Apple Final Cut Pro 5 - Manual (Page 200)

Chapter 15 Connecting Professional and Non-DV Equipment 199
III
Connecting Non-DV Devices to a DV Converter
You can use a DV converter to convert a device in a non-DV format, such as BetacamSP
or Digital Betacam, to DV. This allows you to capture footage using the built-in FireWire
port on your computer. However, unlike a complete DV/FireWire setup, this kind of
deck still requires serial (RS-422 or RS-232) remote device control.
This kind of setup is used mainly for low-resolution capture and offline editing. Because
Final Cut Pro can edit DV video natively, you can capture your video as if it is DV
footage, edit at DV resolution, and then recapture only the necessary media files for
your finished movie at full-resolution using one of the third-party video interface
solutions described above.
Important: If you plan to recapture footage later, make sure timecode is captured
accurately. For more information about calibrating your device control and timecode,
see Volume IV, Chapter 25, “Device Control Settings and Presets.”
A Recommended Non-DV–to–DV System
Using Serial Device Control
You need the following equipment:
 Your computer and display
 A non DV-format playback device, such as a BetacamSP or Digital Betacam deck
 An analog- or digital (SDI)-to-DV/FireWire converter
Note: Some DV camcorders and VTRs can also act as an analog-to-DV/FireWire
converter.
 A 4–to–6-pin FireWire cable, available at an electronics store or an
Apple-authorized retailer
 A USB-to-serial adapter or internal modem serial port adapter
 An RS-232 or RS-422 video deck control cable