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VHS Digitization Station: miniDV Tapes

This guide will explain how to use the VHS digitization station on the first floor of the Library.

Digitizing a miniDV Tape

Open Elgato Video Capture software

 

This window is the first that pops up, on here you can name the file and approximate the length to get an estimation of the file size. Click continue. 

 

Make sure the power indicator on the player is green for on and that the switcher in the rack is set to miniDV.

 

 

Next make sure your tape is set to "Record Lock". This will prevent your video footage from being overwritten in the digitizing process. To do this check the bottom of your tape.

 

 

On the bottom right corner of the tape there should be a small tab and instructions with an arrow to "REC/Save" Or "REC Lock". make sure the tab is pushed over in the direction of the arrow saying "REC".

 

 

Next open the miniDV player. The top portion of the player flips down to reveal the tape slot.

 

 

This player can use either mini DV or DVMax tapes. the smaller miniDV goes in the center slot.

 

 

If you have a DVMax tape it should fit in the larger portion of the slot.

 

 

Next put the tape in the player. You should be able to read the writing on the tape, and there is usually a small arrow on the top indicating which side to place in first.

 

 

Place the tape in the center of the slot and push in gently until the player pulls it in and seats it.

You will not have to change any settings on this next window. If you do not see your video, but the screen shows PLAY, STOP, REW, FF, it means that the video signal is coming through. Rewind or fast forward through to see video. Once you see your video you can click continue. 

If the screen says "No Signal" make sure the VCR is on, a tape is loaded, etc. Ask for someone's help in Media Services if the problem persists. 

 

Next is to test is the audio connection. This is best to test will the video is playing. If the bar is showing green it means the signal is detected.

If you can't hear the audio, make sure to turn the volume up on the computer if you would like to hear. You can turn the volume down or use headphones if you don't want to disturb other working in the library. 

 

Press STOP and REW on the VCR to rewind your video all the way to the beginning. You can start recording at any time by pressing the red button. 

By hovering over the bottom right corner of the video you can click the two arrows to make it full screen. 

 

Once the video finishes or you are satisfied with your recording you can press the red button again to stop recording. That will bring you to this window for the option of trimming your recording. 

 

The last step is finishing up, here it will show you where the files get saved so you can copy it onto a flash drive or hard drive. Then you can quit and you are all finished!