My Video Problems

fcscolts74 · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Montana

Okay, here is my issue. I just purchased a new JVC camcorder, model GR-D870, and tried capturing video from it. However, after connecting my DV cable (6 pin) to my computer (XPS 210), connecting the other end to my camcorder (4pin), and then turning the camcorder on in playback mode, nothing happened. No "ping", no "new hardware" pop up, and none of the video capturing programs I tried can detect a device (Windows Movie Maker, Video Factory, Sonic, Roxio). My IEEE1394 ports are said to be functioning properly. I tried using a DV to USB cable and same thing happened (or DIDN'T happen I should say).
So, at the prompting of the XPS support specialist, I tried connecting the camcorder to my Dell Dimension 4200 using the DV to USB cable and got the same results. My Dimension 4200 does not have a firewire connection or I would have tried that to.
The next thing I did, after yanking my hair out at the roots and cursing Confused

, was to install another video capture device (CameraMate ProPix DVD) which I had used on my Dimension 4200 to capture video from old VHS tapes I played on my VCR. The device connected to my USB port, was instantly recognized by my XPS, and I hooked my VCR up to my computer. Then, I connected my camcorder to the VCR input and tried getting a signal that way. I did get a signal thru the CameraMate device and the CameraMate software detected a signal, but it was very weak and the majority of frames were dropped.
It shouldn't be this difficult, but I guess it is. I've got a feeling that the camera is the problem here. Is there a brand of camcorder that works better than others? I've noticed in the forums I've visited that this is a very common problem. What are the alternatives, if any?

skierhughes · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

Lets sort a few things out.

There is one USB to Firewire cable available on the market that I know works, which is expensive at about £50, $100. I guess you don't have one of these.

Let's stick with plain firewire, 6 pin into pc and 4 pin into cam.

Device manager will tell you that in theory the device should be working, but if it is a physical fault then it won't tell you about this.

We need to test the three main components.

Camcorder
Cable
PC firewire port.

You need to find one of each of these that you know works because you can see it working in front of you. THIS IS VERY IMPORtANT.

Now use your cam and cable in the other pc, does it work.
Use your pc with the other cam and cable, does it work?
Use your cam and the other cable and other pc.
and work thorugh all the variables and let me know what does and doesn't work.
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fcscolts74 · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Montana

After exausting all of the things I thought to try, and since I don't know anyone else who has a camcorder that plugs into a computer, I took the whole system (computer, camera, DV cable, etc.) to a local computer repair store. They couldn't understand what my problem was. Everything worked fine for them. They simply turned the camera on and then plugged the DV cable in and watched my home video on my computer screen Mad

. My mistake was following the instructions in the JVC camcorder manual which states that you are to 1) connect the Dv cable to the computer 2) connect the DV cable to the camcorder 3) turn the camcorder on to playback mode.
The camcorder has to be turned on in playback mode before being plugged in to the computer in order for the computer to recognize the device Confused

. Someone should let JVC know! Also, the DV cable I purchased from JVC (online) was defective and I had to buy one from Radio Shack. Wink

skierhughes · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:59 am Post subject:

It should recognise the cam doing it jvc's way, which is also the safest way, as you aren't hot plugging live equipment, because if you don't connect the cable properly first time you could short it out.
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Working far too hard to keep you lot happy to be worrying about when to have the next party

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ilustren · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

I'm using a firewire and a JVC GR-D90U. One time, I was able to capture video, but I had to stop any NERO and ROXIO products. This time, I tried the same thing and it didn't make a difference. It also didn't make a difference if my camcorder was on before booting up or after. I can control the camera from any of my video software, but all I get is a black screen. This is SO frustrating. Any ideas? I'm going to install VISTA SP1 and see if that helps.

Thanks.

skierhughes · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:20 am Post subject:

Ensure you have the latest versions of directX and graphics card driver and then test the components as stated above.
_________________
Working far too hard to keep you lot happy to be worrying about when to have the next party

www.myvideoproblems.com
www.dvds2treasure.com