So, if I understand correctly, DV tapes have timecodes; essentially, a sophisticated timer that keeps track of, in sequence, how much video has been recorded, down to the frame. Kind of like the timer on a VCR or DVD player. So if you have a fresh hour-long tape, the timecode is at 00h00m00s00f before you begin, and once you've filled the tape with recorded video, it will stop at 01h00m00s00f.
That is, if you follow procedure.
The procedure is a sensible one. If you want to record something you:
1) Turn the camera on.
2) Press the Record button to start recording.
3) Press the Record button to stop recording.
4) Turn the camera off.
In the heat of the moment, however, sometimes it's hard to keep the proper procedures in mind. In my case, on several occasions, I've completely skipped step 3.
As a result, a time paradox is created.
Turning off the camera while it is recording screws up the tape's timecode. While the video will still be there, the next time you start recording, you'll find that - despite the fact that the timecode was at 00h22m47s014f when you turned the camera off - the timecode has been reset to 00h00m00s00f.
Which brings me to my dilemma.
When capturing video from DV tape, Final Cut Pro synchs up with the tape's timecode. With this capability, you can capture sequences by marking the starting timecode and the ending timecode. You can mark several sequences in this way, and then tell Final Cut Pro to record every sequence you've marked, getting only the video you want and saving time, as well.
Depending on your situation, this is either incredibly convenient, or complete bull****.
Final Cut Pro is SO reliant on the timecode that, in the case that a time paradox-ed DV tape has several instances of the timecode 00h00m00s00f, it doesn't know what the **** to do. It delivers an error message informing that the timecode is "all screwy," and adds that it "can't work under these conditions".
I shouldn't HAVE to meet Final Cut Pro half-way - it's an editting program. It's MADE to fix mistakes. I have video. So why doesn't it TAKE IT?
How do I fix this? Can I bypass the need of timecodes entirely? Is there a way I can just capture all the video on the tape at once, in one clip if need be?
I promised a lot of people that this video would be presentable by springtime. Spring is a ways away, but I gotta start some time. Thanks.
That is, if you follow procedure.
The procedure is a sensible one. If you want to record something you:
1) Turn the camera on.
2) Press the Record button to start recording.
3) Press the Record button to stop recording.
4) Turn the camera off.
In the heat of the moment, however, sometimes it's hard to keep the proper procedures in mind. In my case, on several occasions, I've completely skipped step 3.
As a result, a time paradox is created.
Turning off the camera while it is recording screws up the tape's timecode. While the video will still be there, the next time you start recording, you'll find that - despite the fact that the timecode was at 00h22m47s014f when you turned the camera off - the timecode has been reset to 00h00m00s00f.
Which brings me to my dilemma.
When capturing video from DV tape, Final Cut Pro synchs up with the tape's timecode. With this capability, you can capture sequences by marking the starting timecode and the ending timecode. You can mark several sequences in this way, and then tell Final Cut Pro to record every sequence you've marked, getting only the video you want and saving time, as well.
Depending on your situation, this is either incredibly convenient, or complete bull****.
Final Cut Pro is SO reliant on the timecode that, in the case that a time paradox-ed DV tape has several instances of the timecode 00h00m00s00f, it doesn't know what the **** to do. It delivers an error message informing that the timecode is "all screwy," and adds that it "can't work under these conditions".
I shouldn't HAVE to meet Final Cut Pro half-way - it's an editting program. It's MADE to fix mistakes. I have video. So why doesn't it TAKE IT?
How do I fix this? Can I bypass the need of timecodes entirely? Is there a way I can just capture all the video on the tape at once, in one clip if need be?
I promised a lot of people that this video would be presentable by springtime. Spring is a ways away, but I gotta start some time. Thanks.
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