Most camcorders have a pass through device. Enable pass through in your camera, then connect camera using firewire to pc open vegas and capture, then you slow it down on timeline. I hope this makes sense. I can't explain it better.


MAC

Thank you....but I am trying to capture from a VCR that is hooked to my television, not a camcorder or DV Recorder

You should be able to capture through your ATI card. Start up the VidCap program and under the Video menu choose "ATI Video Capture" or something like that. You'll be able to select the frame size for the capture. The file will be stored as an uncompressed AVI at about 1.7GB per minute if you use 720x480 30fps. If you're capturing a long section you may want to consider using 320x240 instead. The image won't be as sharp, but it will save a lot of disk space.

you mentioned in your responce ..."Start up the VidCap program and under the Video menu choose "ATI Video Capture" or something like that. "

Are you talking about Sony Vegas or the ATI TV WONDER software?

VidCap is part of SONY Vegas. You could certainly use the ATI software too if you wanted to, but i find it to be very difficult and obstinate. If you do use it, capture in AVI instead of MPEG.

I found where your talking about in Vegas to set the size of video. Thank you

Also you mentioned that using a larger format, this video can take up to 1.7 gig per minute.

Would it still be 1.7 gig per minute if the video that I am capturing has absolutly no sound?
How much space would you estimate it would save me?

Do you mind if I email you if I have any additional questions pertaining to this subject? I will attempt this capture on Friday and I might have a question or two.

I also have MSN Messenger.

thanks for your help

Hi BKSinAZ,

Are you talking about the "Signing Naturally" video??

First...let me congratulate you for taking up American Sign Language. It's exciting!!!!!

Secong, my response doesn't have to do with copying the tape, but rather the part about learning sign language. I know that everyone learns differently and at different rates. AND, I KNOW THAT FIRST SEMESTER SIGN STUDENTS SOMETIMES HAVE PROBLEMS READING THE VIDEOS. It seems sooooooooo fast!!!!!

On this one, though, I need to give you my opinion. And, that is that it would be a mistake to use your slow mo to watch the tape.

Why would I say that???? Well, part of learning sign language is to be able to see the signs as a whole. Although any one signer may make a particular sign a little differently than another signer, the basic sign itself (it's handshape, movement, orientation and placement) is generally the same. By playing your tape in slow motion you are destroying the integrity of those components.

Within the Deaf community you will not see signs made in "slow motion" unless it happens to fit the situation that is being described. No slow motion "Nice to meet you" ...... no "Where do you live?", etc.

In the long run you will be far better off to stick with the tape played a regular speed. Trust that your good old brain will fill in what you don't quite understand from the tape. And, don't worry about understanding every sign at this time. Go for the concept of what is being signed, which is really the point of the tapes.

Happy signing to you!!!!!!!

Galen

Hey thanks.

The Tape is called "Learning American Sign Language" by Tom Huphries and Carol Padden.

For me it is hard to veiw the VCR tape and follow along in the Text book at the same time.
I will slow it down, but not completly in slow motion. This guy on the tape is far to fast for me to clearly see his handshape, movement, orientation and placement. Also there is no sound or TEXT on the video and at times I must look at my text book to see what he is saying, but by the time I look back up at my television, he has already completed and passed 2 or 3 more additional sentences and I have to rewind the vcr and watch again. This is unexceptable. I beleive I will learn better my way and will improve on speed at a slightly later time.

Thank you
Bryan

Now here's a thought, once you get it into Vegas you can highlight an area and have that play back looped. This means you keep the speed the same, don't wear out a tape etc.
In fact if you've got the time you can mark out regions and label them so each sign is easier to find.

I don't know why people still put thses kind of things out on VHS either, maybe you coudl earn some money converting this stuff to DVD or even better, WMV files.

Bob.