Need to hook DVX to computer for first time

Beaker

Beaker

Active member
I am new to video editing and have a question regarding the proper procedure for connecting a DVX to a Mac via firewire. It was suggested by the guys at EVS that I post my question here. I heard horror stories of blowing the DVX's chips (and posiibly the computer's video card) if the right steps are not taken. Should both computer and DVX be powered down before connecting (no hot plugging?) Should one unit be connected before the other? How about the proceedure for disconnect? I am using a G5 2.5 GHTZ MAC
 
Those horror stories are all BS. The DVX has a four pin fire wire connection, so it doesn't even carry power to the computer. Just connect and capture, and power your stuff on in any way you like. I suggest already having your computer on, and your editing software open, and feel free to already have your camera on as well. But it's not a must. There's no real magic to it, and you are certainly NOT going to blow any chips by using firewire. Peace.
 
hmmm???? As a general rule, it is a good idea to have equipment OFF when plugging cables together. Even if there is no DC power, there is still electrical signal potential (voltage). But I plug things into my laptop while it is running all the time, despite mfr recommendation. I do almost always power off whatever device I am connecting (except for my poor DVD drive). But I am not neurotic about it. I would leave camera off until after the cable is in place. It may not matter much, but then again it might.
 
.. technically you sholdnd hot swap the cam.. ive done it. but sometimes the pc wont recognize it when doing so.. most of the time it does. considering that Jan Crittenden - Livingston has said herself that people who hot swap the cam are asking for trouble and it shouldnt be done.. well needless to say..even though i dont use the DVX to capture, i stopped doing it and have done it the proper way since. theres been a few firewire ports onthe DVX fried that i know of to date.. cant say its from that , but wouldnt say it wasnt either.. anyway .. better safe than sorry. have the cam turned on and plugged in and in VTR mode when the pc is powered up . that way at least you can rule out proper proceedure if something isnt going right with capture. and have peace of mind..
 
Thanks to all for the advice. I am always amazed how well this message board works....DVXuser is by far the most professional help board I have found. Keep up the good work!
 
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