I can't get Premiere Elements to capture my video.

[michael@lovehusky.com]

Hi --I'm just getting started with a new Sony DCR-HC46 and with Premiere. I have been able to capture a clip of video using Sony's software but nothing I do will let me capture into Premiere. When I get to the Capture screen the controls at the bottom are greyed out. I am using a USB cable, do i need to go to a firewire?
Any thoughts on this issue would be helpfull.

[ATR]

I have not done this, but everything I see says go Firewire.

I recall that there is a video in the Subscriber Section/Learning Center/ Premiere Elements about this.

Hopefully people with more experience with this will be along shortly.

ATR

[Greg Watts]

First, does Windows recognize that your camcorder is plugged in? You should get a Windows message when you plug it in.

Second, it's always preferable to use firewire to move DV data so if you have a firewire cable I recommend using it and if you don't have one I recommend getting one.

Cheers!

Greg

[michael@lovehusky.com]

Oh Well-- Guess I will spring for a Firewire---Thanks for the advise.

[ATR]

MJ

If you get the chance, I would appreciate knowing if the Firewire was the answer to your problem.

Good luck.

ATR

[ATR]

MJ

I came across the link below today and thought you might like to read it.

http://www.adobeopenoptions.com/support/techdocs/332202.html

ATR

[Pat Brans]

I am having the same problem. I just bought a Sony HC46 and Premiere Elements and can't get Premiere Elements to do the Capture of Video. Some more information on this:
- Sony Picture Package, which comes with the camcorder, is able to capture video
- Premiere Elements exhibits the behavior MJ describes above
- Nowhere do I see in the Sony documentation that Sony HC46 supports USB 2.0. It certainly supports USB, but I can't find anything that says it's 2.0

I'm about to get a Firewire card and cable for my laptop. But before I do, I was hoping somebody can tell me if Sony HC46 supports USB 2.0.

Pat

[Byron Gale]

Pat,

I do not know the answer with regard to the Sony... but I think you need to be asking the correct question: Does the Sony HC46 support "USB Video Class 1.0" in addition to USB 2.0?

To quote from the PrEl2 Help topic, "System requirements for capturing":
"To capture from the USB 2.0 port, your device (camcorder, mobile phone, and so on) must support USB Video Class 1.0, a standard that defines the minimum capabilities for streaming video using the USB 2.0 port."

So there are two standards with which the device must comply in order to use USB for capturing.

Byron

[ATR]

What does the product info that came with the Sony HC46 say? Have you contacted Sony or what did the retailer who sold you the product claim? What type of a USB port do you have on your computer now…1.1 or 2.0?

The following article says that the Sony HC46's USB is 1.1 compliant; USB Streaming.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E0DU6M/002-1877382-0306460?vi=tech-data&n=502394

According to this next one, it says that the product can use USB 2.0 and FireWire Connectivity.

http://dealmac.com/deals/Sony-Handycam-DCR-HC46-Mini-DV-Camcorder-for-400-shipped/120594.html

This last one is a Microsoft document about the USB situation.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/jones_02august05.mspx

However, just to restate, the experts, and I am not one, all go with FireWire. From my reading at the Sony web site, it looks like you can look forward to poorer quality using the HC46 USB connection. Over at that web site, there is also a note on difference between video output using iLink port versus USB streaming, etc.

Hope all this helps and has not just repeated what you already knew.

ATR

[Pat Brans]

Hi All,
Just to provide a followup, I went out and got a Firewire card and now I can capture video from my HC 46 to my laptop. So I still don't know if HC46 supports USB 2.0, but I do know that Firewire does the trick.

Pat

[ATR]

Pat,

Thanks for the follow up which will save someone else a lot of headaches if the same situation comes up for them.

From all that I hear and read, you made a wise choice.

ATR

[michael@lovehusky.com]

MJ

If you get the chance, I would appreciate knowing if the Firewire was the answer to your problem.

Good luck.

ATR
Sorry to take so long getting back. Been busy playing with my new toy. Yes the Firewire was the answer to my problem.Thanks for your interest.

[cSonyUser]

I have the same sony camera and I can't get it to work with firewire AT ALL. Using any video capture program, including the one that came with it. I installed the USB drivers, and the computer recognizes it. But when I plug it in via Firewire only-- no dice. I have 2 ports, and have connected to both of them. Windows recognizes my firewire ports, but not the camera-- any tips?

[ATR]

sSonyUser

Hopefully one of the others in this Thread who actually has the same camera as the one you have will see your post and make suggestions.

So, I am not sure of how many of my suggestions to follow will or will not help. But, here goes....

There is a video in the Premiere Elements Learning Center (non subscriber) of this web site with a video on making the FireWire connection

Generalizations:
Have the Camcorder Power Supply Plugged into wall outlet at the start
Make a snug connection, one end of FireWire cable to the Camcorder (at iDV)
(I do not think that you have, but do not have anything plugged into the Camcorder USB at the same time)
Then snug connection, other end of FireWire to port of computer
Next, turn on the Camcorder and switch to appropriate mode as per your instructions.

I will watch for your progress.

ATR

[ATR]

sSonyUser

This FAQ from the Premiere Elements User to User Forum at http://www.adobe.com may be of interest:

How can I troubleshoot my camcorder connection to Premiere Elements 2?
http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bbdcb0c

ATR

[jhan]

I'm using the panasonic GS75 and it too refused to be recoqnized using the usb2 port. I was forced to go out a buy a firewire cable and that was successful. Last time though when I connected for some reason it again refused to recognize it. I rebooted and then I realized that it's the order in which I connect which determines whether or not it will be recoqnized immediately, though now I can't remember which way round it is.

[michael@lovehusky.com]

Firewire did solve my problem but I don't know why. I would like to be more help per ATR's suggestion, but I really don't know why it worked when USB did not. ATR has been a lot of help and the introduction to the User to User Forum has been very helpfull. It's not as user friendly as this one but there is a lot of good info available.