Visual QuickStart Guide [Electronic resources] : Final Cut Express HD for Mac OS X نسخه متنی

5. Capturing Video

Final Cut Express offers three DV video capture options, which use FireWire to transfer DV-format video and audio from a qualified DV camcorder, deck, or qualified analog-to-digital converter box.

• Capture Clip: Capture clips one at a time. Set In and Out points to define the portion of the tape you want to capture, enter identifying information in the Logging tab, and capture the clip.

• Capture Now: Capture single clips without setting In and Out points. Use Capture Now to capture DV with or without device control, or to capture live video.

• Capture Project: A single, automated batch recapture process recaptures selected clips, or all the DV clips in a project. You need a device-controllable DV camcorder or deck to perform a Capture Project operation.

All three capture methods store the original DV timecode with the captured clip, but Final Cut Express assigns the same starting timecode (00:00:00:00) to all clips you are working with inside the program.

You will not be able to use FCE's automated capture and output features unless your external video hardware supports device control. You still can capture clips that are logged and manually captured while the tape is playing, but you won't be able to perform automated project recapture.

FCE's new HDV capture process converts your HDV compressed format video to the more edit-friendly AIC format as you capture, so HDV capture operates a little differently from the DV format capture options. HDV capture is described later in this chapter.

Capturing video is probably the first thing you'll want to do, but a little general knowledge of the FCE interface will make your first few captures go more smoothly.

If you are new to Final Cut Express, take a moment to read Chapters 7 and 8, which contain details on Browser and Viewer operation, before you start a capture process. You may also need to review Chapter 2, "Installing and Setting Up," for details on preference and preset settings.