Question about Sony Handycam DCR-TRV19 Mini DV Digital Camcorder

Sony DCR-TRV19: New capture problem

I have had the camera for five years, used it often and without problem. Recently, new video plays perfectly via cabling to the TV, but when I try to capture it (via Firewire, as always) the result is very choppy with lots of dropped frames, gaps, sound flaws, etc. Has the camera simply outlived it's useful life or is there something I can try to get it to work correctly again? (I did check the cable, cleaned things up, checked the Firewire card mounting and connections, etc.) Thanks for any suggestions, ideas and help. marindavid

3 more comments
marindavid Aug 19, 2007

I tried a second (new ) camera. With both the Sony and the new Panasonic, both firewire cards and plugs recognize the connection and although the video plays smoothly on both the cameras and on the TV, the capture is broken and choppy. I have replaced the cables. Any other ideas?
Thanks.
David
marindavid Aug 20, 2007

How?
And why would this change after successful use for years?
David
marindavid Aug 26, 2007

In and of itself, this is not helpful. There has been no response to my follow up question - and no explanation of why, after so long a period of successful use with no change in either hard or software, the compression issue would surface.
A pretty cheap answer. Hardly worth the cost - any chance of getting a more complete solution?
David
marindavid Aug 27, 2007

Help given was to minimalist to be of any use. Can someone help me, please?
marindavid Aug 29, 2007

The "Second" solution by Benimur was FAR superior and helpful. Unlike the first 'expert', he took the time to carefully analyze my situation and solved the problem. The first responder provided what to me was a non-helpful a useless one-line reply. Further, he never responded to my question back to him for further clarification.
Caveat Emptor!

2 Answers

Louie Role

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Hi, Perhaps the fault is not with any of the cameras, nor with the hard/software, firewire cards and plugs but with the PC doing the capture. Based on your post/description: 1. Both cameras work fine on TV and internal display, therefore video source is ok; 2. You have used the same firewire cards, software, cables, therefore capturing system is ok; 3. "very choppy with lots of dropped frames, gaps, sound flaws, etc.", this is when you watched what you have captured I presume; 4. which is your PC I think. Some possible reasons (PC side): 1. The PC is running out of memory - new programs/applications may have been installed (since your last no problem capture) that runs on startup and uses memory. This can include the updates, patches, servie packs, antivirus, anti malwares etc. or even the capture software; 2. The hard disk is running out of space; 3. The processor may no longer be up to it - same as #1; 3. The hard disk may need to be defragmented. It may also be a good idea to delete some unwanted/un-used programs, temporary files, temporary Internet files and others of the sort. Hope this be of some help/idea to you. Post back how things are or should you need further information. Good luck and kind regards.

Posted on Aug 27, 2007

Arpad Kothai

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