HELP!!! DVCPRO Capture?? I've searched....

Edward wrote on 6/16/2006, 7:02 AM
Okay, I read the previous posts that covered this topic that was back I guess in 2002, but I still can't get it to work.

After installing the codec from matrox, will I be able to capture from my DVCPro deck? or will it just be able to read that certain type of file format?

I've tried to capture, but it won't even pick up the deck. I currently run it through my Convergent Design (SD) box (YRB), and it ingests it as DV. I want to capture it via firewire, and get the DVCPro digital format. Is it still the same as I currently do it, or is it higher quality?

Help?

Comments

farss wrote on 6/16/2006, 7:29 AM
The Convergent box will convert it to NTSC DV25.
UNLESS!
They've just added an option to support DVCPro 25 however just how to capture that I haven't a clue. In PAL DVCPro 25 is 4:1:1, wierd eh? I assume it's the same in NTSC, 4:1:1, in which case I guess you just capture as vanilla DV 25.

Now IF you're talking about DVCPro 50 down SDI.

Well anything going down SDI is SMPTE 259 (think that's the number?), so DVCPro 50, BetaSP or DigiBeta all go down the coax the same, 10bit 4:2:2. So you just capture it to the Sony YUV codec using INTERAL video capture.

I think the only real trap with the SDI feed from a DVCPro 50 deck is the audio isn't muxed down the SDI, I could be wrong though, that might be deck dependant, I remember some drama over this when we had DVCPro 50 decks.

Bob.
Cheno wrote on 6/16/2006, 8:37 AM
bigsole,

What DVCPro deck are you using. I've got a 230H that I've used with Vegas in the past. Weird thing was sometimes it works via firewire, sometimes it doesn't.

Using the CD SD Connect box and going component to firewire IMO is not a conversion that is that much worse than native firewire. I am very, very impressed with the Convergent Design box and I'm not a techie so I can't get into the nuts and bolts of how it works, but the conversion process is probably the best I've seen out of any converter I've used. If you were able to capture both ways (component and firewire) and put a difference mask on the two clips, I don't think you'd see enough difference with your own eyes to not just justify the way you're capturing right now.

You could always contact Mike Schell at Convergent and get his feedback on your workflow.

my $.02

cheno
farss wrote on 6/16/2006, 4:21 PM
If you own the SD Connect make certain you keep it up to date software wise. Yes they are a great box and Mike and family run a great business, many, many other companies could learn a lot from them.

Bob.
Edward wrote on 6/17/2006, 3:13 AM
Hey Bob,
so you're telling me that I can capture 4:2:2 using the SDI input? I don't need a decklink card or anything, and this is all via firewire?

We're about to purchase another PC. I'll get the new one, and this Dell I have now will be used for keying (Ultra 2). We bought a decklink card (extreme), but it won't work with the Dell. We're looking at Boxx, but Spot told me in Hawaii that there are far better systems out there. Out of all the 3 he told me, I can't remember one... DOH.

Suggestions?

Cheno, I'm using the AJ-SD93 DVCPro 50. Thanks for the $0.02.
farss wrote on 6/17/2006, 4:46 AM
To capture 4:2:2, sorry you need a SDI card in the PC.

With the SD Connect as far as I know only 4:2:0 or 4:1:1 DV down firewire. We are trialling it with a client who needs to capture 4:1:1 PAL, I know don't ask but that's what DVCPro 25 is!

But what variant for DVCPro are you trying to capture, 25 or 50?

Bob.
Edward wrote on 6/17/2006, 3:06 PM
dvc pro 50.
thanks farss.
farss wrote on 6/17/2006, 3:25 PM
In that case and as you don't have an SDI card in the system then use the SD Connect to convert from either the component or SDI outputs on the deck to firewire.

Bob.