Firewire DV Audio Problem

[Tyler2000]

I just bought a Sony DCR-TRV19 camcorder and I'm trying to transfer the video to my Windows XP: Home Edition computer using a firewire cable and Pinnacle Studio 8. I also tried Windows Movie Maker and the Image Mixer Software it came with.

In quiet parts of the video when people are just talking the transfered video sounds fine, but with louder sounds like a car engine, the sound starts to make popping noises. I don't hear these popping noises when I play the tape back from the camcorder. I also don't hear the popping noises when I put the same tape I recorded with the trv19, in a Canon camcorder and transfer the video from it.

What can I do? I really need to be able to transfer video from the trv19.

Thanks.

[Tyler2000]

I think I fixed the problem. I cleaned the camcorder with a cleaning tape. I had to do it 3 times, but now I don't hear any pops or breaks in the audio. I don't really understand how this fixed a problem that only happens when I transfer with firewire.

[troyvcd1]

You should be careful when using a cleaning tape. They are abrasive and can wear out your cam head. Only use sparingly and only for 5 seconds or less. I had a similar problem with popping noises and also high pitched beeping noises. I found that the sony "excellence" tapes I was using were causing the problems. I switched to the higher priced sony premium tapes and do not have the problem anymore.

[Tyler2000]

The camcorder cleaner I used said to use it for 10 seconds at a time. The minidv tapes I am using are $20 for 6 Maxell tapes.

[lenti_75]

i never use those cleaning tapes.....just a cotton swab.

once, 10 years ago i distroyed a floppy using that "cleaning floppy", and I lost a valuable disc. Since then, I NEVER EVER use those cleaning things

[Tyler2000]

How would you use a cotton swab to clean the inside of a camcorder?

[Richard_G]

The camcorder cleaner I used said to use it for 10 seconds at a time. The minidv tapes I am using are $20 for 6 Maxell tapes.

You've answered your own question. If you use crap tapes you'll get poor results and need to use a head cleaner. Buy some decent tapes.....

[Tyler2000]

I don't think the tapes were the problem. If they were, why would they playback fine in a different camcorder?

[miksu]

Different brand and type tapes are known to have different kind of lubricant. If you mix different kind tapes, those lubricants are mixed, since there is always something left in tape mechanism. Mixed residues then may cause all kind of problems. I have read about even completely spoilt tape heads. Cheap tapes are also more likely to be worse quality (not surprise for anyone).

It's likely to be tape problem. Maybe the Canon you tried has been used with same brand tape? Or it may not be so sensitive for particular tape?

[MpegEncoder]

How would you use a cotton swab to clean the inside of a camcorder?

When you pop out the tape, the heads are clearly visible.