Topic: Dropped frames when transfering from DVcam

[sunjan]

I'm over at a friend's place, transfering a video shoot from a Sony TRV9E DVcam to the PC via firewire.
We keep getting frames dropped. Software used is Adobe Premiere Pro CS3.

We troubleshot with another DVcam, and everything worked fine. So there's either a problem with the Sony, or some firewire compatibility issue. What approach would you take to troubleshoot further?
Is there any software (Sony or third-party) that can test it for us?

Thanks a lot in advance!

[bluntforcetrauma]

i have heard not to use adobe premiere pro cs3 for capture.  I have heard that there is frame drop out at times.   Try to use a different program for import.  Also make sure that the firewire is connected to the computer HD and not an external HD.  And also make sure that there is not other firewire connected to the computer. Try final cut pro for import. I  hope this helps

[stantheman1976]

First thing is to use firewire instead of USB.  That is your ideal transfer protocol for DV.  Try WinDV for transferring.  It is a small, free download and is made specifically for transferring to and from a DV cam.  Make sure you're not running other applications at the time.  The computer should be dedicated to transferring while in the process.  If you still have dropped frames try defragging the hard drive you're transferring to.

Another thought, are you using multiple tape brands?  Particles left behind from different brands can cause this to happen.  If so get a cleaning tape and run it though once.  You don't want to use a cleaning tape too often though.  They are abrasive and can damage the heads if used excessively.  As long as you stay with one brand it should be a rare occasion you'd need one.

[Gordon]

one more thought.  are you transferring to a external or internal?  I've found that a usb external may not keep up with the real time transfer.  I've used esata external without issue.

[sunjan]

I'm transferring to an internal SATA drive thru a third-party firewire card (VIA brand).
So we've pretty much nailed it down to either the transfer software, or the cameras playback head.

I'll try WinDVD and see if it helps. I came across the name of this program but didn't know what it was good for - I'm a video neophyte! 

All good advice, thanks a lot and t+!

[stantheman1976]

WinDV, no WinDVD.  It is made specifically for transferring footage from and to a DV camera.

[sunjan]

WinDV, no WinDVD.  It is made specifically for transferring footage from and to a DV camera.

Duh, I'm getting blind 

[gearscout]

I'm joining this a bit late, but here are some thoughts on dropped frames:

The computer...

• Absolutely, positively optimize your capture/scratch drives before you begin
• Ensure your hard drive has PLENTY of free disk space
• Ensure your project settings in Premiere are correct and point to a dedicated capture/scratch drive (not the OS drive or a partition on that drive)
 
The camera...

• It may be necessary to reboot the computer with the camera connected and powered up
• Not every firewire cable works with every camera -- they should; they don't!
• Examine and clean both ends of the firewire cable ~ Check for any debris in the camera's female connector
• Check and Clean the tape playback head in the camera ~ A clogged head will produce dropout on playback

I suspect that last point may be the Sony's problem.  It would seem to be the most obvious difference between the two DV cameras you tried to use in the capture process.  You could even watch it in playback to see if there are any flashes in the video or long sync rolls with snow on start of playback.

[sunjan]

Thanks a lot gearscout, T+!

I'll pass on the info to my pal...

[echo1434]

Scenalyzer is really the best program to use for DV capture. It has just about every feature you could possibly imagine, but barely consumes any resources. It gets the data from point A to point B without the bloat of most other programs.

http://www.scenalyzer.com