I have only captured once before - with USB, 6 dropped frames but video was jerky and slow motion, out of sync with video..

The only major change has been change over from USB to Firewire.

Bit

That changes everything then. You need to follow the directions/suggestions in the article I linked to previously. You no doubt have some very basic issue with your firewire setup that you need to verify/sort out.

The fact is that (as far as 99% of Vegas users are concerned)... the native way you capture is via firewire. If you've been capturing via USB then you've likely been either using a differect capture app... and also very likely capturing analog video. That is a totally different situation.

Please follow the directions in that article realted to dropped frames... and check back with "the team" with any further issues.

I only captured once with USB (by mistake) and from a digital (and not analog) MiniDV Tape - with Vegas.

THis game is hard!

I can't even get to first base...

Cameras that connect via USB (such as the basic Sony Handycams) are meant really just for use as webcams (using the USB port). The quality of what you would capture would be much lower than firewire.

Don't be too discouraged... once the firewire thing is sorted out you'll be on the right track.

Have you tried any of the suggestions in that article?

By the way... what are the system specs of the PC you are using?(hint: fill in your system spec details on your profile).

HI Liam.

I have tried numerous things in that article you refer to..

Confirmed lastest drivers, BIOS.

Relocated the sound card so it does not share same IRQ.

Killed any antivirus software, etc. that run in backgorund..

THe only major thing that has changed is the FIREWIRE thing.

When I was using the USB, I know the video was jerky but only 6 dropped frames observed..for whole 83 min tape.

Now, I get a dropped frame every second.

PC SPecs: P4 2.8Ghz, 240 GB HDD RAID0 Array, 120GBHDD OS Drive, ASUS P4C800e-deluxe MB, 1GB RAM.

I have now brought a brand new firewire cable - still no luck.

Getting to close to packing it all in now...

Anyone else got any clues?

What sort of firewire card are you using?

If it is a "part of the motherboard" firewire, this may be the problem, and a PCI OHCI card such as ADS Pyro would improve things.

Just guessing .......

ON board firewire chip

How do I kow it is the firewire port or channel?

How can I test the working of this channel?

Take a look at this page:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885222

Joran

THanks Joran.

I have tried to find the latest ieee 1394 driver to d/l - even from my MB website without luck..

Where can i find the latest ieee 1394 driver for an ASUS 04c800e-deluxe MB - besides ASUS site?

I have an ASUS P4C800 Deluxe with onboard firewire chip. I had to install another firewire card and disable the on-board firewire. I could not get the on-board one to work for capture at all (got massive dropped frames... just like you are getting)

You can get a decent firewire PCI card for next to nothing... so I would recommend you do that.

EDIT: And by the way... if you had your system information (motherboard) defined in your profile - I would have given this advice the first time I posted a response to your question. This is a really good example of why it

WOW-- THat's amazing - You have the same MB as I and the same problem!!

I wonder why this seems to be an inherent weakness in the MB..!!??

What did you first try before you bought the card?

We pay good $$ fo these MB and we don't get total reliability..

Can u recommend a good Firewire PCI Card please?

Thanks Liam for the nudge - I have update my specs sheet.

What sort of PCI FW card did you get?

Bit

I have an ADS firewire card. I know that SIIG has also been recommended. I think anywhere from $20 to $40 seems to be more than enough to spend on these cards.

I agree that it is definitely a waste to be unable to use the on-board firewire.

A standard suggestion is to have two firewire "cards" anyway.. One for capture and one for your hard drives. Perhaps you can still use the internal one for any other external 1394 devices (hard drives/DVD burners). I was thinking of giving that a try myself... as I had problems with capturing from the camera to attached firewire drives (I currently capture either to internal IDE drives or to extenal USB drives).

EDIT: Bit.... I still cannot see your system specs on your profile. I think you also need to enable that to be "public" by checking the option on your "Forum Settings" part of your "My Account" information.

Thanks Liam.

What does ADS stand for and what is SIIG and why are they considered good?

Is your currency in Australian or US?

Bit

I am in USA... so those are US $

ADS = ADS Technology
SIIG = SIIG

They are considered good I guess because other Vegas users have reported they work well to capture video with zero dropped frames.

You can find slightly different 1394 chipsets... and I believe ones with Textas Instruments are considered better than others.

Over here (in USA) you can pretty much go to any computer store and pick up a SIGG/ADS firewire card like the above off-the-shelf.

How does 1394b chips differ from 1394a chipsets?

I know we are getting off the DV track a little but all this info is vital for me to try and get over this hurdle of trying to capture my first video...

And, want to really thank yuou for your time you have given me..

Bit

Transfer data at 400 Mb/Sec vs Transfer data at 800 Mb/Sec..?

Is there a noted difference?

What is better for minimal dropped frames?

With the right firewire hardware... FW400 or FW800 makes no difference with regards to dropped frames. You should be able to get zero dropped frames with the FW400 cards (I know I do).

Many thanks Liam..

I will now endevour to buy a card and let you know in the future how I get on..

Bit

FW800 is (I believe) only really relevant for external hard drives. All DV cameras/decks (at least the ones we use) will all remain at the FW400 spec.