Ok I'm trying to record from my DVX100A direct to my powerbook. Is this possible and do I need a tape in to do it? Do I need to do anything in the menu?
Ok after experimenting it looks like I could use "Capture Now" in FCP to get the feed via firewire. Problem being is that it needs timecode and it appears the DVX won't actually record without a tape in it. I was hoping to use this for longer timelapses. Any work arounds there?
Try iMovie if timecode isn't critical
Not sure how the sensor knows a tape is in place. I suppose it's possible to take a MiniDV tape and remove the actual tape so it's just a case to fool it into 'recording mode'.
Ok for anyone interested I used FCP, put device control to non controlled and hit capture now. Seems to work fine and you don't need the tape to be recording.
There is a special software available for that purpose:BTV.
You can record with it straight to the hard drive. There is small latency, or should I say delay in a recording, but in a theory it works well. It makes very big file sizes, so you will need lots of external hard drive space. I once tested the demo version of "BTV" and it worked well, personally I am still using tapes. But maybe after few years...Who knows.
you mentioned that you were looking to capture prolonged time laps with your power book. I don't know if they make this software for the mac, but you could try scenalizer. I use it to capture all my footage, and it even has a time laps capture function tha will capture 1 out of every "n" frames. You can even hook your camera up to it and record tapeless. try http//www.scenalyzer.com for more info
formac makes a desktop TVR that would work perfectly for something like this...
my friend gave me is G5 for the summer (until i get one of my own when the 3.0's come out; gonna get a 1.8 dual for cheaper) and it has the TVR... it's a nifty little device, does alot. it's nice to record stuff off the TV in raw DV format and edit it in FCP.
i can try for you and see if it works with the DVX.
the TVR is about 300 bucks though, and that's pretty steep.