Cannot capture with VirtualDub using MiniDV cam

[average joe]

2 PCs, same thing....new Panasonic MiniDV, one PC is SP1, the other is SP2...cannot capture using Vegas (it loses DV connection after 5 seconds) or VirtualDub. VirtualDub sees my camera under 'device' when connected, however I cannot choose "format" underneath 'video' as it is grayed-out rendering the prgram useless. I do not have another camera to try, but WinDV does work, yes. Only thing I don't like about it (but my, god, it is free, and I really do appreciate that, while some others still love to pick apart freeware...)is that even though you can determine the frame# that it turns 'off' - minutes*60*30, it still continues to capture so you have to be around to x-out the program. I posted a request for command-line to disengage WinDV after the last frame, but no one has replied yet. Yes I know Scenalyzer can do it, but it is not freeware.

So how about the VirtualDub problem I am having?....all the guides I have tried do not work

[edDV]

WinDV is a good test of DirectShow so that isolates the issues to the capture applications.

Do the programs disconnect 5 sec after connecting to the camcorder or 5 sec after you start capture?

For Vegas, I don't know where you are seeing "format". DV camera transfer is set in Preferences - Video Device.

In the capture application you select "capture video"


In VirtualDub, mine doesn't have Format grayed out, so I don't know.

[average joe]

Thanks. Vegas, well that becomes their vidcap program when I choose the 'capture' near the bottom-left of the timeline. That keeps saying 'enter tape' and when I try to reconnect the device, it is almost like it does not exist, it always works intially, but even before I can start to capture, it disconnects. Doesn't happen on my Sony laptop, though....hmm...

So, to answer 100%, both programs, both PCs disconn without even capturing frame #1.

BTW....just finishing capturing 1 hour using WinDV, no frames dropped. It's the VirtualDub and the Vegas that have issues. DirectShow is what my camera is 'seen as' in VirtualDub

Any idea of how to use command line to turn WinDV off 30 minutes from now?

[edDV]

Have you set up the "video device" preferences? I think that is your Vegas problem.

The capture app also has a page of preference setups under options including device control.

[redwudz]

You can try DVapp. It has a timer and it's free.

VirtualDub won't work for DV capturing.

[edDV]

VirtualDub won't work for DV capturing.

True, I forgot that. You can still capture but not to DV format.

[average joe]

Yeah, I tried all that Vegas preferences stuff, thanks for the double-check on that, but, looks as though DVapp will fit the bill becuase of the timer. Too bad on Vegas though....even have tried the official Vegas Forums as well as Creative Cow. I DLd the DVapp and it works after I tooled around a bit, no guides listed, have any links? Like when to use type 1 or type 2 capture and what they mean? Since it is DV capture I am sure that there is no quality difference b/w the Vegas or WinDV or DVapp...right..???

Thanks

[gadgetguy]

Here is a command line for WinDV to capture 1 hour and 30 minutes, it will exit when it is done and the filename will be "MyCapture" plus whatever settings you have set up in the config. Hope this helps.

WinDV capture -exit 01:30:00.00 MyCapture

[redwudz]

DV transfer should be the same no matter which application is used. Similar to copying a file from one hard drive to another.

For the difference between Type 1 or 2, it depends mostly on what software you plan to use the file in. Virtualdub and TMPGEnc encoder seem to like Type 2. There is a good explanation of the types in the 'Glossary' : https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?D#DV