Can't capture from VCR thru GL-1

oldeschool wrote on 7/26/2003, 4:04 PM

I'm trying to capture analog from a vcr by going thru my Canon GL-1 into my computer. My GL-1 displays the vcr footage on it's LCD when I've got it on record pause, but as soon as I connect the firewire cable to the camera, it displays (DV in) on the camera's LCD and I get no playback in the Vegas capture utility and no display on the LCD anymore. I have disabled device control in Vegas, and cannot find a DV in/out setting in the GL-1's vcr menu to change and no help in the GL-1 manual. Suggestions?

Jason Ryan
Producer, Monkey Trainer
Bearded Lady/Psychic Flying Monkey Pdctns.

Comments

randy-stewart wrote on 7/26/2003, 6:07 PM

Jason,
Not sure how your camera works but my Sony TRV-120 (digital 8) has to be in VCR mode but not in play or record pause. Video in feed from the VCR is connected to the camera, and the firewire is connected to the computer. Get Vegas in the capture mode but don't let it start recording. It should recognize your camera but not show anything in the window yet. Hit play on the VCR (not the camera). If everything is right, it should show up in the Vegas viewer. If so, just hit record and start capturing. Hope this helps.
Randy

MDVid wrote on 7/26/2003, 7:37 PM

The Gl-1 doesnt have Analog to digital pass-through feature, unfortunately. The Gl-2 does, as do many cheaper DV camcorders. The only way to do this is via another Analog to digital conversion 'box', either stand alone (canopus ADVC100), or to buy a cheap camcorder off of e-bay that performs this function. I use the Canopus ADVC100.

JT

oldeschool wrote on 7/30/2003, 2:53 PM

Thanks for the info, jtim. Well, at least I won't have to use the GL-1 every time I want to capture something. I like the idea of the stand alone canopus converter. Have you had any problems with yours? I've heard of a lot of problems with the Dazzle converter, but I know canopus makes good shit. Also, any tips on where I can get a used ADVC100 or the cheapest price on a new one?

MDVid wrote on 7/30/2003, 4:36 PM

I have 2 of them, bought at guygraphics.com. They are the only computer product that I have ever purchased that functioned as expected right out of the box. There has been some angst on the Canopus forums about conflicts with Xp Sp1, though I have a desktop, and laptop with XP sp1 and capture to both flawlessly.

JTH

the_rhino wrote on 7/31/2003, 4:10 PM

I have a ADVC100 and it works great. BTW I also have a GL1.

If the GL1 is your only minidv camcorder, I would buy a cheapie minidv camcorder for $300 that does A/V passthrough. [double-check to make sure or make sure that you can return it.] Then use the cheapie to transfer your tapes to your computer instead of the GL1. The GL1 [and better cameras] are too expensive to wear-out transfering your tapes. Digital is digital regardless of what camera plays it back.

oldeschool wrote on 8/1/2003, 3:58 PM

Thanks for the help, guys. I'll either do the ADVC100 or the cheap DV camera, depending on what prices I find. Later.