Is it possible to record a live event from a mini dv camcorder to a dvd recorder via fire wire cable (assuming the dvd recrder has a firewire input)? With pause capability? Or would using the analog inputs be just as good?

My requirements are to have a dvd available asap after the end of the event (in my case a basketball game). No editing is needed.

Most any DVDR can directly record whatever comes thru any of its external inputs, such as the input from a DV camera that's just turned on and in Camera mode.

With the Philips 3575, you can connect a DV camera (4-pin or composite), turn it on as camera, select the 3575's connected input, and you should see the pic on a display connected to the 3575. With just a "live" camera input on any of the 3575's line inputs, you can then use the 3575's remote to REC and PAUSE the 3575 at will.

For just one DVD as fast as possible, you'd best record directly the a DVD disc, then Finalize the disc in about 2 minutes so the DVD can play on any other player.

If you needed multiple DVD copies, you could record to the 3575's HDD, then High-speed copy to DVD... each takes 10-25 minutes each, depending on the brand of DVDR you use (the 3575 is at the longer end of that range).

If you don't need multiple copies and always want only one DVD ASAP, then you won't need a HDD recorder like the 3575 (160G HDD). You could use any quality single-disc recorder.

First thanks for the reply.

During research I came upon some conflicting information regarding the DV input; ie that possibly most DVD recorders would only be able to record from the "tape dump" of the miniDV camcorder and not straight from the "camera mode" as you call it. This was cause for my original question.

But what you're telling me is what I was hoping for, straight from the camera to the DVD is possible.

The HD dumping scenario won't work for me as 10-25 minutes each just won't work in my case; but do understand the suggestion.

What I'm hoping to do is as you say finalize it in about 2 minutes and then throw it in a duplicator to produce three more in less than 10 minutes.


Do you see any other caveats that I should consider.

First thanks for the reply.

During research I came upon some conflicting information regarding the DV input; ie that possibly most DVD recorders would only be able to record from the "tape dump" of the miniDV camcorder and not straight from the "camera mode" as you call it. This was cause for my original question.

But what you're telling me is what I was hoping for, straight from the camera to the DVD is possible.

The HD dumping scenario won't work for me as 10-25 minutes each just won't work in my case; but do understand the suggestion.

What I'm hoping to do is as you say finalize it in about 2 minutes and then throw it in a duplicator to produce three more in less than 10 minutes.


Do you see any other caveats that I should consider.
None. If the DV input doesn't work as a live-camera pass-thru, the composite or S-Video (if the camera has one) should, and many people report little or no noticeable difference in quality... I would think not in a live-camera situation.

I'm not sure what those other conflicting reports were, but they might be confusing the two basic operating modes of cameras: VCR (play) and Camera (record). No guarantees, but I believe *most* (if not all) cameras should pass their pic thru the line outputs when in Camera (rec.) mode.

It's funny, but you could walk into any store that displays video cameras and hooks them up to a display to show their pic...and that's exactly the way you'd be using your camera, except you'd be capturing the pic on a DVDR in between the camera and the display.

P.S. Intirguing question: can your duplicator use a live feed as its "master"? If so, make three copies of the live-camera feed at once? If it has line inputs, could be possible!?

None. If the DV input doesn't work as a live-camera pass-thru, the composite or S-Video (if the camera has one) should, and many people report little or no noticeable difference in quality... I would think not in a live-camera situation.

I am pretty sure this would work. I know on my miniDV camcorder (Canon Elura 100), I can connect the camcorder to my Mac using Firewire. I set Canon to camera mode and iMovie sees and can record what is being sent via Firewire.

I would think that a DVD-recorder would behave similarly.

My requirements are to have a dvd available asap after the end of the event (in my case a basketball game). No editing is needed. Just curious, why do you need the DVD available immediately? Are you working for Belicheck? ;)

Also, you might want to use a miniDV tape as a back-up. And there are some camcorders that will turn off after 5 minutes or so if there is no tape in the slot. You might want to test out the system before going live.

I am pretty sure this would work. I know on my miniDV camcorder (Canon Elura 100), I can connect the camcorder to my Mac using Firewire. I set Canon to camera mode and iMovie sees and can record what is being sent via Firewire.

I would think that a DVD-recorder would behave similarly.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping so it would.

Just curious, why do you need the DVD available immediately? Are you working for Belicheck? ;)

No, my goal is to make 3 copies relatively immediately available to give to the 3 officials. My time window would be from the time the game is over to the time they shower and dress and head home. The DVD would be handed to them as they leave.

Also, you might want to use a miniDV tape as a back-up. And there are some camcorders that will turn off after 5 minutes or so if there is no tape in the slot. You might want to test out the system before going live.

Yes, definitely will test.



Now that I think about it more, I could go a different route.

What if instead of a duplicator I invested in two more DVD recorders?

Split the signal (probably have to forgo firewire) and burn all three at once.

Will definitely have to think about this more.

Now that I think about it more, I could go a different route.

What if instead of a duplicator I invested in two more DVD recorders?

Split the signal (probably have to forgo firewire) and burn all three at once.

Will definitely have to think about this more.
The ONLY thing about burning directly to a DVD disc is the reliability of the disc media itself. If you use a poor quality media, odds are pretty good you'll be making coasters!

But then, actually, the 3 recorder route might be A-OK cause then you're really adding a safety factor... you should be assured of getting at least one GOOD burn, which can be your master for the duplicator. Sort of a redundancy route. (Assuming you already have the duplicator and don't have to buy that plus the 3 recorders...but then, if you've got the money,....)

Whichever way you go, make sure to use Taiyo Yuden Premium (avail. online only) or Verbatim discs (online or at local stores).

On the camera going to sleep on you, check for a setting that lets you change the sleep time or even shut it off. Alternatively, you can press the zoom button to keep it awake.

Thanks for all the replies.

Will be testing things out here shortly as the season is fast approaching. Will post my results.