-
How do I capture HD footage from a JVC BR-HD50U???
How do I capture HD footage from a JVC BR-HD50U???
It’s a deck that plays miniDV and miniHD tapes. It has a FireWire output and an HDMI cable output.
Most of the material was shot HD 720p at 60fps.
Here is the problem: I can’t get the capture tool to recognize the HD video.
I’ve tried several combinations and settings in the Capture tool (under Device control, and Capture settings)I have an AjA IO/HD box . . . . but the AJA/IO box doesn’t have a fireWire input, so I was going straight in to the computer via FireWire 400 (I disconnect the AJA box for this as they are on the same bus).
My questions are:
1) Is it best to connect straight to the CPU with FireWire . . OR . . should I get an HDMI cable and go through the AJA box??
If I go through the AJA box do I need a Keyspan adapter??2) What are the settings I use in the capture tool??
I’ve tried several combinations including “HD Firewire” for Device control . . and “DVCproHD 720p60” for capture setting.
So far none of the setting combinations I’ve used were able to get the Capture tool to recognize the video.
The funny thing is I can capture Standard Def NTSC miniDV footage from this deck (connected via FireWire). I used “FireWire NTSC” and “NTSC Basic” for the settings when i tried the Standard Def tape . . . . but nothing seems to work for HD720p60 footage.3) Are there any settings on the deck that I need to be aware of???
I don’t need “Device Control” . . . . I’m fine with just playing the deck manualy and clicking “Capture Now”.
I just need to get 12 hrs worth of this footage in to the CPU before the director returns next Friday. -
4 Replies
-
Stop messing with all the individual settings. Just use Easy Setup: HDV – 720p60. Hopefully you haven’t messed up any of the standard presets. If that doesn’t work it is most likely a setting on the deck. Is it set to downconvert the output as DV? That or perhaps your tape is not in the format you think it is.
-
On the front of the unit there is a slider switch to output DV or HDV out of the firewire. What wasn’t in some of the early manuals, is that you CAN NOT slide this switch when the deck is powered up. If you do, you’ll likely blow the firewire circuits in the deck; Although I’ve not experienced this myself (I keep a little sticker over the switch to remind me), I’m told this can happen where the DV firewire will work OK but the HDV will not, or visa-versa.
There are also some internal menu settings to select playback and output: Under the SYSTEM menu, second page, set playback format to HDV. Under the Video Menu, make sure out format is set to 720p 60. (or 720p 50 if you are in PAL land).
Also, there is a remote/local slider: for device control should be set to remote, but you should still see playpack in the log and capture window. OK to slide this switch with the deck on.
Also, hookup the firewire cable with both the computer and deck off. Then, power up the deck, and then power up the computer. Plugging in the firewire cable hot can also damage the circuits.
Hope this helps.
Gary
Gary Morris McBeath
SaltAire Cinema Productions -
Agree with Gary! – Just spent $800 having my FW repaired, they also added (and charged for) a “Firewire protection circuit” – a major original design flaw IMO.
-
Thanks guys . . . . . . I definitely did switch the DV-HDV switch while the deck was on and running. Any chance I got lucky and did not damage the FireWire??
1) How do I tell for sure if I damaged the FireWire circuit??
Is there any way to tell if a FireWire protection circuit was ever installed on my unit??2) Does Anyone have thoughts on using an HDMI cable and going through my AJA IO/HD box??
If the FireWire circuit is damaged perhaps I can Capture that way???2) Any other comments on the “Capture & Device Settings”??
I’ll try the “Easy Set Up” recommended by Dino, but if anyone has any other knowledge of the Capture settings for this deck I’d love to hear it.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up