User profile for user: Ian R. Brown
Ian R. Brown Author
User level: Level 7
23,597 points

Using an HDV camcorder as a video pass through device?

I used to do this a decade ago but I have completely forgotten how to do it!


OK I have the Canon HV20 connected via AV/phonos to the VCR containing the source tape.


The camera is connected via FW to the computer. There is a tape in the camera.


I have tried setting the camera to Play or Record but when I start the VCR playing back nothing appears on the camera screen or the computer's.


I need to get the VCR image into the camera.


I seem to be missing something but I don't know what?

Mac mini

Posted on Apr 17, 2025 7:12 AM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Ian R. Brown
Ian R. Brown Author
User level: Level 7
23,597 points

Posted on Apr 17, 2025 7:45 AM

Problem solved!


I had to go into the Menu and set A/v to DV ON

View in context
4 replies
Sort By: 
User profile for user: Ian R. Brown
Ian R. Brown Author
User level: Level 7
23,597 points

May 29, 2025 5:48 AM in response to SFWD

Connect as you said and turn on Play in the camera.


Press the FUNC switch at the back of the camera to reveal the menu.


Use the joystick to scroll down to the "Menu" and press the joystick in to set the menu.


Using the joystick navigate to the pass-thru setting and change it to ON. Set it by pressing in the joystick.


Press FUNC to leave menu.


Note that once you shut down the HV20 it will lose the pass-thru setting and you will have to reset it.

Reply
User profile for user: Algr
Algr
User level: Level 1
20 points

May 29, 2025 7:12 PM in response to SFWD

Ideally, if a camera has a firewire port, that will give you the best quality. For a modern mac, you'll need a Firewire to Thunderbolt converter. I just notice that the relevant converter seems to be discontinued, and is $99 on Ebay. Yikes!

Reply

Using an HDV camcorder as a video pass through device?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up