Component Out Not Working

[FalconFalcone]

My component out jack is malfunctioning. My iMac has stopped reading this camera altogether. Is it a better idea to try to repair it, or should I look into a playback tape deck of some sort? Where can I find those?

[Erik Bien]

Hi FF, and welcome to the forum!

First things first: are you sure the component out is really the problem? You didn't say exactly which model of camera you're using but assuming it's an HV series, there are some PLAY/OUT menu settings to check (if memory serves, component out can be set to 480 [SD] or 1080 [HD]). You might also try resetting the camera to factory defaults (again on the HV series, push and hold the small reset button behind the battery).

Finally, why are you capturing from the analog component outs? Tape-based cameras like the HVx0 normally ingest over IEEE1394 (FireWire), solid-state cams like the HF series can use USB (or simply insert the SD card into a memory card reader).

Hope that helps!

[FalconFalcone]

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.

Here's some things I did not mention:
-I have an HV20
-I have it connected to an iMac with Firewire (i tried connecting one of my older camcorders to the computer, which worked fine)
-And most importantly, I think there is something structurally wrong with the HV20. The Firewire is somewhat difficult to plug into the camera, and it never really feels securely fastened.

It's been a long time since I've been interested in Digital Media, it's certainly come a long way. I can remember editing videotape with a pair of scissors and a roll of tape, all the way up to the early editions of Adobe Premiere. I'm not totally sure what my options are from here. The camera seems to work fine in all other aspects. Any more help would be greatly appreciated.

[Fade to inferno]

hey falcon. just so you know very often this happens to a lot of users for a day. and the way most people fix this trouble shooting is:

-exit your capturing settings. Turn off your camera then turn back on. re enter log and capture setting.

-turn imac and camera off. restart imac. turn camera on first while having editor open. then go onto log and capture.

if these things don't work it could be your firewire cable.

Let us know the result after these tests

[FalconFalcone]

Thank you for your response.

Unfortunately, the computer still hasn't recognized the HV20.
I've opened iMovie. File>Import from Camera. It only offers me the option of importing from the Built in iSight.

It might be worth mentioning that I'm using a newer model iMac, with the newer Firewire port, requiring me to use a FW800 to FW400 cable. I have uploaded video from an older Sony mini DV Handicam, to see if there is a larger problem, but that worked fine.

Any other possibilities? I believe I will be able to have a friend bring by his HV30, to see if that works.