Firewire, IEEE1394, and Sony i.Link

[Chuck Engels]

Oops, sorry Dave, it will split by timecode and I don't think you can turn it off.

[Bobby]

Yes, if the device is digital, it does split files on timecode, regardless of the elapsed time split setting. But am guessing that it would split on time if a single sequence is longer.

[Dave McElderry]

Sorry to seem obtuse Bobby, but I'm having trouble understanding what you're saying, especially the second sentence. What we have here, is failure to communicate. Let me see if I'm getting what you're saying:

1) WinDV will split the capture into a separate file on discontinuous timecode, period.

2) WinDV will split even if there is no discontinuous timecode, if the lapsed time of capture is greater than the Max AVI size setting.

If the above is true, then what does the discontinuity threshold setting do?

[Bobby]

1) If not digital or not timecode, WinDV will slice by elapsed time, set in the options.

2) If timecode, WInDV will slice by timecode change OR elapsed time, whichever OCCURS FIRST.

I think - I have no connection with the program.

[Dave McElderry]

Okay. Got it. Thanks Bobby.

[Ken Jarstad]

If 'Discontinuity threshold (sec.): is set to zero then it will NOT respond to breaks in timecode.

http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net/PapaJohn/61/WinDV.aspx

[Dave McElderry]

Very helpful Ken. Using a value of zero to disable a function is one of those little conventions that a lot of programs use, but I never thought of it. WinDV is a nice little utility, especially for its size. I've never had problems capturing from PrEl, so I never had a reason to go looking elsewhere, but I'm going to stick it in my toolbox; it may come in handy. I'll pass this info along to my friend. I appreciate it.

[Bobby]

I think I knew once about the zero fields, but forgot. Thanks for the reminder! We all tend to use programs in the way our particular use requires and often forget the rest.

[Dave McElderry]

That's sure the truth Bobby. I know I get stuck doing the same things the same way in PrEl. I know there's a lot of options in the program that I never get around to playing with. It's like buying a 14 room house and then living in 3 rooms.

[docj0nes]

Hi,

Going back to the original question I have a Sony HDV camera and found problems a couple of years ago with my 3rd party firewire cable. It was down the the build quality of the cable in the end, odd that one day it worked and the next I started getting issues. I thought at first it was the OS playing up but changing to another cable worked first time.
I hear firewire cables are prone to fail frequently. I'd suggest trying a couple of different cables before buying an i-link as I've never needed one myself before.

Cheers,
Docj0nes

[Chuck Engels]

Thanks for the great input Doc, and welcome to Muvipix

[Dave McElderry]

I appreciate it Doc. He did get his capture, and produced a short, simple video that he was attempting. This thread has been very informative, though. I always seem to learn things when this group gets to sharing its knowledge. Thanks everyone.

[docj0nes]

Cheers guys, I hope to learn bucket loads from this site as I am quite the novice. Looking forward to it

[jackfalbey]

Welcome aboard, Doc! We're glad to have you.