trying to use hpx 300 as a webcam

ccastro

ccastro

Well-known member
I've been trying to get my Macbook Pro to recognize my HPX 300 via the 300's firewire for a while now and I can't seem to get past this hurdle.

Is there a hardware switch or setting on the mac you need to switch to disable the webcam on the laptop. I'm using both ustream and livestream's software and the only camera I cam every see is the wecam on the top of the laptop.

I've switched the setting on the HPX 300 to all around stopping on 720 30p and DVCProHD, that's one of the options both sites have to connect to the camera and still no luck.

I'm convince the problem is at the laptop, I just can't figure out how to fix it.

Anyone have experience with this issue I'm having ?
 
Well, if that is true then he has to make sure that he is in 720P/30P and not PN as the camera will not have a live output over firewire with PN.

Thansk Jim,

Jan
 
Hi Jan.

Hi Jan.

My laptop recognizes it when I transfer media from the camera, but I'm trying to use it as a video camera, and I can't get the laptop or the software of either company to recognize the camera under any setting.
 
Oh Jan,

I forgot to mention that I'm using the firewire output at the rear of the camera, next to the usually BNC/SDI outputs.
 
We do this all the time. We use Final Cut Studio. As Jan has said, make sure you are NOT using 720 30PN. The camera MUST be set to either 1080 30p or 720p. Do not use the 720 30pn. Make sure your capture settings are the same as the camera and that the FireWire HD is selected. Also set the control to non-controllable device, otherwise capture will not work as the computer is looking for active time code.
 
OK Jim I'll try that

OK Jim I'll try that

I really don't get why I need to go thru FCP but I'll try that 1st thing in the morning. I'm at work currently so I can't try this right now. I don't know if I'm explaining my self correctly but I'm using the websites I mentioned in my previous posts above, to try and transmit through them and their software.

They have a drop down menu that among the many options listed, DVC pro hd is included as an option. I haven't a clue how me opening FCP will help me out but I'll try it lol.

When you use FCP are you transmitting out via an ethernet connection or fiber line or something other than those websites I mentioned ?

I guess doing what you suggest will enable the laptops firewire to recognize my camera and therefore the software on those site will be able to pick it up somehow?

I reaching here, but I'll definitley try it tomorrow.

It sound like you doing something different than I am.

I just want to figure out how to do it.

Thanks for your help. :thumbup:
 
Sorry,
I misread your question. The workflow I suggested is to capture live video to edit. Are you using livechat? I have not tried that. I don't see why that would not work, but it might only work in SD, such as DV/DVCPro setting. It's worth a try. I might have time to trouble shoot this tomorrow. I did some checking and I am convinced that Standard Def is the problem. HD is an altogether different situation. There is too much bandwidth involved.
 
Last edited:
No Problem

No Problem

These are the companies I was referring to Jim.

http://www.ustream.tv/

http://www.livestream.com/

I believe this could be a nice tool, I was in contact with someone from the tech support department and they suggested using the SD output of the camera.
The downside to these companies is that they don't have currently live tech support so if you need them you need to e-mail them and they get back to ya.

Not very dependable if you are trying to circumvent the traditional Transmit points such as Microwave Live trucks, Satellite Truck or Fiber lines.
When you are try to do broadcast stuff you need someone on the other end right away to help you fix the problem.

I will try your suggestions and the tech support guy's suggestion tomorrow, one of those companies offer HD streaming supposedly but at a pricey monthly fee.
I say pricey but compared to some Sat time fees it seems relatively cheap.

Getting back to your point though, is that the way you capture directly to an external Hard drive?

I've seen stills before of people using a live camera being fed into a laptop and the onto a drive, is that the way its done ?

{ the way you described in your post }
 
Yes, that is what I was referring to; capturing to a HD from a live camera or other FireWire video source. This would also work from a switcher withe the proper interface box.
 
Excellent Jim

Excellent Jim

I'll bookmark this post for myself and give it a shot in the near future.

I assume the advantage is that you can record for longer periods of time without having to transfer from a P2 card. is it safe to say you use some sort of raid drive or redundant system for safety purposes.

Can you monitor the footage and play it back to check takes?

I also have a matrox mxo2, do you use an I/O box at all in your typical setup?

This is great info you have provided, I know I'm off topic now so I'll PM you if you don't mind in the future with more questions, Thanks.
 
OK update for those of you that care, I got a hold of some at Livestreaming and they said the free version only works with DV or SD video.

I was relieved to hear that it wasn't a camera or laptop issue.

I was able to see the camera on the laptop through their software but audio is still a minor issue.
I'm working to resolve that issue with them, if I can get the audio to work properly this could be a great tool.

Especially if you upgrade to the HD channels they offer. I'm going to work the kinks out with the free version and then maybe try out the HD version later on.
 
Yes, we use that method for longer recording,eliminating the need to transfer P2 cards. I run the firewire directly into the firewire 400 port on the MBP. I connect the raid drive to the Firewire 800 port. This eliminates the possibility of conflicts on the firewire busses.

There are a couple of pitfalls. The clip can be damaged if the firewire is interrupted or you should loose power.

We always start with a clean drive, Make a new project folder, set ALL the project files to that folder, using the system settings in Final Cut Pro.

Remember to save the project after each take. Then you can shut down log and capture and view your video. Then you can re-open Log and Capture and capture more video.
 
Thanks Jim

Thanks Jim

I will give it a shot and make sure I feel comfortable with the work flow before I try it with a potential client.

Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top