random inconsistent frame dropping problem (MacPro FCP)

[maxtrack]

Greetings,
perhaps someone will recognize this problem and recommend a solution or work around.

I shot video on a Canon XHA1 and typically download to FPC via 4 pin firewire connected to a Canon HV30.
Both tapes were new, previously unused.
The first tape dumped without a problem.
The second tape has been a mind f#@k.
I am getting what appear to be -random- frame drops that abort the capture.
The dropping frames -do not- always appear to be in the same place on the subsequent attempt to capture.
I also used another HV30 and still have the problem.
Also cleaned the heads and still have the problem.
Also created a fresh destination hard drive (empty) and still have the problem.

Before I re-install my Mac OS and FCP, might anyone have a suggestion or solution they would like to share with me?

Thank you,
~ Allen

[jman98]

This is in the wrong forum. ANYTHING done on a Mac is a Mac forum post. Period. You post outside of the Mac forums, you don't get Mac help. You need Mac help. I know it seems like this is a capturing post, but again, you are doing this on a Mac. That makes this a Mac forum post.

I will ask a moderator to move this post for you.

[Baldrick]

Moved to our mac section.

[maxtrack]

As it turns out, I did NOT need Mac help. I needed download from a camcorder to any computer help.
For the moment I'll just say I found an interesting solution to my problem that did not in any way involve a Mac or a PC computer.
When I have time I shall return and post the details. It was a problem in no way connected to the destination computer.

Thank you,
~ Allen

[maxtrack]

Alrighty then, as promised, here is my complete update and best explanation of the solution to my problem. As you will see this had nothing to do with the destination computer, so perhaps this post should be put back where it started to allow others with a similar problem to more easily find it.

The camera in use when I made the recording : Canon XHA1 (it records to miniDV tape)
I attempted to dump the tape with two (2) Canon HV30 and the XHA1 and encountered a high incidence of frame drops.
After looking at multiple dumps, it seems the area in the 'middle' of 30 minutes of recording was the most affected.

I did manage to get a clean dump of the video by playing the tape back in a SONY miniDV tape deck.
The SONY tape decks appear to ignore the -time code- of the Canon made tapes.
Perhaps the -time code- on the tape created by the XHA1 was flawed in some way.
Repeated play back appeared to -make the situation worse-, but I cannot explain that.
The SONY played the tape fine, --without-- the audio track.
The lack of audio track was -not- a problem for me as I recorded all my audio externally the day of the shoot.

I just did a test with the XHA1, connected to an HV30 via fire wire.
Both tapes created by the test ( 1 tape in XHA1 and 1 tape in HV30) played back without problem in another (different) HV30.

I conclude the -miniDV tape- was the cause of the problem. Perhaps a flawed tape or perhaps contaminated in some
way I cannot explain. I'm 'happy' to assume it was a manufacturing defect tape.

My future plan to avoid this again is to record to two tapes simultaneously.
I'll connect the XHA1 to an HV30 using a firewire on all future shoots.
A little bit of a logistical challenge BUT better than loosing data.

Thank you to everyone who responded with supportive comments,
~ Allen

[aedipuss]

always use the same brand/model tape. pansonic pq is a decent low priced option. then all tapes should be wound(fast forward) fully and rewound before shooting. also shoot at least a 10 second blank lead-in.