Connecting a VHS video recorder to camcorder

[jonchill]

I have recently purchased a MINIDV camcorder and want to use it as passthrough so I can download them to my computer.

What cables do I need and how do I go about connecting it up?

The VCR has video and audio out and a s-video out the camcorder has s-video and stero video sockets.

Thanks

[Will Hay]

I have recently purchased a MINIDV camcorder and want to use it as passthrough so I can download them to my computer.

What cables do I need and how do I go about connecting it up?

The VCR has video and audio out and a s-video out the camcorder has s-video and stero video sockets.

Thanks

A stab in the dark but I'd suggest this...

The VCR has.....s-video out the camcorder has s-video

That's assuming the s-video is imput, I don't know, you haven't said.
Failing that composite to composite should work.
Do you have the yellow red and white imputs on the camcorder?
Will Hay

[wingnut]

Morning,

can I ask where youare in the world ?

The reason I ask this is in Europe a lot of DV camcorders have their analogue pass through and dv record features disabled in comparison with their US versions, (although the EU versions cost far more so I suppose this is fair - sarcasm mode off! - ), this is because of tax levies imposed on camcorders which do allow this function as they are then classed as video recorders not cameras.

If you are in the US / not in the EU or your camera does support passthrough then I imagine your wiring would be something like


(S)VHS---------> Camera

Composite video out (yellow jack)-----> camera composite in
Audio Left out (white jack)---------------> camera left in
Audio Right out (red jack)----------------> camera right in
SVideo out (if its an svhs deck)----------> camera svideo in

Camera---------->PC
Mini DV jack--------------------> Firewire card/port on PC *


* If your PC does not have a firewire port (IEEE 1394 port) then you will need an inexpensive PCI card to go inside your machine, these cost around £30 in the UK but I'm afraid I don't know the cost in other territories.

Hope this helps


Cheers

Edz

[jonchill]

I live in the UK, my manual says that it can be used as a passthrough but does not give any specific details.

Would it be a similar setup if I wanted to record the VHS onto a minidv?

Anyone recommend a decent place I can get the cables from?

Thanks for your help.

[wingnut]

Hi there

assuming that the manual covers recording to minidv from the analogue inputs i would *guess* that this will also enable the passthough to the dv port.

This being correct follow the manual as if you where recording to mini dv but don't start recording.

Now start capturing on your pc with the minidv lead connected from your camcorder to your firewire port.

Assuming you get picture and sound just capture your vhs recording and you're done.

If you dont get any signal on the pc then put a blank tape into the minidv camcorder and press record and see if the pc picks up a signal.

Assuming it does the unit only seems to passthough in record mode unless there is a hidden menu option enabling passthrough.

For cables I believe any good pc store should sell them, you will beable to get the svideo/audio hook up leads from stores such as dixons and the firewire lead from somewhere such as PC world but they will be more expensive, you may want to check out kelkoo.co.uk to find out the best on line prices too.

Hope this helps


Cheers

Edz