Problems with video capture

[DrRST]

Windows does not seem to be recognizing my camera HV20. I get an error message each time, even though checked with Canon that there is no problem from the camera's side. He questioned whether there is something in Windows XP that is causing the problem. Disconnected printer and other possible hardware that could conflict.

[guns1inger]

What error message ?

[edDV]

What software are you using for capture? I'll assume you have IEEE-1394 connected.

If output is HDV format, try HDVsplit.

If output is DV format, try WinDV.

[DrRST]

The message simply stated something to the effect that it did not recognize an external device. I was using movie maker at first. I have downloaded WinDV, though not tried it. Told by Canon guy this was not appropriate? for still photos? I am connected via firewire IEEE1394 to my knowledge but dont' know how to check other than camera says it is connected. Don't know what HDVsplit is. Is that other software. Not sure if the moviemaker is working but it does open.

[DrRST]

I tired to open with WinDV and that did not work either. when I press capture it says, "no video device found." Could there be a problem with the firewire?

[Nelson37]

Exact, Precise, AND COMPLETE text of the error msg? Screen shot would be helpful.

Has this camera EVER worked on this PC?

Do you have another PC available for testing?

Camera in correct mode?

Is this PC a laptop?

Are you using the cable that came with the camera?

Possible incompatible Firewire port.

[filmboss80]

Are you shooting HDV? I don't think Windows Movie Maker is going to handle that.

Was there a disc that came with your camera? Usually, such a disc will contain the necessary Windows driver for it. Have you checked out your Device Manager to see if your camera is showing up? Your issue may be a simple driver problem.

What does your owner's manual say about capturing through firewire?

And did you read Nelson37's questions? Your camera should be in playback/VCR mode.

And like edDV said, WinDV is only for standard definition DV. If you shot in HDV, then you would need to capture with HDVsplit. (It lights up in red in these posts -- just click on it. Or else, find it in this site's Tools section.)

[DrRST]

Exact, Precise, AND COMPLETE text of the error msg? Screen shot would be helpful. "A video capture device was not detected. Verify that a device is turned on and connected properly, and then try again."

Has this camera EVER worked on this PC? No

Do you have another PC available for testing? no

Camera in correct mode? in Play mode

Is this PC a laptop? yes

Are you using the cable that came with the camera? no, no cable came with camera

Possible incompatible Firewire port.

How do I know. This computer, though "relatively old" was suppose to be able to deal with video editing, has 4 pt Firewire port.

[DrRST]

Are you shooting HDV? I don't think Windows Movie Maker is going to handle that. That's what the Canon guy said, but that he changed the settings on the Canon so that it should pick it up in Standard Mode. I tried WinDV, and also got message, "no video device found."

Was there a disc that came with your camera? Usually, such a disc will contain the necessary Windows driver for it. Have you checked out your Device Manager to see if your camera is showing up? Your issue may be a simple driver problem.
the Device manager shows the camera, though it has an ! point over it, as if something is wrong. Don't know exactly what it means. Disc that came with camera was only necessary for still photos. No driver needed as far as I can tell. Canon indicated only that he thought the problem was perhaps with Windows, not the camera. The camera shows that it is connected to the computer.

What does your owner's manual say about capturing through firewire? Simply says either 4 or 6 poiint, either one I think should be ok.

And did you read Nelson37's questions? Your camera should be in playback/VCR mode.
It is.

And like edDV said, WinDV is only for standard definition DV. If you shot in HDV, then you would need to capture with HDVsplit. (It lights up in red in these posts -- just click on it. Or else, find it in this site's Tools section.)

Can I just download this HVsplit? Would other software potentially work? I just downloaded AVS videoeditor 4 but did not purchase until I could be sure what I was getting so have not tried it. Thanks for help.

[filmboss80]

HDV Split: https://www.videohelp.com/tools/HDVSplit

Click on the part that says "Download." It is free. Got it?

Reading your "Computer Details" it looks like you have insufficient RAM memory, insufficient hard drive space, and a borderline CPU for HDV. Even if it can handle "video editing" that may apply to standard definition DV. If you're shooting the high-def stuff, it will choke your machine.

Know your video format before you choose your editor. If you shoot HDV, you must use a compatible video editor. Vegas comes to mind.