FINAL CUT PRO - capturing from miniDV

Tech tip: If you are having one of the 'it's worked before, why isn't it working now?!" final cut pro days, always try to reboot (restart) the computer to see if that will solve your problem. The editing machines are configured to revert back to optimal settings upon reboot.

Always save your project BEFORE starting to capture and edit.

Each FCP station in GH317 has a firewire video deck connected to the computer. The deck can capture footage from miniDV and DVCAM tapes. In addition, it is possible to capture footage from VHS and DVD sources (see here)

Capturing from miniDV

• Turn the video deck on before launching Final Cut Pro.
• Do not insert the cassette forcibly. The unit might be damaged.

• If there is no video on the preview monitor, ensure that it is set to ch. 3.
• Make sure the video deck is on, the tape is loaded and that the Input Select is set to DV.
• SAVE YOUR PROJECT FIRST! Your capture files will be deleted if you fail to save the project before capture.
• To open the capture window, click on File -> Log and Capture... A new window will appear, and you should see the words VTR OK near the bottom of the screen. You can now use the capture window's playback controls to start/stop/advance the tape or simply use the deck's controls to do that.
• You can immediately begin capturing a video clip by starting to play the clip at the point where you want to start capturing it, and then clicking on the button labeled Capture...Now That will begin capturing the clip from that point.

To stop capturing, on the upper left of your keyboard press the escape key

You'll notice the clip will then appear as a file in your Browser area to the left. You can continue this process to capture other clips, by just moving through the tape to the next point that you want to capture, playing the tape and then again clicking on Caputure...Now and then the escape key.

Note: It's good practice to only capture those segments of the video that you think you might use in your video project.

Saving your projects

Always save your project BEFORE starting to capture and edit.

For GH317 users: you must save your project on the SCRATCH drive. The filename must contain your name and the date when the project can be safely deleted. All other project files will be deleted!

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Related information:

Capturing from VHS/DVD