Capturing DV from Firewire.

[UofC]

Capturing DV from Firewire.

I have set out to find a solution of capturing DV from a Sony DV deck to a small form factor computer in DV format. The goal is to upload large FTP files while capturing DV. I need to be able to pause the recording during breaks and it has to be rock solid. I am recording files in 3 hour increments over a full day

Over a number of tests using Macs, AMDs, and Intels I have not found the right solution.

Macs Quicktime, is unstable while capturing and uploading via FTP. Windows works fine uploading and capturing but the software leaves me wanting more. I have tried DVIO, quicktime, windows media capture?, as well as a few others.

Any advice would be appreciated. If I am missing any details please let me know.

[gameplaya15143]

WinDV <- great dv capture program, and free

Set anything else you are running during capture to IDLE priority. Also, try to capture to a hard drive that isn't being used by anything else.

[UofC]

I like the looks of WinDV. No dropped frames yet and the preview is a nice touch.

After reading the FAQ and poking around, I have an other question.

What is the pros and cons of type 1 or type 2 DV?

I know of Real producer has issues with audio over firewire and loosing sync. Would the split files have an advantage?

[bb]

Regarding your type-1 vs. type-2 question: please read the FAQ. The very first entry answers your question.

bb

[UofC]

Thank you. I am looking for a bit more information on type 1 vs. 2 but I can always google it. I understand that there is a size difference but what else.

Any quality advantage?
Why is one bigger then the other?
Is there more or less issues with audio sync?
Is one better for trancoding?

[bb]

- DV type-1 and type-2 are equal quality.
- DV type-1 is for use with applications that use the DirectShow interface, whereas type-2 is for VfW (= Video for Windows).
- type-2 has been reported to have more sync issues; but that's the fault of the applications used.
- None of them is better for transcoding, if you ask me. I use type-1 whereever possible.

bb

[anonymez]

try dv capture live, also freeware, better than windv imho :)

[bb]

For your convenience:
http://www.exsate.com/download/dvcapture/

bb

[UofC]

Oh no WinDV looked so promising until it is paused and it breaks the file. If only it would force it all into one file. I would be so happy.

DV capture live is not for me. Simply put it does not do the job to my satisfaction and I am a hard man to please.

[anonymez]

it breaks up files either by number of frames or scene change (rather when you stopped/paused recording with your camera) whichever comes first.

iirc it has settings for both of those, change them

ps there's also DVIO if you don't like windv

[UofC]

it breaks up files either by number of frames or scene change (rather when you stopped/paused recording with your camera) whichever comes first.

iirc it has settings for both of those, change them

ps there's also DVIO if you don't like windv

Right idea wrong medium, I need to pause WinDV. It is a live capture with scheduled breaks and they can not be recorded. I configured WINDV to suite my needs but the lack for a record pause has me troubled.

I tried DVIO and it works perfectly for tape captures but not live event where I require it to pause.

It is funny how hard it is to find just the right tool to do the job.

[bb]

[...]It is funny how hard it is to find just the right tool to do the job.
DV capture programs are not designed to support a live capture in the first place. They are meant to transfer DV from tape via firewire to a PC's hdd; I'm tempted to say that some tools support live capture "by accident".

bb

[gameplaya15143]

Live DV capture is a necessary feature for me.

Even though winDV starts a new file after you pause capture, you can append them with vdub afterwards.

Why do you need it all to be in one file anyways?