 with Windows 7 and Creator 2010 Pro. Thanks.

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

I leave the HDV->DV conv button off for HD output. But then it is not recognized by the computer as you show in your picture earlier. It is only recognized in the sounds, video and game controllers as AV/C tape device. By the way, I was able to capture the video through Vegas Movie Studio but it only captures in .m2t format. I was hoping to use MyDVD to set up my project and import the video in from there from my hard drive. When I did this, it said it had to convert the files. After it did that, the files were there but there was no audio. Hmmm. Back to the original error message that started the thread, here is the exact error with the detail box open.

 

Unable to preview the HD device. Please ensure that a valid tape is in the device and it is wound to a position that contains material.

Rendering audio failed!

Failed to setup system components for showing picture or sound

Failed to setup system components for showing picture or sound

 

I have been trying this for 2 days now and am really getting frustrated. I just got off the phone with Sony and they say it is in the computer. The iLink cable is working, the camera seems fine, but that it may be the drivers. I don't know if I try Dell or Microsoft. Or maybe buy a different camera and try to run the taped I have onto it. Any help will be welcome.

 

I leave the HDV->DV conv button off for HD output. But then it is not recognized by the computer as you show in your picture earlier. It is only recognized in the sounds, video and game controllers as AV/C tape device. By the way, I was able to capture the video through Vegas Movie Studio but it only captures in .m2t format. I was hoping to use MyDVD to set up my project and import the video in from there from my hard drive. When I did this, it said it had to convert the files. After it did that, the files were there but there was no audio. Hmmm. Back to the original error message that started the thread, here is the exact error with the detail box open.

 

Unable to preview the HD device. Please ensure that a valid tape is in the device and it is wound to a position that contains material.

Rendering audio failed!

Failed to setup system components for showing picture or sound

Failed to setup system components for showing picture or sound

 

I have been trying this for 2 days now and am really getting frustrated. I just got off the phone with Sony and they say it is in the computer. The iLink cable is working, the camera seems fine, but that it may be the drivers. I don't know if I try Dell or Microsoft. Or maybe buy a different camera and try to run the taped I have onto it. Any help will be welcome.

[Jim_Hardin]

Not to cast stones, but Sony is known throughout the industry for ignoring Standards! Of course their Tech Support is not going to tell you that!

 

We might be able to resolve the m2t file issues but I agree with you that it would be better to resolve the capture issue instead!

 

How about calling Roxio on this. (1-877-769-4601)

 

Explain you have been working with the discussion group for days and not getting anywhere…

 

FYI: Firewire & XP had some issues but none have been reported for Win7 and the fact you can capture with Vegas indicate that Firewire would be an dead end issue!

 

Still the inability of WinDV to work with it is a little suspicious???

 

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

Are they closed for the holidays?

[ggrussell]

I don't think that WinDV captures hidef. Only DV. Try using HDVSplit. It works similar to WinDV, but is for HDV ONLY.

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

Initial results with HDV Split are looking GREAT!! I captured a small file, opened MyDVD and started the process, it converted the file and had audio and video! I will now capture from the beginning and let you know the results. Thanks so much for this.

[ggrussell]

I think you have figured out the problem. It appears that when I turn on the iLink conversion from HDV->DV, it doesn't allow the transfer of HD video.

I had the HC7 for a few months. That option actually CONVERTS the HD to standard definition on the fly. Your camcorder records in MPEG 2 HD. You have to manually set HDV->HDV to get hidef output and Roxio shouldn't have a problem.

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

If you mean in the camera, there is not an option to do that. Only to go from HDV->DV.

[ggrussell]

If you are having issues with no audio with .m2t files, the only thing that fixes it for me was a reinstall.

[Jim_Hardin]

I am getting an error message that says "Unable to preview the HDV device". I am using a Sony HDR-HV3 and a firewire to attempt the transfer. There is an option in the camera to change to iLink HDV->DV. I changed that to on and it shows the video but in lower quality. Any ideas? I am a rookie so please be gentle and descriptive. I am using a Dell Studio XPS 8000 with Windows 7 and Creator 2010 Pro. Thanks.

 

No real idea what you are even talking about???

 

I looked up HDR-HV3 on Sony and got this:

 

 

So back up and explain this in detail so we can help.

 

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

Sorry! Should be HDR-HC3 HDV 1080i miniDV. When I click on capture video, the Roxio video import window comes up. There is an option for my webcam or my camcorder. When I select the camcorder, it automatically starts the process with my camcorder, but another window appears and says"Unable to preview the HD device. Please ensure that a valid tape is in the device and is wound to a position that contains material". But when I click OK, the preview process starts but there is no sound or video and all of the controls are greyed out even though the timer is running. I tried changing the setting in the camera to iLink on, HDV->DV and it worked fine but at non-HD quality.

[Jim_Hardin]

Nifty little camcorder!

 

You want to connect it with an iLink (Firewire) in order to capture what is on the tapes.

 

I would suggest you always record with the camcorder in HD! You can always down-convert to SD DVD but it doesn't go the other way too well!

 

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

Well, I was able to capture the video, with audio in .m2t format. I tried to build a project in MyDVD. When I click on Add New Movie, i get a message that says "To use this file, it must be converted to a usable format. The original file will not be effected. Would you like to convert it now?" to which I say yes. It does the converting then I get evrything set and ready to go. I click on preview and get the video with no audio. I don't know if this is a new problem or still part of the old problem. I decided to try the copy and convert tool and when I added the video it says Remux File and starts a process. Then I tell it to output for Blu-ray and it starts the process of conversion and I have the same result. No audio. I tried to call support today but it said they were closed all day. Just out of curiosity, is there a way to change the capture settings on the HDV Split so there is no conversion neccessary? That would be an easy way to solve the problem it would seem.

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

Thank you! I am using iLink and I always record in HD.

[sknis]

Not a good idea to do a lot of conversions but since you have to, try the free version of Any Video Converter.

[Jim_Hardin]

Thank you! I am using iLink and I always record in HD.

(personally I think they have far too many options in that camcorder! Makes too many ways to go awry)

 

OK, how about a quick test using something else??? WinDV is fabulous little capture program that only work with Firewire. Would you like to download and give it a try? – Here

[Jim_Hardin]

If you mean in the camera, there is not an option to do that. Only to go from HDV->DV.

Yes there is by turning it OFF. Look on pages 87&88 in your users manual.

 

Also looking at the menus explained on 51 with detail on 66 & 68.

 

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

I downloaded the WinDV and I get an error message from that that says Cant find DV output pin. I agree about the camera but the picture is so good!! It was one of the only ones available when I bought it.

[Jim_Hardin]

I downloaded the WinDV and I get an error message from that that says Cant find DV output pin. I agree about the camera but the picture is so good!! It was one of the only ones available when I bought it.

Not a proper error message???

 

Make sure you have the output of the camcorder set to iLink and the camcorder set on Play.

 

It should also show up in your Device Manager: Mine is a Canon...

[ramsazcatsdbacks]

I think you have figured out the problem. It appears that when I turn on the iLink conversion from HDV->DV, it doesn't allow the transfer of HD video. Also, it does not have an on/off for iLink. Only the conversion option. When it is connected in the conversion mode, it is recognized by my device manager, when it is off, it is not recognized. I am going to call Sony next to see what they reccommend, unless you have any further ideas. I believe this is not a software issue, but either a connection or camera issue. Do you agree? Thanks.

 

I spoke to Sony. They reccommended that I download Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD and see if that works. They know that it is compatible with the camera. I did that and it is capturing without the iLink conv on. I am not sure how to tell if it is in HD or not, I guess I will know when I burn the disc. The prgram is very busy and hard to follow unless you really know what you are doing and unfortunately I am still learning. Thanks again for all your help and if you have any more tidbits of info that you think will help, I will certainly give them a try.

 

I am capturing the video as we speak. It is being saved as an AVCHD file that says it opens with Medows Media Player. I can open these in Roxio and use Roxio to edit, correct? Maybe I can just purchase the Vegas Studio and use it to capture video only.