Capturing 16:9 getting dropped frames--Need Help

Jay Gladwell wrote on 2/3/2005, 10:13 AM

Okay, I have a project (first one) that required 16:9 (shot on XL2). When I attempt to capture, I get dropped frames (never had that happen with 4:3).

When I saw dropped frames being counted, I stopped the capture. The following message appeared:

"Refer to the Video Capture online Help for tips on how to optimize performance." I did and it suggested:

"Defrag capture hard disk." I did.

"Do not run other programs." I wasn't.

"Turn off audio preview." I did.

"Completely turn off preview." I did...

... and I still got dropped frames.

The capture card is an (ADS) Texas Instruments OHCI compliant IEEE 1394 host controller. Windows XP Pro, Vegas 5.0, project set for "NTSC DV Widescreen (720x480, 29.970 fps), pixel aspect ratio 1.2121." What have I missed?

[EDIT] I forgot to mention I'm capturing from a Sony DSR-30.

What can I do to correct the problem. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Jay

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 2/3/2005, 10:24 AM

Jay, how large is the preview window? Got it sized down small?
What happens when you rewind the tape farther back or farther forward?
Do you have access to the Canon to capture from it if you need to?

Jay Gladwell wrote on 2/3/2005, 10:40 AM

... how large is the preview window? Got it sized down small?
It was pretty big, but reducing it didn't have any effect. I got 5 dropped frames in the first 8 seconds of captured video.

What happens when you rewind the tape farther back or farther forward?
Forwarded the tape 10 minutes, still got dropped frames.

Do you have access to the Canon to capture from it if you need to?
Yes, I do. Do you think it's a problem with the DSR-30? I have to make some adjustments and try that. Will let you know how it turns out.

Thanks, Douglas!

Jay

Jay Gladwell wrote on 2/3/2005, 10:53 AM

Thanks, you nailed that one, Douglas. Using the camera instead of the DSR-30, I was able to capture a full minute without 1dropped frame! I presume it will hold true for the full hour of video.

Any ideas as to what's going on? Can it [the deck issue] be resolved?

Jay

Spot|DSE wrote on 2/3/2005, 10:56 AM

It might be the DSR doesn't like the 960 x 480 pixels, I dunno. Haven't worked with that deck. My Panny 2000 passes it OK.

Bill Ravens wrote on 2/3/2005, 11:12 AM

I'm using an older DSR-20 and have no problems, Jay. Have you checked your firewire cable from the DSR?

Jay Gladwell wrote on 2/3/2005, 11:18 AM

Hi, Bill. Yes, I checked that first thing. I didn't find any problem with it. In fact, to make certain, I used the same firewire cable when capturing from the camera. Worked like a champ!

This is the kind of problem that drives me batty! I don't even know who at Sony to contact about it.

[EDIT] Called Sony professional services in New Jersey. Tech guy said the heads need cleaning, path checked, and realigned--$200 to $500--OUCH!

Jay