Capture VHS using XL1s as D/A converter?

[Guest David Sadler]

Capture VHS using XL1s as D/A converter

 

How can I use the XL1s as the pass through a/d converter to move vhs directly into the computer?

 

I've seen the XL1s used as an A/D converter to convert analog vhs directly into a Mac powerbook G4 running the FCP log & capture facility.

 

At the time, I was totally unfamiliar with fcp and capturing video, so the technique did not register. The editor I watched do this is now unavailable.

 

This question has been posted to various forums, but the solution has not been offered to the many people who have asked it.

 

Some have suggested to dup the vhs to digital tape then capture from digital tape. This is costly in terms of time and wasted tape, and totally unnecessary.

 

Others have mentioned to select...

Log & Capture > capture settings > device control > non-controllable device

 

Here's the set up...

vhs camcorder in vcr mode -> XL1s -> powerbook g4 running FCP v4 / log & capture

 

Here are the connections...

- firewire: Mac G4 to the XL1s,

- analog cables: VHS camcorder to XL1s

 

VHS camcorder settings...

VCR

Tape loaded and displayed in camera viewfinder

 

XL1s settings...

- Loaded with a blank tape,

- VCR mode is on,

- Pause control on or off makes no difference,

- Audio 1 mic > input select > audio 1,

- VRC setup menu

> AUDIO 1 IN > - - - (when computer is on)

> AUDIO 1 IN > LINE (when computer is off)

 

Final Cut Pro v4 settings...

- Log and Capture window open,

- Log & Capture > capture settings

> device control = non-controllable device

> capture/input = DV NTSC 48 kHz

 

Hint...

When computer is OFF:

- the XL1s recognizes the VHS deck as the input,

- the VHS tape can be monitored in the XL1s viewfinder,

- VRC setup menu > AUDIO 1 IN > LINE (is selectable)

 

When computer is ON:

- the XL1s DOES NOT recognize the VHS deck,

- the VHS tape CAN NOT be monitored in the XL1s viewfinder,

- 'DV IN' appears in the XL1s viewfinder (lower right hand corner),

- VRC setup menu > AUDIO 1 IN > LINE (is NOT selectable. 3 dashes '- - -' appear.)

 

 

When the computer is turned on, the XL1s recognizes the computer, not the VHS camera, as the incoming source. 'DV IN' appears in the XL1s viewfinder.

 

In this situation, LINE CAN NOT be selected for AUDIO1 IN from the XL1s VCR Setup menu. Three dashes appear instead.

 

I will be most happy to post the solution on about a dozen forums for the many people who are asking the same question.

 

Thanks,

David

 

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Notes

- - - - -

XL1s NTSC manual (page 88)

Recording from a vcr, tv or analog camera (analog line-in)

step 5. select LINE from the AUDIO1 IN from VCR SET UP of the VCR menu.

This does not work if the computer is turned on.

The XL1s recognized the computer as a digital source.

. step 5 AUDIO1 IN appears pink,

. no LINE appears, only 3 dashes

. 'DV IN' appears in the XL1s viewfinder

- - - - -

[djsilverman]

Hey David,

 

I can't help you with the converter you have but I can tell you what I've learned so far. There are two types of converters that seem to be top of the line. The first is Dazzle. The second is Miglia. I just got a G5 with Final Cut Pro 4 and I'm planning to buy the Miglia Director's Take 2. Check it out at www.miglia.com.

 

The rumor on the net is that the top of the line Dazzle, which converts Analog video to DV, hiccups and has incompatibilities with some systems and OS's. It sounds like the Migila is the poop. I'm buying it this weekend so I'll be glad to let you know how it works out if you want the scoop on it. It has analog, s-video, and firewire connectors. I believe it's 400 firewire. About as fast as you need to get for DV. At least for the amateur poop I'm doing.