The HV20 is supposed to allow for A/D pass thru capture via firewire, but Sony Vegas VidCap is unable to capture from the incoming stream (VidCap appears to only be able to capture from tape).

So what software will allow me to capture the live incoming stream without having to record it to the tape first?

Do the capture tools for any of the other consumer video software (pinnacle, ulead, etc.) allow for live capture?

Did you follow the instructions on page 73 of the HV20 manual? I haven't tried the HV20 with Windows software yet, just on a Mac. Final Cut Express 'wants' its input set to "DV Converter" instead of "DV-NTSC" when using a converter, whether a camcorder or a Canopus box. The 'converter' setting doesn't expect timecode info but the 'camera' settings will wait forever for it.

I wonder how to do this in final cut pro... couldn't find a "DV converter" setting

Does it work in iMovie?

Thanks Neil, your comments put me on the right pathway of thinking to resolve my issue with this. Just to give some background, when you start the Sony Vegas VidCap, by default it is looking for a DV device "with transport controls" like is typically found on the camcorder. What happens is that VidCap will show you the incoming signal for a short moment, then cease...that's because it's looking for the transport controls of the device, expecting there to be a tape.

Well, under VisCap's preferences is a box that is checked: Enable DV device control. Once you un-check this box, you can then capture the incoming analog stream straight to disk. Un-checking this box removes the transport controls that were previously showing and replaces them with just record and stop recording buttons.

You're welcome, Nathan. It's nice to know it was the right hint.

Taj, FCE has "Easy Setup" choices in the main menu (left of File) and you can choose project-level parameters from there. FCP is more flexible/powerful but it may have something similar. Otherwise, check out the Apple support discussions.