- The clips you are trying to view must be compressed as DV. (Check Item Properties under the Edit menu to see if the compressor is DV NTSC or PAL)
- View External Video Using Firewire is enabled in the General Preferences tab
- The View>External Video submenu is set to All Frames
To be viewed on an external video monitor, the Firewire output must be converted into a standard NTSC or PAL Composite or S-Video signal. This is accomplished by using a DV camcorder, VTR, or converter box (such as the DA1 from Sony) as an intermediate link between your computer and your video monitor.
When viewing video with the External Video option enabled, the computer's built-in speaker is disabled and the audio will play out of the DV device used for conversion from FireWire. You should also know that this external audio is synchronized specifically to the external video coming out of the same converter, and that there is a delay in the sync between video displayed on the computer monitor and audio coming out of a DV converter box.
Connect your equipment in the following manner:
1. Connect your DV camcorder or VTR to your Apple Macintosh via the Firewire port (also known as the iLink port on some camcorders)
2. Connect your NTSC or PAL video monitor to the composite or S-Video out jack of the camcorder or VTR, and connect the stereo audio output of this same camcorder or VTR to the external speakers or headphones you are planning to listen to while editing.
Figure 1 Connecting a Camcorder to FireWire and a Monitor
3. In the General Preferences tab, go to the View External Video Using pop-up menu and choose Apple FireWire NTSC or PAL as appropriate.
Note: If that option is not listed then the computer is not recognizing the DV device. Double check that your DV device is turned on, that the input is set to DV, and that the Firewire cables are firmly connected.
Figure 2 The General Preferences Tab
Figure 3 Selection Choices for External Video Viewing
Users of PAL DV equipment will want to verify that this menu is set to Apple FireWire PAL
4. Select All Frames from the External Video sub-menu in the View menu.
Figure 4 External Video Selection
Selecting Single Frames prevents video from being output over FireWire until the user presses either F15 or Shift F12.
Note: This article provides information about non-Apple products. Apple, Inc. is not responsible for its content and mention of this product should not be interpreted as a recommendation by Apple. Please contact the vendors for additional information.