Importing saved video in SmartScan mode
Use this procedure to import saved video from an attached DV camera in SmartScan mode. In this mode, Media Import automatically scans the tape to identify scenes. You can then choose the scenes to be imported.
The camera must be connected to the computer by a FireWire cable.
The quality of results obtained with the SmartScan feature is influenced by the hardware (DV camera) and software (drivers) you are using. To ensure the best possible results with all hardware and software, follow these guidelines:
n Make sure that the Timecode feature is enabled on your DV camera.
Note: SmartScan uses the time code included on the video tape recording to determine when a scene begins and ends. If your camera does not have the date and time information set properly, SmartScan may not be able to scan the recorded tape. You must make sure that the date and time are correctly set before recording your video.
n Use a new tape to record the video you want to import with the SmartScan feature.
n Record the video in SP (Standard Play), rather than LP (Long Play) mode.
n Make sure your scenes are at least 10 seconds long.
n Make sure pauses between scenes (that is, when you stop recording between scenes) are at least 5 seconds long.
To import saved video from a DV camera in SmartScan mode:
1 Ensure that your camera is in the correct mode to play back saved video. For more information, check the documentation for your camera.
Tip: The mode name varies depending on the brand of the DV camera.
2 Connect the camera to your computer using a FireWire cable.
Note: If you have not already chosen an application to use with the camera, you are prompted to do so. Select Media Import and click OK.
If Media Import is open on your computer, continue with the next step.
If Media Import is not open, it opens and the Video Import Home page appears. Skip to
step 5.
3 On the Media Import Home page, click Video.
4 On the Video Import Home page, in the Device drop-down list, select the DV camera.
5 In the drop-down list box, select Smart scan.
6 To scan the recorded video tape for scenes, click Scan tape.
Media Import scans the tape and displays thumbnails of all the scenes.
7 Select the thumbnails of the scenes you want to import. (To select multiple scenes, press and hold Ctrl key while clicking the thumbnails.)
8 Under Capture Settings, select the format in which to save the video recording. Choose from the following options:
n AVI DV Format: Imports full-size DV video with optimal quality. This file format creates large video files.
n MPEG-2 Format: Imports full-size video using MPEG-2 compression. The MPEG-2 compression format maintains a high video/audio quality while allowing smaller file sizes.
9 In the Save To box, select the folder in which you want to save the media files.
10 In the Rename Files text box, enter a name for the new video file.
Media Import uses the text you enter to name the new video file. If a file with this name already exists in the selected location, Media Import appends a five-digit number to the name (for example, “Imported Videos 00001”).
11 Click Capture Now to record the selected scenes.
Media Import copies the video to your hard disk. While it copies the video, Media Import shows the amount of video copied, in hours, minutes and seconds, and indicates how much disk space is available on your hard disk, in GB. When the import is complete, a thumbnail of the new video file appears in your Import Bin.
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