Problem with image acquisition using a DV converter (Canopus ADVC-55)

Hi,

    I'm trying to capture video using a Canopus ADVC-55 and matlab.  When I use the image acquisition toolbox, it sees the canopus device and that the video is 720x480, but when I select preview I only see a black screen.  When I unplug the firewire cable and reinsert it, Windows 7 prompts me regarding the video that I'd like to import, and even shows be a working preview (so I know that the device works...).  I'm stuck in terms of trying to get matlab to recognise the video.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks,

Jesse

Answer 1

[David Tarkowski]

The Image Acquisition Toolbox treats DV cameras as live acquisition cameras rather than as VCRs. Basically, whatever is being shown in the view finder is what the toolbox will acquire. If you are trying to acquire what is on the tape, you need to manually press the play button. This can be done after you've started acquisition since until you press the play button, the camera will be sending back live images, i.e. black images if the lens cap is on.

Answer 2

[Jesse]

Sorry, I should have been more clear when I asked my original question. The video in this case is streaming the entire time. If I use window's import video I can see a live stream from my camera, however this live stream does not appear in matlab, even though I can see on the touch screen of the camera that it's streaming properly...

[David Tarkowski]

When you preview in MATLAB, does the time stamp in the preview window update? Also, is Windows's import tool active while you are trying to acquire from within MATLAB?