Info and forum posts by 'Brooktop'

Powershot A75 as a webcam

I have a Powershot A75 and would like to use it as a webcam. I believe this is actually possible, but could someone explain how I get it to work as such?

Mini-DV - Video capture problems

I have a Canon MV800i mini-dv camcorder. I am having trouble capturing video onto my PC. My spec is:
Athlon 3 GHz
628 Mb Ram
Maxtor HDD (with 37Gb free space)
Nvidia Geforce FX5900XT
Firewire card
Windows XP os

So, I would have thought that the PC is up to the task. The problem is that when I try to capture (either with Windows Movie Maker or Ulead Video Studio 7), it will get no more than a minute`s worth and then will drop frames or completely freeze up. I`ve tried de-fragging, closing down all anti-virus and firewall software but to no avail. It will seem to `lock up` completely; I try the Ctrl, Alt, Del and shut it down from there...but then find the system idle process is taking up 99% of the CPU and it just sits there, until I do a re-boot. I`ve read that it`s better to have 2 hard drives, or at least partition your drive...but that seems a lot of effort and possibly beyond my skills. I understand that, unless I re-format my HDD and do a new installation, that a new partition might cause me other problems.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

RE: Need to play DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs on Samsung 709

I had a 709; First it got relegated to the bedroom after I got a E55 DVD recorder for the lounge. Then I flogged it on e-bay and got £26 for it. I then bought a Panasonic S27 for £40 from Boots------> Miles better!!!

The technology has obviously come on a long way...no problem with CD-Rs (the 709 was SUPPOSED to play CD-RWs - but was too jerky to watch), no problem with branching DVDs etc. I got the S27 so I could watch RAM disks recorded on the E55 but any modern DVD player will probably be better than the 709.

RE: My home made dvd`s won`t play on other machines. Help!

Quote:

The general pattern is that the dearer the DVD player is then the less likely it will play the disc!!?!?

I can never work that out!!

Think it`s because cheap DVD players use PC components - and therefore far more compatible. I`ve had a number of old/knackered DVDs (from rental libraries) that won`t play on a DVD recorder or DVD player but are fine in the pc.

RE: Camcorder advice - I`m out of touch!!

You may want to consider something like a Sony or Canon that can record on widescreen....the format of the future (or today for that matter!)

RE: Help needed in connecting My Panasonic DMR E55 TO Sky + and VCR

scart is usually 2 way. unless you want to connect to your tv via the rf lead, I`d guess (from memory) your options are:

Sky to E55 AV2 via scart (AV2 is RGB capable)
E55 AV1 to TV via scart

Not quite sure why you would want the VCR hooked up to the E55 - other than to drop VCR`s onto DVD, in which case you could swap the leads when you want to do this. You could channel the VCR straight to the TV, either to the spare scart socket or via RF.
Your other option is to get a scart switcher and put Sky and VCR into that and then to AV2.

Of course, if your TV is capable of taking component, you ought to be using the component output on the E55 for a superior picture (but it doesn`t carry sound!)

RE: After the Philips DVDR610: VHS is NOT dead!

bowfer, others have mentioned `noisy` e55`s. Mine is silent, unless you press your ear to it - much quieter than my sony vhs anyway.

RE: After the Philips DVDR610: VHS is NOT dead!

Seconded Zovirax.

If you bought a car that had lots of problems....would it stop you driving?

I have a Panasonic E55 and would never go back to VHS - best £186 I ever spent!. If I wanted to replicate the VHS viewing experience - especially on LP - I can just watch DVDs through a piece of grease-proof paper. :D

Get a reputable make - Phillips are renowned for having problems. Stick with a Panasonic, Sony, JVC etc

RE: PC continually rebooting at start up..help required PLEASE!

I had a similar problem. I suspect it was dodgy RAM, but in the meanwhile ended up getting a new mobo and cpu. Still had similar problems until I got new RAM that was compatible with the mobo (don`t always believe Kingston`s website!)

RE: looking for a digital camcorder any suggestions ?

got a Canon MV800 for about £230. Wanted that cos it can shoot in widescreen. Forget USB - too slow! You need firewire, and even then I`m finding my pc can`t cope with transferring at high quality (but perhaps I`m doing something wrong!).

RE: Problem capturing video from camcorder with PC

Cheers. Yes, tried a mate`s camcorder; again no joy. Device Manager says that card is installed ok with no conflicts.

I`ve sent the card back for a replacement but I don`t have much faith that will sort it. Apparently FW can be troublesome. I suspect it`s a driver issue, but as it`s a cheap Chinese card, (INTEX) there are no drivers for me to download. The disk only came with Win98 drivers because XP has the drivers (supposedly).

Have trawled the net, so if no-one has a solution, I`ll have to just buy another. Anyone make any suggestions as to a reliable make?

RE: Component connection - is it for me?

Sound words...however I`d add that big screens, plasmas, LCDs (and I`m assuming RP) do benefit from a good signal...they`re less forgiving than CRT. I notice a big improvement from video scart to RGB scart (then channelled to the plasma via component leads) so I`d give it a go. If you really don`t notice a difference, you could always take them back if you`ve bought them from somewhere like Maplins).

RE: Component connection - is it for me?

There`s a definite difference/improvement on my plasma when I set the setting to RGB over Video; haven`t got a scart terminal board but all the advice is that component DOES give the best pic (then RGB Scart, then Scart, then RF).

Problem capturing video from camcorder with PC

Hi - I know others have had a similar problem but I`ve not seen a solution that applies to me.

I have recently bought a Canon MV800 camcorder. I`ve also installed a Firewire card on my pc; windows recognised it and it is listed in device manager with no exclamation marks. I`ve installed the Ulead software that came with the firewire card. However, when I connect, with the camera on, in playback mode it just isn`t recognised by Windows Movie Maker or Ulead. Apparently XP should have the drivers. I know it`s not the camera or cable at fault as I`ve tried on work`s Powerbook and it worked first time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

RE: cheap brand new decent handheld tvs. where can i get one?

Hi - sorry for the delay in responding. Suppose I`d be after at least £20 plus P&P to be worth bothering with. I hardly ever use it, but is ok for train journeys or camping.

It`s a Sony Watchman with the aerial built into the strap. I can send pics if you want.

If you`re after a brand new handheld TV, Casio seem to do them from about £49.

Cheers

This item was edited on Tuesday, 24th May 2005, 15:50

RE: cheap brand new decent handheld tvs. where can i get one?

Are you looking for a new one? 2.3" screens are about £50, 4" screens start at around £100.

I have a Sony handheld LCD one; the screen isn`t huge - think it`s a couple of inches. I hardly ever use it so may sell it if u r interested.

Good luck in your search

RE: Plasma - is this a good time to buy?

It`s all very subjective. I`ve seen HD and admit it`s good, but I wouldn`t say the quality jump was quite as much as the jump from VHS to DVD.

There will always be a better technology coming along and you`re only on this planet once. If you are upgrading from CRT, it`s not just about quality - it`s about size (oo er missus) and TV`s just can`t go as big as plasmas. I`ve spent £1250 on a plasma and I`m thrilled. I probably will upgrade when HDTV is commonplace (3 yrs at the soonest?). I`ll probably then be able to flog my plasma to someone who doesn`t need state of the art and I`ll have had the thrill of a 42" screen for all that time inbetween....working out at pennies per day!

RE: Plasma - is this a good time to buy?

just scan the other posts or do a search!

Or for really technical info, go to the AV Forums website ;)

RE: Thomson 42

The LG42PX11 has had its problems. I think it`s based on the old Panasonic PW5 screen. The latest version seems to be getting better feedback than the older 3000:1 contrast ratio version. I personally opted for the Panasonic PW6 and have not been disappointed.

The PX11 tends to be ragarded as the best budget plasma TV.

RE: Samsung 42" plasma screen in Currys - any good!?

For that budget and if you want a TV (not just a screen) get the LG42PX11 - you can pick them up for just over £1300

RE: Thomson 42

Avoid like the plague! Do a search on AV forums website (the Plasma forum) and you`ll see why. They are selling loads of these refurbished ones. Ask yourself why anyone would be returning a new product like that!

Get a reputable name like Panasonic, Hitachi, Sony or LG - but do your research first! You can`t get refunds for blurring, solarisation etc

ps Avoid Tiny plasmas like the plague on steroids!!!

This item was edited on Thursday, 21st April 2005, 09:35

RE: 37

Quote:
Get a bonkers good crt for a third of that and a projector if you want proper big for movies.

What about the cost of the extension? :o

Seriouly though, OP - go see some demos and make your own mind up. I went from a 32" Sony Wega (a stonking good CRT I think you`ll agree) to a 42" Panasonic plasma (now about £1100) and I`m well impressed. I`m not a big sport watcher, but when I do, there`s nothing wrong with it at all!! No smearing at all! Although I have seen that effect on inferior plasmas and I admit it is annoying.

Also, if you do go for a 36" CRT - the Panasonic (Tau range I think) and Toshiba (picture frame 3 series) are regarded as the best - but they are also known to have problems with motion blur because the technology is at its limits at 36". Also make sure you have 3 people to lift it!! I was in the same position as you a few months ago. I opted for plasma and the three sets I considered are: Panasonic PWD6 (NB screen only - cos I already have an AV set up), LG 42PX11 TV and Hitachi 42PD5200. All will be well within your budget. The latter two have DVI but only the Hitachi has 1024 x 768 resolution.

Go to AV Forums website and gen up!

This item was edited on Tuesday, 19th April 2005, 10:13

RE: 37

Quote:
Ever watched sport on a plasma or LCD?

ha ha ha!

You`ve not been watching the right ones! Or looking in Comet???

Absolute tosh! Get a decent one that`s set up right and you`ll be amazed. Plus if you`ve got a load of mates round, you`re not all huddled round a poxy size screen.

You`ll get a 37" Panasonic Viera plasma for under £2k. My g/f`s dad has one and all he watches is sport and movies. It will meet all your requirements bar HDMI...and that`s not really something to worry about for the average joe yet for a few years...

This item was edited on Monday, 18th April 2005, 09:12

RE: Which TV should I buy, LCD or Plasma?

Burn in affects LCD, Plasma and CRT. Modern screens have safeguards such as wobbling and peak limiting and are not much of an issue. A simple precaution is to go channel hopping after an hour or two. Even if you do get image retention, there are tools to help clear them. The Panasonic plasmas in particular are renowned for being pretty resilient.

RE: Which TV should I buy, LCD or Plasma?

Seems like a case of apples and pears to me. Comparing a 27" screen with a 42" screen!!!!!! I have a 42" plasma and a 17" LCD - I know which I prefer!

If you like DVD movies...plasma wins on both price and PQ...for the time being.

Plasmas are heavy? Think u need more weetabix! They`re nothing compared to a CRT and certainly not a factor to consider in debating LCD v plasma. Get to the shops/friends for demos and go to the AV Forums website.

RE: 42" Plasma Display? - what is the best deal.

Quote:
Whatever one you choose it make sure that it is HDMI compliant.

Depends what you are after, how much you want to pay and if you are really worried about Hi-Def, which won`t be mainstream for years yet!

I paid £1300 for a 42" Panasonic and I love it. A Hi-Def one with HDMI will be well over £3k. Go to AV Forums http://www.avforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=82 for more than you ever need to know!

RE: Panny E55 and photo CD-R

Most of the cheapo supermarket DVDs are manufactured from PC components (I`ve heard) so are much more likely to play other formats. I had a Compacks that played virtually everthing, including CDs with mpeg files on (ie not created as a VCD).

I bought a Panny S27 for £40, so I could watch RAM stuff recorded on my E55 in the bedroom. I sold a 5 yr old Samsung DVD player on e-bay for £27 to help fund it. Not a bad upgrade for £13! The other bonus is that the S27 has Hi-MAT - a Panasonic/Microsoft collaboration to support picture CDs. It gives you thumbnails, slide shows and much that a PC display can...but having said that, TV`s will rarely display digital photos as well as a PC monitor will.

RE: MP3 hunt need cheapness!!

You can get a 256mb MP3 player off e-bay for about £25 del and about £40 for 512mb. They`re from China; got my g/f one and it`s fine; I`ve just ordered another for myself - less hassle at the gym than my mini-disc.

RE: aerial help freeview and DAB!!!!

Not from Wales - but I took a chance, got a FV box (thinking I`d then have to get a new `special` aerial as mine is old) - and it works a treat...all for £25 for a 2nd hand box off e-bay. Never watch terrestrial analogue now!

RE: Hints and tips For Panasonic Machines.

I always tend to use FR unless it`s spot on 1 hr or 2hr; I rarely need to record for 4 hours `in one sitting`...however I did try EP (6 hr mode) the other day, just to see what it looks like now I`ve got a better pic through Freeview. Even in EP it was perfectly acceptable...indeed, no worse than VHS.

Will check out this `Fixed` VBR thing though.

Anyone know what this `comb filter` thing is though?