HV20 Capture Issues

Ok, I've tried to transfer footage from my HV20 to my computer but with terrible results. I plan to edit on my laptop with prem pro 2 which is loaded on it but cannot capture on it.

I tried to capture via my desktop computer using HDV Split and also tried CapDVHS and although both recognised the HV20 the footage captured was not any resemblance of what I had filmed. I had filmed 2 minutes of test footage in HD and it plays back flawlessly on the camcorder but HDV Split dropped over 100 frames/packets (I used a brand new sony premium tape) and the footage from both was totally unwatchable and the sound was terrible as well.

Unfortunately I could not load Prem pro 2 (computer says that the processor does not support the SS2 Instruction Set, whatever that means) onto my desktop for some reason and my attempt at using Vegas gave me equally bad results (It captured the footage in about 8 split files but they were all of poor footage)

Whilst I'm a novice, I have used Adobe 6.5 and captured and edited SD footage for a few years with no problems and was worried that I may struggle with HD footage but am totally confused as to what I have done wrong.

So to be specific I think my questions are:

Am I filming incorrectly on the HV20. I have set the settings to both record in HD and for the output to be on Auto for output (I doubt this but I suppose its possible)?

Am I missing something with regards to the capture process. I have read threads on a number of forums and most people have used HDV Split and HV20 with excellent results and the settings appear quite straightforward?

Could it just be a dodgy tape (I cant find my cleaner so have ordered a new one but wouldnt expect any issues with a new camcorder and tape!)?

Anything else?

If anyone with recent experience with the HV20 or an expert could help me I would appreciate it. I'm hoping that there is a simple explanation.

Thanks.

[redsox_mark]

If the tape plays OK in the camcorder, then there is nothing wrong with the tape.

If HDV split is reporting dropped frames, then that usually means you PC isn't keeping up. Stopping uneccessary programs, defragging your HDD, etc are the usual steps to take.

I'd also try setting the camcorder to output HD rather than "auto" - sometimes if the auto doesn't pick up the format immediately it could confuse the capture software.

Thanks Mark, I'll give that a go.

I've since connected the HV20 to my non HD TV and the picture is fine. When I get a HDMI cable I'll check on my HD TV as well.

One other thing which I may have overlooked is the fact that my PC monitor is a non HD one. I dont recall reading anywhere that this was necessary but knowing my luck it probably is. I've ordered a connection cable for my laptop (IEEE1394) which is HD I believe and will see if that makes a difference.

At least the HV20 appears ok and its just a connectivity issue which is a relief.

[senu]

Originally Posted by crewe1000

One other thing which I may have overlooked is the fact that my PC monitor is a non HD one.

Doesn't matter

. I've ordered a connection cable for my laptop (IEEE1394) which is HD I believe and will see if that makes a difference.

Now you are confusing me
I used to think firewire cables were simply data transferring cables which had no way of knowing what sort of quality of video data was being transferred. Only to day I used my camcorders firewire cable to hook up a firewire ext HDD

Originally Posted by senu

Doesn't matter

Thats good news then. My brother thought it was necessary but I told him I had not read this anywhere.

Now you are confusing me
I used to think firewire cables were simply data transferring cables which had no way of knowing what sort of quality of video data was being transferred. Only to day I used my camcorders firewire cable to hook up a firewire ext HDD

The cable relates to my laptop which does have PP2 loaded on it and is a newer computer. I normally capture on my desktop via Adobe 6.5 onto an external hard drive and then move it over to my laptop to do the editing. My brother suggested ordering the cable to try and transfer the footage direct to the laptop.

[stevo 7]

Right here goes,,

1, HV 20 GREAT PIECE OF KIT, But my AMD 2600 does not support an sse2 instruction set!!!!!( OH DEAR!) So after rushing out to buy a full copy of xp thinking this will solve the problem it still doesnt support sse2 because of the processor. elements demo wont work because of me not having sse2
so sony vegas demo does,YEA HARR!!! ebay for sony vegas

But it doesnt stop there because in the help menu of vegas it clearly states that untill the video is rendered the preview window wont playback smoothly( im using a seperate 17in monitor and it looks worse) so what you need is all the latest drivers for windows and windows media player 11 and this will work fine with vegas if you lower the preivew playback quality. this does not effect the video in the time line. once the video is rendered it plays back smoothly. vegas also can import the video in hd or standard dv on mine it works fine after chucking some money at my pc.. you can also tweak vegas to the amount of memory that being used.

I hope this helps

cheers

Please post system spec

[lukep01]

Originally Posted by crewe1000

The cable relates to my laptop which does have PP2 loaded on it and is a newer computer. I normally capture on my desktop via Adobe 6.5 onto an external hard drive and then move it over to my laptop to do the editing. My brother suggested ordering the cable to try and transfer the footage direct to the laptop.

Have you been using usb to capture the footage?

Firewire tends to be a much better way of capturing.

Also make sure you're editing program is capturing in HDV1080i (50i or 60i depending on if you have a PAL or NTSC camera)