Analog (VHS) to DV Conversion
 

I have looked, and can't seem to find many posts about this so here goes. I am trying to record from a VHS tape in my VCR to dv using my XL2. I have followed the instructions and it doesn't seem to help. I cannot get a picture in the viewfinder or get any audio either. I was a little fuzzy at first as to what the "Input Selector" that he manual refered to was , but I worked under the assumption that it was the switch that selects whether you use BNC or RCA connections. Has anyone else had this problem?

That switch actually toggles between the BNC and S-video connector.

You have the camera powered up in VCR mode, correct? You're following the instructions as layed out on page 97 of the manual? Neither tape is copy-protected? In the XL2's VCR set-up menu, you have AV-DV set to On?

yeah. the vhs tape is a six hour sony tape, and I can record on my dv tape because when all I get is a blue screen when I go into vcr mode, but I don't get sound or picture. Where is the input selector if not that switch? I have followed instructions in the manual but they are somewhat vague on the details. Any suggestions?

Just make sure you turn the AV-DV on in the VCR set-up menu. The audio input selector is in the AUDIO PANEL under AUDIO 1. change the switch from FRONT MIC to AUDIO 1. you're ready to go...simple...

should I turn it to AV-DV mode before I cut the VCR on? In what order should I do all that?

the order shouldn't matter...

well then I must have a bad rca cable because I have tried everything and it is not working.

That would be a good reason to try a different RCA cable!

While you're at it, replace all three (left and right audio, plus video).

Joseph,
I have done this myself from a vcr-vhs to my xl-2. You have to start record before you can see any signal in the viewfinder!

So the procedure will be:
- press play-button on the vhs-vcr
- press record-button on the xl2
- you will now see in the viewfinder that the signal goes through

Hope this helps

- Per Johan