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Wednesday, 12 January 2022 20:16

Capture and convert DV tapes with chapters

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DV tapes are now a legacy technology but because they are digital you can still get your videos back without data loss as long as the tapes and camera are in good working order. There are a couple of steps to go through to get these videos in a usable format.

Prerequisites

Setting Up Windows

  • Make sure you have a FireWire device installed in your Windows 7 PC, obviously.
  • Change to Legacy drivers
    • This is done because Windows 7 removed the DV functionality from the drivers that were present in Vista, however they are still accessible if you want them. The legacy driver has been completely removed in Windows 10, hence why we are using Windows 7. Vista is far too old to be using.
    • Go into the Device manager and locate your 1394 FireWire Drivers
    • Change this to the Legacy version
    • A reboot is probably not needed but it does not harm to perform one here.
  • Install all of the software above so it is ready when needed.

Notes

Capture the Videos (WinDV)

For the user of the camcorder (video camera) it was possible to hit a button on the camera that would put a marker on the video stream which was breakpoint (like a chapter). These breakpoints were also present when the user stopped and started the camcorder. WinDV captures the video stream but when it discovers one of these breakpoints it creates another file. Not all cameras add this marker. The files are labelled sequentially (by default) in time order.

  • Go into the Device manager and Change the FireWire drivers to the 'Legacy' version.
  • Connect your camera to the PC with the Firewire cable.
  • Turn your camcorder on.
    • Windows will find a new device and then new drivers for it are installed
    • The camera should be turned to the correct mode for data transfer if not already.
    • When you have done this I if remember .
  • Put a cassette in the Video Camera
  • Now open WinDV and you are ready to go (i did use open as administrator, but i don't think it makes any difference)
  • Click Capture
    • when you click capture on WinDV it waits until it gets a signal from the camera to start recording, and when the tape is done will stop capturing.
  • Press play on the camcorder and the capture will begin

Notes

  • You are more than likely to get many files create but this is normal.
  • Windows 10 does not natively support DV Tapes anymore, it was removed. I think the last version that has it is windows 7
  • In windows 7 + vista you still need to change the drivers to legacy drivers
  • You can install the drivers in windows 10 by using some extracted (tutorials in my links)
  • Firewire cards don't always work because of incompatibilities
  • Using windows 7 or vista and WinDV is probably the easiest way to capture videos
  • Some software allows you to control the DV camera from the PC (possibly virtual dub)
  • WinDV - No audio on some scenes / Only 1 scene has no sound, the rest of the tape is fine.
    • There can be a mix of working and non working scenes, it does not have to be just 1, this description just makes it easier to explain.
    • Cause:
      • This is caused by recording over another video with a different sound format (12/16bit) and there being no defined scene definition, so WinDV never changes is sample rate/type hence the lost audio.
      • This is caused by the audio type changing while playback is occurring, and this is most likely because the user used the same tape in 2 different cameras and they had different settings. Changing the settings on a camera would also have the same effect.
        • WindDV will does not recognise the change in the audio type so audio is no longer recorded because the codec it is using no longer understands the audio stream.
        • This issue only occurs when you swap scenes and the 2 scenes have different audio encodings.
        • Video is unaffected because the video format is always constant and if the bit rate changes it does not matter. there are also key frames at the begining of every scene.
    • Solutions:
      • You have to record the scenes before and after the audio change separately and then later bring them back together but this time using the same codec and audio settings. This will involve transcoding.
      • Start capturing in the new section (to be sure, when audio of the new scene starts) so there is no failed format transition (Preferred)
      • Use audio cable to capture audio the old fashion way
      • Use another software (untested)
      • Try WinDV Type1 capture (untested)
    • Links
      • no sound in DV captures - VideoHelp Forum
        • Joining the discussion late, but starting the camera slightly before capturing is the solution I also found when I had a similar issue (no sound on some transferred DV). There's a known bug in WinDV that effects using the WinDV camera controls and not getting audio; confirmed by WinDV's developer.
      • WinDV - help in transferring Type-II AVI - VideoHelp Forum
      • No sound in winDV captures, DV-type 2 - VideoHelp Forum
        • It's probably a mismatch between audio sample rates. (edit: as I see you are now noticing.) DV can record 4 channels @ 32khz or 2 channels @ 48. Once you have "taught" windv what you are using it ought to be ok. If your tape switches back and forth you will need to restart the capture at each break. 44.1 is very unusual though technically it is in the specs.
      • [SOLVED] Strange problem with capturing MiniDV via firewire - missing audio - VideoHelp Forum
        • sometimes tapes were re-used and the audio settings had been changed. if the very beginning of the tape was used in 16 bit mode and later recorded over at the 12 bit setting windv or other transfer software will start in 16 bit mode and stay there even if the recording goes to 12 bit mode.
        • one way to get around it is to not start he capture on the computer until you hear audio from the recording you want. that way the software will start in the right mode.
      • WinDV, Audio capture issue - VideoHelp Forum - WinDV captures and separates all the dv video as desired. However, 2 of the 12 files do not have any sound (2 video segments). The 2 files are at random places in the dv tape. The 10 other files are perfectly fine.
  • No Sound at all
    • Causes:
      • Is the relevant codec on your PC missing?
      • Does your TV support the relevant codec?
    • Solutions:
      • Try VLC player
      • You could recapture the tape but it is unlikely to be this if other tapes sample fine
      • Install missing codecs
      • Try playing on another device

Correct DV Video Bitrates (AviDemux)

The video and audio formats must match otherwise errors will occur when we try and merge the videos with MKVToolNix. For the most part you will find your videos are all the same format but occasionally they might not be.

Checking the videos have the same format

Below are some options for checking if the video files are all in the same format:

  • Examine the files with MediaInfo (preferred)
    • Gives you complete readout of each files specifications and codecs it uses.
    • The information provided here will be helpful if you need to converts a video file to a matching format, as you will need to know the new format.
  • Use Windows explorer
    • Open the folder with the files in
    • Change to details view
    • Enable the bitrate column
    • Examine the results to see if all the bitrates match
  • You can try merging the videos and see if you get an error. It will do this before proceeding to do any real work.

Changing the Audio Bitrate (When required)

These instructions are just for changing the audio because this is most likely going to be the only issue you have

  • Open Avidemux
  • Open the file with the incorrect bitrate (File --> Open)
  • Under Audio Output
    • Change 'Copy' to 'PCM'
    • Click 'Filters'
    • Click 'Resampling (Hz) and change to the relevant bitrate (i.e. 48000)
    • Click 'OK'
  • Under Output Format
    • Select 'AVI Muxer'
  • Click 'Save'
  • You will be prompted to save the new video, select a name and location and click 'OK'
  • Repeat this for each video segment you need to re-sample.

These new files can now be used along with your others in the next section because they will all match.

Notes

Merging the video files while creating chapters (MKVToolNix)

The videos (and happy memories) have now been recovered into a digital format (corrected when needed) on your PC but are in a weird format which only VLC Player will play and they are still split in to multiple files, 1 for each chapter. If you only have 1 file then not all of this section will apply to you.

The files created by WinDV are labelled (by default) in time order so we can still use them to create chapters and this is one of the reasons for the multistep approach.

We will now use MKVToolNix to combine the video parts into one MKV file with chapters:

  • In the input window add the first video fragment/file.
  • Select the file you have just added in the input window and click 'Append Files'
  • Select all of the other files/chapters you want to add
    1. Set the view to details to sort by date/time, so do they start oldest first
    2. Now select them all (excluding the first file which is already added)
    3. They can now be added in one go, instead of one by one (unless you want too !!)
  • Set (Output Tab --> 'Generating chapters') = 'One chapter for each appended file'
  • Set the output location and file.
  • Now to run click on 'Start multiplexing'
  • This software will now create a single MKV file with chapters using the original uncompressed codecs, hence the large size.

Transcode to a Usable Codec (HandBrake)

If you want to archive just leave the files as is or you need to re-code to a modern format.

Audio should be capture: 48kHz, stereo, 384kbps - the cameras usuaully record the sound at this rate

 

This section needs improving with specific settings

When transcoding a video with interlacing, you need to know the field order. On a digital format you can check this with MediaInfo. They should be as follows

  • VHS: Top Field first
  • DVD: Top Field First
  • DV:  Bottom Field First

The file we created above will play and have chapters in VLC Player but the codecs used are very old and not many Televisions or consumer kit will play the DV codec so we must now convert them into one they will use.

I used HandBrake to transcode (convert) my video files (MKV) with great success. I use the following codecs:

Video: H264 - MPEG-4-AVC(part 10) (avc1)    :: H.264 (x264)
Audio: MPEG AAC Audio (mp4a)                     :: AAC (avcodec)

  • Open HandBrake
  • Select the H.264 MKV 1080p60 preset
    • You can use Fast 1080p60 which is the default of HandBrake, Just make sure you change the format to MKV. when you make a change (Modified) will appear next to the preset.
    • Both of these options will define the maximum size of the video and by default upscaling is not enabled.
    • Both of these options I think generates the same file type if MKV is selected.
  • Deinterlace options here
  • Scaling filter here
  • Set a save location and filename.
  • No other settings need to be changed.
  • Click 'Start Encode'

HandBrake will now create a new MKV file, maintaining the chapters. This MKV will have a massively reduced filesize with the additional benefit that this file will play on most modern TVs and devices.

H.265 is not present on all new devices, but the number that support this improved codec is growing.

Notes

My Camera Notes

Sony Digital8 CCD-TRV228E

JVC GR-DVL100E

  • JVC GR-DVL100 INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib
    • View and Download JVC GR-DVL100 instructions manual online. JVC Digital Video Camera Instructions.
    • Page 34: 'Connection To A Personal Computer'
  • E04 - Safeguard Mode
    • How to Get a JVC Camcorder out of Safeguard Mode | It Still Works - JVC's digital video camcorders are sensitive and complicated electronic devices. They contain both powerful digital video processing chips and intricate parts that work together to focus and zoom the lens and handle the DV cassette that the camera uses for recording and playback. These cameras contain sensors that can detect issues in their operation. When they detect an issue, they can put the camera into a special "Safeguard Mode" that shuts it down until it can be reset.
    • JVC GR-DV800U Error Message Fix/Bypass - YouTube - Possible solution to JVC GR-DV800U error messages (E01,E02,etc.). It may possibly work for other JVC camcorders with similar error messages. This solution allowed me to retrieve several hours of DV tape footage from an old camera that is plagued by error messages. Now it is functioning normally with an occasional error which I suspect is caused by the tape tension sensor.
    • E04 Unit in safeguard mode | Pechorins
      • Q: I am using a GR-DVL-100 now for three years. I had no problems untill (I suspect) that I attached a Hahnel Lithium Ion battery (HL-408). Since I used this battery (as second battery device) problems started. Maybe it is coinsedence I do not know. It is good to know that more people have problems. I'll ask my lawyer if they come up with repair charges!Best regards,Perry
      • A: Here's what i found. I was able to clear the message by opening and closing and ejecting the cassette. I also had to play with the battery at the same time. Keeping the cassette door open and then pulling out the battery. After is did this a couple of times i got the message to clear. I too haven't used my camcorder for some time and now that the error message has cleared the camcorder tells me that i need to clean the heads. Hope this helps. Below is the message i found that pointed me toward ejecting the cassette. Good Luck, i'm off to buy a tape head cleaning cassette. An error indication (E03 or E04) appears. - (E03 or E04 UNIT IN SAFEGUARD MODE REMOVE AND REATTACH BATTERY) This massage a malfunction of some kind has occurred. In this case the camcorder's functions become unusable. - Eject the cassette once and re-insert it, then check if the indication clears. When it does, you can resume using the camcorder. If the indication remains, consult your nearest JVC dealer or service center  .
    • Re[2]: E04 Unit in safeguard mode | Pechorins
      • Q: Yeah, I have seen this problem 2 weeks ago after not using my GR-DVL100 for several months. The unit is about 5 years old. After I read comments on the topic, I went to buy the head cleaner. The problems seems to come on and off, but haven't given up trying. At least, the picture now show but with no sound, and at a bit faster speed. Look forward to see the end results.
      • A: Remove and reattach battery.
    • Re: E04 Unit in safeguard mode | Pechorins
      • Here's what i found. I was able to clear the message by opening and closing and ejecting the cassette.
      • I also had to play with the battery at the same time, keeping the cassette door open and then pulling out the battery. After is did this a couple of times i got the message to clear.
      • I too haven't used my camcorder for some time and now that the error message has cleared the camcorder tells me that i need to clean the heads. Hope this helps.
      • Below is the message i found that pointed me toward ejecting the cassette.
      • Good Luck, i'm off to buy a tape head cleaning cassette.
      • "An error indication (E03 or E04) appears. - (E03 or E04 UNIT IN SAFEGUARD MODE REMOVE AND REATTACH BATTERY) This massage a malfunction of some kind has occurred. In this case the camcorder's functions become unusable. - Eject the cassette once and re-insert it, then check if the indication clears. When it does, you can resume using the camcorder. If the indication remains, consult your nearest JVC dealer or service center."
    • JVC camcorder stuck in 'safeguard' mode? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum
      • Q: hey gave me a JVC GR-DVL100E (European spec?) digital camcorder. I don't think it's been used in quite a while. When I power it up I get a blue screen with: "E04 - unit in safeguard mode", then it tells me to "remove and reattach battery". But doing that does not reset the camera and the messages persist. Any ideas chaps?
      • A: I've got a couple of JVC's camcorders, and I've seen this fault with them before. It's something in the tape drive getting stuck, on one of mine it was the eject mech jamming because of one of the gears was missing a tooth, to get around that I just have to give the tape some help in and out! On another one it was a damaged ribbon cable causing it, also in the tape drive. Try ejecting the tape mech and see if it's opening and closing correctly. Might just be because it's not been used for a while.
    • SOLVED: E04 unit in safeguard mode - Fixya
      • Q: When i turn the camera on i get in the screen that the camera is in ( E04 safeguard mode remove and reattach battery) i got like two years with this problem, in the beginning i just remove the battery and put in back and start and some times i just put the cable from the charger and work just fine, but lately that dont work i check the manual but dont said nothing about it other than remove the battery any suggestion in what can a do?
      • A:
        • I tried every method I could find from people posting on the web, but the method that worked for me is this.
          1. Eject the tape and close the tape holder.
          2. Turn the camera off and remove the battery.
          3. Put the battery back in. Leave the camera off.
          4. Open the tape holder.
          5. Slide the tape in, but as you press the holder in to accept the tape, keep your finger pressing in on the holder, being careful not to slow the tape holder from moving downward.
          6. Turn the camera on.
          7. If it doesn't work the first time, press more firmly to help the tape holder accept the tape.
        • That's it. This method seems to work for me and lets me use the camera for a long while. If the camera is sitting unused for more than a few hours, I have to do it again. And each time I insert a tape, I make sure that I keep pressing as the tape holder lowers the tape.
      • The thread has a few good ideas.
    • SOLVED: I am recieving error E04 "safeguard mode" - Fixya
      • Q: The camcorder is in safeguard mode and even when I remove the battery the camcorder remains in safeguard mode. How can I get the camcorder out of safeguard mode so I can use it again? 
      • A: The thread has a few good ideas.

Samsung VP-D361 - Digital Video Camcorder

  • Manual (PDF) - Not an official site.
  • SAMSUNG VP-D36 SERIES USER MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib - View and Download Samsung VP-D36 Series user manual online.
  • VIA IEEE 1394 Card not Recognising Samsung VP-D361i - VideoHelp Forum
    • Q:
      • I have just purchased a IEEE 1394 Card - brand Ritmo. Windows detected it and installed and it is in device manger as VIA OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller and working properly.
      • My Samsung VP-D361i camera came with Ulead Video Studio V9 which I have installed but when I go into capture it will only find my ATI Radeon card and no other source. I have looked in device manager under sound and video game controllers and there is no reference to my camera. I also loaded the Samsung DV Media Pro Driver 10 from the Samsung site and still no good.
      • Can someone please let me know if I have a driver issue with the IEEE card or if it is my camera.
    • A:
      • When you check, have you connect the Cam to the Ritmo 1394, and turn on the cam and put it in playback mode?
      • You can also use WinDV ( from tool section ) to detect you DV cam. ( After connect the Cam to the Ritmo 1394, and turn on the cam and put it in playback mode. )
      • There are lots of compatibility problems with firewire cards. Try another card with a different chipset. 
Read 481 times Last modified on Thursday, 11 January 2024 17:38