Using DVX100b to convert VHS tapes

K

KMP

New member
I'm using my DVX100b to convert VHS tapes. I've hooked a composite cable into the DVX and to the audio/video out ports of a VCR. I hit play on the VCR while the camera is in VCR mode and I see the VHS tape playing in the DVX. Now my thinking is that I can hit record and it will record the VHS tape to miniDV - then off to FCP. It's as if the record button doesn't work...can anyone tell me why this is? Is there something I have to do for this to work?
 
This should work just fine. "Hitting record" is not the same in VTR mode as it is in camera mode. There are two buttons on the top of the camera that must be pushed simultaneously to start recording. Also, make sure your miniDV cassette isn't record protected. Other than that, you shouldn't have a problem except for potential (existing) damage to the VHS tapes.

If you see the picture wobbling, or barely discernible, there's a chance the control track is chewed up or otherwise deteriorated. In that case, the solution is to send the signal from the VHS deck to a TBC (Time Base Corrector), and then into the DVX. That will stabilize the signal by replacing the sync burst.
 
alex h (or anyone else)-

do u need to record to a minidv in order to pass thru the vhs signal straight to fcp?

can i hook up the dvx100 to a vhs machine and then use firewire from the dvx100 to mac pro/fcp?

i would play the vhs, "record" the dvx100 and import via fcp.

would this "pass thru" be successful?

thanks in advance.

be well

rob
smalltalk productions
 
Yes, you can use the DVX as a DV bridge without having to record to tape. However, by recording to miniDV first you get a preserved copy on digital tape that has a set streat of TC. The TC is especially helpful for restoring projects in the future.
 
For anyone else who reads this post...the two buttons are not really on the top of the DVX as Alex mentions in his first post. You will find them if you open up the LCD towards the top - one button is grey and one is red. This worked great and many thank you's to Alex. It's good to receive assistance from a fellow Tennessean.:cheesy:
 
Looks like they relocated those controls for the DVX100b. With the 100a, they're on the top of the camera, below the handle.
 
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