Playback on mini-dv cam to transcribe at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > The Long Black Line

The Long Black Line
Tape, tape and more tape; and decks; HDV, DV, VHS and more.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old May 15th, 2006, 05:31 PM   #1
New Boot
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: san francisco, ca
Posts: 5
Playback on mini-dv cam to transcribe

Wondering if it is OK to playback mini-dv tapes on a camcorder to transcribe interviews. Does it risk harming the tapes themselves? I understand it wears the heads on the camera, so would use a cheaper camera that would be devoted to this purpose. If not advisable, what are suggested ways to handle transcribing of interviews that won't risk harming the original tape.

Many thanks!
Chip Rees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 15th, 2006, 09:04 PM   #2
Trustee
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Healdsburg, California
Posts: 1,138
Navigating back and forth through the tape is always going to result in some degree of wear. That's just the nature of friction...and the tapes are designed for this as to normal use, and such wear is rarely detrimental...however, endless navigation will eventually result in more wear, and may perhaps eventually result in periodic drop-outs or other problems with the tape. It partially depends upon how much 'back'n'forth-ing' you need to do.

Why not just import the tape into a dv file on your computer using just some basic NLE? If you are on a PC, Windows Movie Maker should at least get the job done, and if you are on a Mac, iMovie will be a cinch, from which you can export to several differend compressed quicktime movie files and toss the capture to save space if that is a concern. (Standard dv capture will eat up over 12 gigs of space for every hour of dv tape.) One play into the computer and that's it...leaving the tape safe and pristine afterwards, while you can transcribe from the dv file forever and day.
-Jon
__________________
"Are we to go on record, sir, with our assertion that the 'pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, and green clovers' are, in point of fact', magically delicious?"
- Walter Hollarhan before the House Subcommittee on Integrity in Advertising - May, 1974
Jonathan Jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 15th, 2006, 09:35 PM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Nevada City, California
Posts: 499
Or transfer the audio to micro or analog cassette and use a transcriber with a foot petal so you can keep your hands on the keyboard. Old School, but it works.
Glenn Davidson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 17th, 2006, 09:17 AM   #4
New Boot
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 9
If I have to transscibe Mini DV's, I always transfer them to VHS and use a cheap VCR to do all the navigating. Turn on the on-screen display on your playback unit and you'll record the original timecode on the VHS tape. Works like a charm.
Matt Schulze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 18th, 2006, 01:17 PM   #5
New Boot
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: san francisco, ca
Posts: 5
Thanks guys very much for the help! -chip
Chip Rees is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > The Long Black Line

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:16 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network