Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

bbalser

bbalser

Veteran
It seems I have to jump through a dozen hoops everytime I try to get FCP-HD to connect properly with my DVX100a. I've used Canon GL-1s and XL-1s up to now with no problem.

Checking Apple's hardware compatability list, they only list the DVX100P and the DVX100aP, not the 100 nor the 100a. What's up with that?

Is there a trick to getting the DVX100a to communicate with FCP-HD properly?
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

[quote author=BenB link=board=FCP;num=1109957116;start=0#0 date=03/04/05 at 09:25:15]Checking Apple's hardware compatability list, they only list the DVX100P and the DVX100aP, not the 100 nor the 100a.  What's up with that?
[/quote]


..its the same thing.. check your manual or the box it came in.
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

Check your firewire connections. Make sure you have a good cable that's fully inserted in camera and in computer. Turn camera on in VCR before starting FCP.
Do you have other firewire devices? (drives, etc) Try disconnecting them and see if that changes anything. Iif you're daisy channing the camera (camera -> drive -> computer) try plugging it in directly to the computer.
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

GL-1 and XL-1 have no problems. It is specific to the DVX. No other firewire devices. Always start my cams up in VCR mode before FCP, always.

I guess I want to find out is anyone else has had issues with the DVX communicating with FCP. FCP starts up, doesn't give me the "no devices" warning at the begining. So something is connecting. But once inside FCP there's no output to the camera. And the Capture window claims there's no connected device.

Tried trashing FCP prefs. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Tried rebooting my G5. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Are there, or has there ever been any known issues with the DVX and FCP?
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

I have connected the DVX100a to my G5 for import before and never had a problem. This may sound stupid, but is your DVX in VCR playback mode?
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

No problem with G5 and DVX.
There's a basic firewire connection pref option as well you might try.
As for no output - do a Refresh A/V devices and set to playback all frames.
Set monitor output to be firewire.
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

"This may sound stupid, but is your DVX in VCR playback mode?"

I stated already that I always have my cams in VCR mode before launching FCP.

I've been editing professionally with FCP since 1.0, I run a production company, I'm a retired IT Engineer, about to be Level 2 FCP certified, scheduling to be certified as an Apple instructor for FCP, write a regular column on Apple production products. Just so you guys know I'm not a newbie, an idiot, or a nut. Well, maybe I'm a bit nuts...

It's just plain weird. It defies logic. It is just so intermitent that it's hard to pin down the problem. It's like when your car makes a bad noise all the time except when you pull up into the mechanic's shop.

I think I'm begining to believe in ghosts. Ok, I don't believe in ghosts. Although I have created them on video before.

But seriously, I only wanted to find out if anyone knows if there had been any issues with the DVX on Apple equipment, that's all.

This G5/FCP system has run without a hitch with the Canon cams for a good solid year now and we get the DVX and poof, problem. Hmmm.... think, think, think, think, OUCH!
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

there is some serious dvx hating going on with your mac.
try ... resetting your capture settings. hehhe...
 
Re: Hard Time Getting FCP To See DVX100a

Maybe there is no software problem. My dvx firewire connection on the camera has been broken. It took some time to find that out because it is relatively new. BTW does anybody know a panasonic repair center in the states.
Dolph
 
Firewire is Firewire when dealing with the DVX100 and FCPHD. Should work. Might be the connection(hardware).

If it is... then IMO... you should just buy a cheap $200-300 miniDV camera with Firewire. And use that as your VTR deck. Might be about the same price or cheaper than getting that FireWire fixed... that is, unless your warranty expired already.
 
I have a very similar problem.

I have a dual G5 and it is always hit or miss with recognizing my camera. Sometimes it will see the first time and other times I am rebooting and replugging in the cable for an hour (very frustrating).

I have tried different cables with no luck.

The apple people tell me they think it is the camera and panasonic says it is the mac. Fun.

I wish I had an answer, but for now I just suffer through it.

Chris
 
If you have other dv camera's that work fine with FCP, just use them as a deck or listen to WaveRiderXIX and buy a cheapo camera for a deck ... saves time and energy [and sanity]
 
..thats a good point. you shouldnt be using the cam as a deck anyway... just use the GL1.

but in an effort to help solve the problem lets get rid of another potential error. be sure that the camera is plugged into the firewire cable and turned on in VTR mode before the computer is turned on. as im sure you know, firewire is not hotswap, and sometimes the interface will not recognize the DV device unless it is present on boot. ..anyway .. just another suggestion.
 
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