Analog pass-thru - audio only

[daamon]

Hi all,

I have a Sony DCR-SC100E miniDV cam:



...that was bought in the UK.

Background (you'll see why soon): I've used software and a cable from the PC to the cam to enable the DV-in on the cam coz (in Europe) it's disabled by manufacturers to avoid extra taxes, coz a cam that can record through the DV-in is classed as a video recorder and attracts more tax.

I've tried hooking up a VHS VCR with it's composite (red, yellow & white) outputs into the (yellow) A/V port on the side of the cam. At the same time, I had the firewire out of the cam and into the PC.

The PC played the video and the audio when I played a miniDV tape on the cam - so the connections there are all OK. But, with the VCR playing a pre-recorded TV show, the cam (only - not the PC) played the audio but there was no picture. There was no picture or audio on the PC (using WinDV for both).

I tried the same VHS VCR -> cam -> PC setup with my friends Canon miniDV cam and it works OK.

Now, here's why I put the background:

1. Did enabling the DV_in somehow block the ability to do analog pass-thru?
2. Can a similar method be used to enable analog pass-thru?
3. Is it / is it not possible to do analog pass-thru on this Sony cam?

Any help would be appreciated. Cheers.

[daamon]

Anyone...?

[The_Doman]

Yes, it is possible that you have blocked the Analog input by enabling the DV-in function of the camera.
I have a D8 RTV120 which I have modified about the same way.
Standard the sony digital camera's in Europe come with with analog in enabled.
There are lot's of functions which can be unlocked with the right software.
When the Analog AND DV inputs are enabled there should be an extra menu in which you can choose between analog or DV input.
If possible you should try to reset the original settings, then the analog input should be activated.

Also you could try to disconnect the firewire cable with only the VCR connected to the Camcorder. It is possible the analog inputs will work then.

[daamon]

Hi The_Doman,

Thanks for the response...

There are lot's of functions which can be unlocked with the right software.

Is this software anything that can be bought or trialware downloaded? Any names of apps?

When the Analog AND DV inputs are enabled there should be an extra menu in which you can choose between analog or DV input.

I've had a fairly comprehensive look and there's nothing that would suggest I can choose an analog input. The closest thing is when the cam is set to "Playback" and there's a menu option (can't recall what it's named - "TV Input" I think) where the options are "Video 1, Video 2, Video3" and "Off".

None of these make any difference... Out of interest, what do they relate to? The user manual isn't that detailed.

If possible you should try to reset the original settings, then the analog input should be activated.

It's possible, but I do lose the ability to record back to the cam via firewire - but that's not something I use much. I shall probably give it a try.

Also you could try to disconnect the firewire cable with only the VCR connected to the Camcorder. It is possible the analog inputs will work then.

OK, I'll try that too.

It's gonna be a week or so before I get my PC delivered, so I'll come back soon after. Thanks for your suggestions.

[daamon]

@ The_Doman / anyone,

Update:

I've been looking into buying a Canon GL2E / XM2 (depends what country you're in) and spotted this:

"AV Insert
Add new video from a VCR or another camcorder to a tape recorded in SP mode. The camcorder gives you the option of adding video and/or audio to an existing SP-recorded DV tape. Input can be digital, or analog video and analog audio."

I tried the analog pass thru with no tape and a tape in, but the tape had been recorded to in LP mode. I (still) don't have my home PC, so can't try it out.

But I got excited and wondered "Could this be the cause of my problem?" I know mine's a Sony and the cam above is a Canon, but what d'ya reckon...?

Thanks.

[trock]

I read that some miniDV cams allow real passthrough and some make you record the input to a miniDV tape first and then you can transfer it to the PC. I don't which do and which don't, although I've been told that the Sony TRV22 does real passthrough.

trock

[jakol]

i have sony dcr-pc105 minidv cam, it has real time analog pass thru, but only works with sony program DVD Gate Plus, when i tried to use the analog pass with other prog( vegas, windows movie maker, windv etc..theres no pic only sound.

[daamon]

@ trock - Yeah, I've heard the same too. I can't see any menu option that will allow recordingt o tape, so I'm guessing it'll be straight pass-through.

@ jakol - Interesting... I'll have a hunt for "DVD Gate Plus" and see what it's about. Cheers for the heads up.