Analog-digital conversion using HV20

[Matt Agnello]

I had some questions about the analog to digital conversion functions of the HV20. I've already done some of what the manual calls "digital dubbing" where I've recorded from a VHS source to a miniDV tape, but I was wondering if it was possible to record straight through to a hard drive with the HV20 acting as a node.

My computer setup is a Macbook Pro attached to a 300 GB external harddrive via USB cable. I've attached the HV20 to my laptop using a firewire cable. I'd use both on firewire, but my laptop only has one firewire port. I'm using Final Cut Pro 5 to capture with.

I'm setting up the HV20 according to the manual under Analog/Digital Conversion (pg 72). Using the Log and Capture function on FCP, I get an error about lack of timecode, since I'm running tapeless. I was wondering if there was a way around this. It would definitely improve the efficiency of my workflow if I didn't have to use a miniDV tape as a conversion point anymore and could run an entire VHS tape onto my hard drive.

If you have any insights, I'd definitely appreciate it.

[rebus]

In the 'Log and Capture' window select the 'Capture Settings' tab.
Click on the 'Device Control' pop-up menu and select 'Non-controllable Device'.
Then use the 'Capture Now' button to start recording.
Give yourself 10 seconds before and after the section you want to record.
Press the escape key to stop recording.