Need to import footage from Laserdisc at DVinfo.net

Stefan Immler · May 10th, 2010, 06:36 PM

Hi all --

Not sure if this is the right subforum ...

I needed to import footage from a Laserdisc into my NLE (Final Cut Studio) for my documentary. Any ideas how this could be done?

Thanks!

Sam Mendolia · May 10th, 2010, 08:21 PM

You can connect your outputs on the laserdisc player to a capture device, that is connected to your computer, or if you have a dv cam that can act as your transcoder, that is if it is capable of input via RCA connectors. If you can do the later, you can capture it to dv tape as well, and then import to the computer, whenever you need the footage again.

Dazzle, Canopus and other units are firewire, but you can aslo find usb capture devices.
We use the Canopus and Dazzle units to capture on our Macs, and they work flalessly.
I personally have used them, as well as using my DV cam, and have not been disappointed with the resuts.

If the laserdisc has copy guard signals, you will need a unit that will remove them, as some of these equipment recognize the signal, and will not let any video pass through to the computer.

You can find a unit called a "video stabilizer", at Radio Shack, or some other mom and pop electronics stores, or flea markets. They run on a 9volt battery, and only need the video signal, as audio is not protected, and will go through.

I have used this device as well, on some personal projects, where I have purchased some old VHS material, and wanted to put it on DVD.

A search long ago on Laserdisc units, brought me to a site, where you could modify the laserdisc unit, to allow you to bypass the Macrovision signal, with something as simple as soldering a wire, inside the unit.
If you are handy and willing, do a search on this one.

Stefan Immler · May 10th, 2010, 09:23 PM

Thanks, Sam -- you helped me a lot! I just ordered a USB video capture card from Pinnacle.

May 10th, 2010, 06:36 PM	#1
Stefan Immler Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington DC Posts: 162	Need to import footage from Laserdisc Hi all -- Not sure if this is the right subforum ... I needed to import footage from a Laserdisc into my NLE (Final Cut Studio) for my documentary. Any ideas how this could be done? Thanks!

May 10th, 2010, 08:21 PM	#2
Sam Mendolia Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 217	You can connect your outputs on the laserdisc player to a capture device, that is connected to your computer, or if you have a dv cam that can act as your transcoder, that is if it is capable of input via RCA connectors. If you can do the later, you can capture it to dv tape as well, and then import to the computer, whenever you need the footage again. Dazzle, Canopus and other units are firewire, but you can aslo find usb capture devices. We use the Canopus and Dazzle units to capture on our Macs, and they work flalessly. I personally have used them, as well as using my DV cam, and have not been disappointed with the resuts. If the laserdisc has copy guard signals, you will need a unit that will remove them, as some of these equipment recognize the signal, and will not let any video pass through to the computer. You can find a unit called a "video stabilizer", at Radio Shack, or some other mom and pop electronics stores, or flea markets. They run on a 9volt battery, and only need the video signal, as audio is not protected, and will go through. I have used this device as well, on some personal projects, where I have purchased some old VHS material, and wanted to put it on DVD. A search long ago on Laserdisc units, brought me to a site, where you could modify the laserdisc unit, to allow you to bypass the Macrovision signal, with something as simple as soldering a wire, inside the unit. If you are handy and willing, do a search on this one. __________________ I was told I have no vision, but boy do I see great!

May 10th, 2010, 09:23 PM	#3
Stefan Immler Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington DC Posts: 162	Thanks, Sam -- you helped me a lot! I just ordered a USB video capture card from Pinnacle.