A-to-D passthrough? Does it work like I think it does, with JVC GRD33US?

[absinthe]

Ok, I am lost.

I'm new to DV, and just bought the JVC GRD33US (after Thanksgiving sale). I wanted to be able to capture analog sources (VHS tapes, old 8 mm cam tapes) for computer editing, and I found a website (camcorderinfo.com) that said in no uncertain terms that the "the GR-D33 has analog digital pass through capabilities ... Analog to digital pass through allows you to to convert an analog image to a digital one using your camcorder."

The same review states that the AV jack on the unit is an AV in/output jack. However, this doesn't seem to be the case. I have spoken with a Circuit City salesman, a Best Buy salesman, and even two JVC reps who tell me that this camera would not do what I want it to do. However, I have very little faith in any of these sources, even the JVC guys, one of whom told me that the Firewire port was 2-way and so I would need a VCR with a Firewire output (can you imagine!? ... a VCR with a Firewire output!!!). Not to mention, how you are supposed to "pass through," in and out, of the same port at the same time is beyond me.

Then there was the Best Buy fellow who basically told me that "passthrough" as I understand it doesn't really exist; that analog input to a camcorder must be recorded to DV tape before it can be transferred off the camcorder.

The world is undoubtedly peopled with idiots and I'm starting to feel like one of them :D .

So basically I have three questions:

1. Can someone PLEASE confirm for me that analog-to-digtal passthrough works like I believe it does: an analog source goes to the camcorder (where it is converted on-the-fly to DV), then goes to the computer (presumably via Firewire), and this happens without ever recording it on the DV tape.

2. Can someone confirm that my camera (JVC GRD33US) does this? Or that it doesn't?

3. Lastly, I'd like just a rudimentary explanation of how this works in terms of hardware, just to make sure I'm buying the right stuff. My camcorder has an AV jack and a supplied cable, the plug of which is much like a small stereo headphone plug. On the other end are your typical RCA-style yellow/white/red plugs. I presume that in the best of all worlds this would be all I would need to get from analog source to camcorder. Then I need a Firewire cable to get to a firewire card in the computer, and of course the card itself. Beyond that, I just need software, right? Such as WinDV and/or VirtualDub? (BTW, my Firewire card is still on order from Newegg, so I haven't had an opportunity to try this firsthand as of yet).

Thanks sooooo much,

-abs

update: Before I even posted this thread, I got a response to a forum post at camcorderinfo.com which seems to indicate the the GRD33US use to have A-to-D passthrough, but that it has been disabled to justify it's lower price point. Anyone know anything more on this?

[jggimi]

Moved to DV forum.

I've done this with my low-end Canon camcorder, so I don't think price should be a factor. Yes, the same analog cables and connection are used to connect the analog source, such as VHS, and yes, it does it without any tape in the camera. DV can then be captured via IEE1394 as if the camera was in playback.

[absinthe]

Originally posted by jggimi
Moved to DV forum.

I've done this with my low-end Canon camcorder, so I don't think price should be a factor. Yes, the same analog cables and connection are used to connect the analog source, such as VHS, and yes, it does it without any tape in the camera. DV can then be captured via IEE1394 as if the camera was in playback.

Thank you, jggimi!

By the way, what camera do you have? I'm a bit disillusioned with my JVC at this point, and my friend (who is a Circuit City salesman) is recommending the low-end Canon model, the ZR80. I'm actually thinking about going up one more model to the ZR85, which apparently has a higher resolution capability. At any rate, it looks like I'll have to spend at least $100 more, no matter what.

-abs

[jggimi]

The one I have is the lowest-end model, the ZR80.

Instructions for A->D passthrough were in the manual, no ignorant salespeople were needed.

[absinthe]

Thanks for the info.

Do you get good VHS captures this way? I mean, do the captures look basically as good as watching a VHS?

-abs

[jggimi]

I have an analog card, and the ability to capture thru the ZR80. I've done both, but have never done a comparison between them with the same source.

Neither will look the same as a VHS source; they are both A->D conversions of lines to pixels.

[bjorn toulouse]

I have a JVC and it is done using the i-link port

have a look at this link
http://www.shentech.com/grd33us.html

Acording to the write up your cam corder has an i-link port so if you wish to "pass through" vhs out put simply get an I link cable, plug it into the i link port on the camcorder the reverse end of the cable is the std 3 colour jacks, plug this into the output of the vcr. if your vcr uses scarts you can buy a TWO WAY scart to rca

Basicaly if the camera has an I Link port yes it will work.

I tend to record to tape prior to down loading to the PC, Quality is as good as the original tape. Remember the better the VCR the better the end product.

[JoeShrubbery]

Originally posted by absinthe
[B]one of whom told me that the Firewire port was 2-way and so I would need a VCR with a Firewire output (can you imagine!? ... a VCR with a Firewire output!!!).

A little off topic, but those nifty D-VHS VCRs that JVC makes do have Firewire ports. They also play & record HD content, and cost an arm and a leg to boot *lol*

[absinthe]

Just saw these replies. I ended up trading in the 33US for the next model up: the GRD72US (I read some bad things about Canons' low-light performance vs. some good things about JVCs in low light). It only cost me about $60 more, and it's almost identical to the 33US model. It also has a memory card slot and takes still pics at a higher rez (1024*768), and it came with a remote :).

And of course, I got passthrough to work very easily. The hookup is the same as with the GRD33US model. Use the supplied cord (stereo RCA jacks -> AV input) and plug it into the very same receptable in the camera (the AV input). In this particular camera, the AV input is bidirectional, whereas it's unidirectional in the 33 model.

Anyway, just left the tape out of the camera, made sure S/AV INPUT was turned ON on the menu, plugged in the AV input, and plugged the firewire cable into the computer ... voila!

Nothin' to it.

Oh, and yeah, someone else did point out to me that some VCRs do have Firewire outs. Consider me schooled. News to me. :rolleyes:

-abs

[Valky]

This is very interesting topic. My main reason to purchase JVC GR53 was that I can capture from analog source too.
I have thought that I always have to first capture the content on dv-tape but it's very cool if this is not necessary.
DV-tapes can only capture about one hour, so no chance to capture any movies but this method removes that problem?
I have captured my material with old Hauppage tv-card before and it can only capture mono sound which I have resampled to stereo later. I guess I can now capture also stereo sound.

I am not planning to capture from vhs, but I wonder if anyone has made some comparing when capturing straight from TV when using older capture card or dv-camera? At least I think I can capture now with better quality cause I can use bigger resolution than 400x576 with my hauppage (bigger resolution gives me green garbage in screen and I guess I have to first capture content on dv-tape to avoid this. My HD can't propably keep up with the data coming in)

[jggimi]

...I have thought that I always have to first capture the content on dv-tape but it's very cool if this is not necessary...

As stated, it shouldn't be. If you're concerned, check the owner's manual before you purchase, to learn how to use it as an A->D capture device.

...it can only capture mono sound...

If you don't capture with an RF tuner, this isn't an issue.

..I guess I can now capture also stereo sound...

Yes, but you'll need an external tuner, such as a VHS deck or a cable box. Input to the camcorder is typically composite video.

[Valky]

..I guess I can now capture also stereo sound...

Yes, but you'll need an external tuner, such as a VHS deck or a cable box. Input to the camcorder is typically composite video. [/B]

Why do I need external tuner if I use scart--> dv ?

I just can't capture stereo with my hauppage cause it's only has mono-audio feature. And I have never use tuner, just use my scart from tv as source.

[jggimi]

I assumed you were using an RF tuner because soundcards are stereo, and most PCI cards don't capture sound.



:stupid: