Problem capturing vdeo off camcorder!

[seven1970]

Just had my Sony HC9 video camera fixed (needed a new mounting system).

Cleaned the heads.

When I try to capture from the device, it comes across as "crackly".

ie black lines in the film, jumpy, and just not usable.

But when I play it on the cameras screen, it is fine.

I am guessing it is as simple as replacing the firewire cable, but is that it?

Tried two diff video editing programs with the same result.

cheers

[seven1970]

Also, do gold plated cords make a diff, or all the same?

[aedipuss]

Also, do gold plated cords make a diff, or all the same?

they're nice because the plating doesn't oxidize. no different signal, just not capable of no signal because of rust.

[aedipuss]

not really possible for display to be different than captured video. it's the same data.

[seven1970]

not really possible for display to be different than captured video. it's the same data.

Display on my laptop is diff from the displayed footage on the camcorder.

Only thing I can think of is a damaged firewire cord.

[aedipuss]

camcorder display are notoriously better looking than the actual video. they are tiny overly bright and over saturated. they hide a lot of defects. a bad firewire cable may cause dropped frames but not black lines or jumpiness. that sounds more like dirty heads.

[seven1970]

camcorder display are notoriously better looking than the actual video. they are tiny overly bright and over saturated. they hide a lot of defects. a bad firewire cable may cause dropped frames but not black lines or jumpiness. that sounds more like dirty heads.

Will clean them again, thanks.

[sanlyn]

Also, do gold plated cords make a diff, or all the same?

Gold plating makes no change in the transmission. Other than the resistance to oxidation (which isn't all that durable, since the plating is cheap and can be rubbed off with use), gold itself is not a good electrical conductor. Pros don't use it. If you look at the cable from your provider, you won't see gold. Pros use more durable and electrically efficient connectors of copper alloy, often copper/chromium. Naturally, it's more expensive than cheap gold plating.

[smrpix]

Try jiggling the cord (gently) while you're capturing and see if it has an effect.

[seven1970]

Thanks for the replies, I will try everything on the weekend when I have time, and the new cord has arrived.

cheeers

[seven1970]

Still there.

Black lines on the laptop screen when I try to capture the video.

But the picture on the cameras little screen is perfect.

Tried a new cord, and cleaned the heads again.

The head cleaner is 2 years old, but hardly used.

Does it dry up, or become useless over time?

[seven1970]

But if it were the heads, the footage on the cameras screen would have to be a little messed up?!

[seven1970]

Someone else said:

Maybe they broke/didn't replace shielding and the firewire data is being interfered with.

Make any sense?

[aedipuss]

head cleaners don't dry up. if you record to a new tape and then capture that video is it ok?

[smrpix]

How did the jiggle test come out? That would tell you if there is something mechanically wrong with the cable or connectors. (Looks like you've ruled out the cable at this point.)

[seven1970]

head cleaners don't dry up. if you record to a new tape and then capture that video is it ok?

Have not tried, but as I said the older tapes when played on the camcorder screen are perfect.

But will try it later just to be sure.

Thanks

[seven1970]

How did the jiggle test come out? That would tell you if there is something mechanically wrong with the cable or connectors. (Looks like you've ruled out the cable at this point.)

Both ends of the cable are very firm with no movement at all.

[seven1970]

I just filmed 1 minute of new footage and it is perfect.

Checking through the old tapes now.

[seven1970]

Tried about 40 mins of an older tape and it started off perfect, then became jumpy, stop/start, and with the black lines/blocks across the screen.

[aedipuss]

old tapes may be bad. possible causes - recorded on cam with misaligned heads, recorded with dirty heads, exposure to magnetic fields, heat/cold, etc...

[seven1970]

old tapes may be bad. possible causes - recorded on cam with misaligned heads, recorded with dirty heads, exposure to magnetic fields, heat/cold, etc...

Used then put away. Same cam to record, always cleaned heads, not hot or cold.

AFAIK no magnetic field exposure.

[jagabo]

Tried about 40 mins of an older tape and it started off perfect, then became jumpy, stop/start, and with the black lines/blocks across the screen.

This could be heat related issue in the camera, ie, it works when cool, starts having errors as it gets hotter. Try 40 mins of new footage, not just one or two.

[smrpix]

Both ends of the cable are very firm with no movement at all.

Good, but does it affect the picture while you're doing it?

[seven1970]

Both ends of the cable are very firm with no movement at all.

Good, but does it affect the picture while you're doing it?

No, not at all.

[seven1970]

Tried about 40 mins of an older tape and it started off perfect, then became jumpy, stop/start, and with the black lines/blocks across the screen.

This could be heat related issue in the camera, ie, it works when cool, starts having errors as it gets hotter. Try 40 mins of new footage, not just one or two.

Ok.

[seven1970]

I took a new video and it was blocky also.

Sent the camera back.

So at least I know it is not the cassettes.

I am grateful of that fact.