You can convert analog video formats such as Betacam SP, 8 mm, Hi8, VHS, or SVHS to digital video (DV) using a special converter device such as the Sony DVMC DA-2, Hollywood Dazzle DV Bridge, and the Synchrotech Formac Studio. These devices are a convenient way to interoperate with Final Cut Pro when the video deck you are working with does not input or output video via FireWire.
To ensure compatibility with third-party video devices please consult the Final Cut Pro certified devices page (http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/qualification.html), the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com/store/), and/or vendor Web sites for compatibility information.
Note: These procedures describe connecting an analog/FireWire converter box while not using any sort of device control, which is the most common configuration. For instructions on using device control, see the documentation that came with the converter box and the Final Cut Pro user's documentation.
How to Capture Analog Video From a Converter Box Into Final Cut Pro
Follow these steps to capture video from an analog/FireWire converter box:
1. The computer and the converter box should both be turned on. However, Final Cut Pro should not be opened yet and the converter box should not be connected to the computer using the FireWire cable. While this step is not always necessary, it will help ensure proper initialization between the software and hardware.
2. Connect the video cable from the video output of the VCR or camera to the analog video input of the converter box. A video camera should be in playback or VTR mode. Connect the audio source in the same way.
3. The converter box will typically have a switch or button that tells the device which direction to convert the video, analog to DV or DV to analog. For capturing analog video, you will want to press the button labeled "Analog In" or something similar.
4. Connect a 4-to-6 pin FireWire cable from the DV out port on the converter box (sometimes labeled FireWire, IEEE 1394, or iLink with Sony devices) to a FireWire port on the computer.
5. Open Final Cut Pro.
6. Select Log and Capture from the File menu or press Command-8 on the keyboard. You may see an alert box with a message stating that the video deck could not be initialized. This just indicates that the converter box does not work with device control.
7. Click the Capture Settings tab on the right side of the Log and Capture window.
8. Choose Non-Controllable Device from the Device Control pop-up menu. If you plan on capturing from a converter box often, you may want to make this setting the default from the Final Cut Pro menu (File menu in Mac OS 9) -> Audio/Video Settings -> Summary Tab -> Device Control Preset pop-up menu.
9. Some converter boxes have a status light that is normally green. If this light is amber or red at this point, there may be a communication issue. Try turning the device off for several seconds and then back on again. You may also need to reopen Final Cut Pro.
10. Press play on the VCR. You should see the video signal in the Log & Capture window. If you have speakers or headphones connected to the VCR or camera then you can monitor the audio.
11. Cue the video tape to the desired spot and click Capture Now in the bottom right portion of the Log and Capture window. By default Capture Now is limited to 30 minutes of captured video. To change this setting, select Final Cut Pro menu (or File menu in Mac OS 9) -> Preferences -> Scratch Disks.
How to Send Video From Final Cut Pro to the Converter Box
Follow these steps to output video from Final Cut Pro to an analog video deck using an analog/FireWire converter box:
1. The computer and the converter box should both be turned on. However, Final Cut Pro should not be opened yet and the converter box should not be connected to the computer using the FireWire cable. While this step is not always necessary, it will help ensure proper initialization between the software and hardware.
2. Connect the video cable from the analog video output of the converter box to the video input of the VCR or camera. Connect the audio source in the same way.
3. The converter box will typically have a switch or button that tells the device which direction to convert the video, analog to DV or DV to analog. For exporting analog video from Final Cut Pro, you will want to press the button labeled "DV In" or something similar.
4. Connect a 4-to-6 pin FireWire cable from the DV in port on the converter box (sometimes labeled FireWire, IEEE 1394 or iLink with Sony devices) to a FireWire port on the computer.
5. Open Final Cut Pro.
6. Select Audio/Video Settings from the Final Cut Pro menu (or File menu in Mac OS 9).
7. In Final Cut Pro 3 click the External Video tab. In Final Cut Pro 4 click the A/V Devices tab.
8. Choose the appropriate output setting for the device you are recording to in the View During Playback Using and View During Recording Using pop-up menus. For example, in North America and Japan this would typically be "Apple FireWire NTSC (720x480)".
9. Make sure that the View->External Video menu is set to All Frames.
10. Select Print to Video from the File menu or press Control-M on the keyboard.
11. In the Print to Video window, configure settings such as leader, trailer, and color bars and then click OK.
12. Wait for Final Cut Pro to render any necessary audio or video (a progress dialog will appear if needed).
13. Press record on the VCR and click OK.
14. When finished, press stop on the VCR and Esc on the computer keyboard.
Document 17159: "Locating Vendor Information" can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number:
Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only, and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.