Recording attempts results only in "no HDV signal". Why?

[gorldon10]

My new S2000 is humbling me with problems. This one a major obstacle: I've successfully recorded HD video into it several times - all via firewire. Recently, a click on the red HD record button produced "no HDV signal". Same firewire, same settings, etc. I've tried using a new firewire, a different camera, a s-video wire (setting was not HD with that), unplugging the power for about 2 hours = all with no success. However, next morning 10-12 hrs later - unit off but plugged in - it DID record HD again! I'd changed nothing - except time. I was so happy/relieved. However again, this morning clicking the red HD record button again gives me "no HDV signal". My dealer now thinks I may need to return it to Macro Boulder - possibly for a new video board (even tho it did work 24hrs earlier). btw - the firewire port on the back is a 6pin firewire, my camera is a 4pin port. Is there an adaptor from 6 to 4pin? Is that even a solution? Other ideas? This forum has become my newbie haven. Temporarily I hope. thanks, Gordon

[LouBruno]

Gordon,

Use the front 4-pin port. Yes...there are adapters for 6 to 4 for the rear.....cablestogo.com

The signal you are observing SOMETIME occurs when there is even the slightest SD frame OR a BREAK on your tape from a prior or current taping. As soon as the frame or lack thereof is recognized the unit will display the readout you wrote about. sHowever, sometimes it will not, depending on how many frames are available in SD or a break in TC.

The bottom line question I guess: Are you using a TAPE that was used before? Did you change the MODE, even for a second to SD and then BACK to HDV? Those are two possibilities. I can't see the video board as a problem....but then who knows for sure with any electronics.

[gorldon10]

thanks for your ideas, Lou. re your "bottom line" Q - I'm using a Sony HD video camera w/ miniDV tapes. Yes, the video I was trying to record with the no signal msg was taped over older video - all HD. This camera has not been used for SD ever. I'll make some new video on a tape that's "virgin" tape and check if that works to record. I guess that's something I should try?

[TimKennelly]

Gordon,

Not sure what OS version you are on, but some of the early ones had a common occurance, handshake communication issue where the onscreen transport controls would work fine through the firewire connection, but the actual footage would not.

Using the onscreen transport controls start Play on the cam, then the HDV Record button.

If the time code is not rolling you haven't gotten a successful communication handshake and it will not Record even though the transport controls are working.

What you do is hit Stop on the onscreen transport controls, Rewind on the onscreen transport controls and Play on the onscreen transport controls and once rolling again, hit the HDV Record button.

Most the time you will see the time code roll on the second attempt without turning anything off or changing a tape (both of which can cause the problem to appear).

Occasionally, it takes three attempts, but normally two if this is your issue.

[gorldon10]

I've tried what Lou suggested - I taped on some virgin - unused tape - and then tried to record it and it continues to give me the "no HDV signal". btw - I am using the front firewire port. Thanks Lou anyway. To Tim - My S2000 OS is 2.4. All my onscreen transport controls stopped working since I started getting the no HDV signal report. So, I hit play on the camera VCR and get a playback picture on my camera's LCD screen but no picture on the unit's record screen. I then hit the record button on the unit while the camera picture is rolling and immediately get the "no HDV signal". Thanks Tim. Hope someone else has an idea. I'm at a loss. It'll be interesting to see if the system works tomorrow morning like it did after the first day of failure and a 10-12 overnite "rest". Mysterious.... Hope you all like a challenge.

[gorldon10]

This has become embarrassing! Just after finishing what I wrote above I decided to try a different miniDV tape with original material on it but not recorded yet. The onscreen transport control worked and the record button got the time running and it did record!!! To substantiate, I put a never used tape in the camera and recorded a brief scene and it also recorded!!! Seems Lou was right about the tape I was using that had been used then taped over. However, I did run that tape to a place on it that had not been used, taped a brief scene and it would not record. Somehow?? the unit's record connection with the camera did not like that tape? even tho it had recorded from some of those used parts earlier. I sure hope this is THE final chapter of this problem! I just will not use that used tape again. Lastly, does this mean we S2000 owners should NEVER tape over a tape that's been used before? Even tho it's only been used to record in HD?? Any other thoughts welcomed on this whole drama. thanks, again, all you generous helpers! Gordon

[TimKennelly]

Gordon,

I have re-used tape without issue.

I have intermixed HDV and DV recording onto a tape (for testing) and import the HDV sections without issue.

It loses the signal when I hit the DV portions, but when I hit the next HDV section it will allow me to start Record again.

So your problem is specific to your unit.

The two most likely possibilities are a small corruption in your OS which would require a full, destructive re-install of the OS to fix or the front firewire port has some sort of issue that is causing hit and miss connections.

I would pick up a four pin to six pin firewire cable and connect to the rear firewire port and try the problematic tape and see if it works with that connection.

If so, you know the problem is front port related, if not, it's OS software related.

You can pick up a 4 to 6 at some local stores, but they cost more locally.

You can purchase them all over the net for less money.

Here is one inexpensive source:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F3N401-06- ... B00005NIMR

[gorldon10]

thanks so much, Tim, for your analytical, detailed help with my problem. It does seem to be a "hit and miss" connection - or, over sensitive - issue. Your advise on diagnosing/fixing it with 2 different approaches is a good one. For awhile I expect to ride out any continuing success I hope to have with not using "used" tape and see what happens. If the problem does return I think using the 6 to 4pin firewire is a good way to isolate the problem's source then make a determination of what and how to fix it. Often I've been feeling like giving away my ole reliable friend the Avio Pro was a mistake. But, I'm over the dam now with the S2000 and trying to swim with it - it's weight, so far, is making that most difficult! What a life saver this forum has been with people like you giving so much! thank you. Gordon