[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Bob Zhang] “1. I’m thinking to use the FireWire outs from the XL2’s rather than S-Video or Composite. Is this the right idea for best quality? (Cable runs will not be more than 30’).

2. If I go with FW out, I need to get it both to the switcher and to a hard drive (for the uncut footage). Datavideo’s DN300/ DN500 hard drives have FW In and FW Out with loop-thru. My idea is to get one for each camera and go from the camera into the hard drive and then out to the switcher. Does this sound like it will work? I assume there will be some latency issues?

3A. The Datavideo switchers have built in frame sync, TBC, and audio delay so I think I’m covered for having the cameras synched and getting the audio synched up with them for smooth switching in the live edit. BUT….
3B. What about the possibility of having some kind of time code attached to all of this so the uncut footage on the hard drives can be matched up later with each other, with the live edit, and with the audio?
3C. I’m assuming I need to add a black burst generator to this set up?
3D. What other pieces do I need to make this work? How do I route it?
“

1. Yup. We have used up to well over 100 foot FW runs from the cameras to a Datavideo switcher.
2. I don’t think you’d introduce any appreciable additional latency by looping thru the HDs.
(If you attempt this, let us know.)
3A. Yes.
3B. You may have to give up on that idea.
3C. Not necessary, unless you are syncing to a live broadcast.
3D. You didn’t say on what you were recording the output of the Datavideo (I’m assuming DV tape.)
Obviously, the director will have to have headset communication with all members of the crew.
A full set of video monitors so the director can call the shots of the cameras, set up any special effects in preview and view the line output.

I also suggest that you route the mixed audio over to the audio INPUT on one of the CAMERAS.
That will be a quick way to make sure that the audio comes into the Datavideo
in sync with the FW video timing, latency and all.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

I have been using (similar to) one of these for over 10 years.

https://www.amazon.com/Shur-Line-6500-43-to-78-Inch-Extension-Pole/dp/B00004Z4HH/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

I adapted the end to fit a standard mic thread.

I know it’s not a graphite high-dollar stick, but if you’re on a budget…
it holds the mic near the talent and doesn’t weigh too much.

(Stop by a Lowes or Home Depot and see what you think.)

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

Video is not very compatible/reliable with USB connections.

USB capture devices are usually not much better in quality than “novelty toys.”

VHS is extremely “timebase” unstable.

Combine those, and you have…
well, you see what you have.

Sorry.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Martin Banks] ” If anyone could shed some light on why this might be happening I would be very grateful. “

I’d go straight to THIS-
[Martin Banks] “he had captured an old VHS using a USB box “

I’d bet the clip is corrupt.

Otherwise-

Did you restart FCP?
Trash the Preferences?

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

Actually, you really don’t WANT to just MANUALLY Trash the FCP Preferences.

(It will throw away your settings and the effects in your “Favorites” folder, and likely a few more things you want to keep.)

Instead, use the Free Application “FCP Rescue” found here-

https://mac.softpedia.com/progDownload/FCP-Rescue-Download-25515.html

It will SAVE and RESTORE your files after the Preferences are thrown away.
It is a very useful app.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Mark Crews] “how do you TERMINATE the Input?
“

As I said in my first post: 75 ohm load ON, if no “loop-thru” is used.

(Just slide the 75 ohm termination switch on the reference input to ON.)

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Charles Fairview] ” I have heard that you can only get 2 signals into a camera without a plug into the wall setup. Is this true, “

No. You can use a battery-powered audio mixer.

That said, you are under-budget to purchase 3 reliable mics and a good mixer.
You might be able to RENT the gear you need.

Also, you are going out into a tough audio situation without enough experience.
The wind-noise and clothing noise problems, alone, might give you fits.

I strongly recommend that you consult a local audio professional before you leap
into the fray.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[James Gagnon] “so if I were to stop and start recording how would the recorder handle this? Would it pause recording?”

The camera’s start/stop button would NOT control the DVD recorders.

You would need to stop and start the DVD recorder decks
with the controls on the decks themselves or with the decks’ remote control(s.)

An assistant would be invaluable to control the DVD decks, on your command,
while you shot the footage with the camera.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Tara Cauchi] “I am wondering if there is a way to capture all audio track but mute tracks 3 and 4 when previewing the capture. “

Monitor the audio DIRECTLY from the DECK’s audio output during capture.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Brad White] “it will only record on part of the tape. For a while, it will only record the left half of the screen…then for a while, the right. “

That is not an indication of recording on the “right half” or “left half” of the tape.
That’s not how digital video works.

But, it very likely IS some sort of record/play head problem.

It could be anything from severely clogged heads, to chipped, worn-down, or out-of-alignment heads.

If you have properly run a “head-cleaner cassette” (do not use for more than a few SECONDS) and
that shows no improvement…
A service shop trip is the best step at this point.