[robinbray]

Well, I've captured the video from my new Panasonic PV-GS150 to my iMac, edited it in FCP HD and now want to send it back to the camera. When I'm in playback mode (like I used to do it on my Sony) the screen on the camcorder shows the video, but no matter what I try...pushing the camera's record button, using the remote etc., it won't record the footage. So, I called Panasonic. They said (after about 45 minutes on hold) that the camera wasn't designed to accept footage back out to it. I've read reviews where the users HAVE sent video back to the camera, even MAC users that aren't using the supplied Windows software. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm stuck and my deadline is day after tomorrow.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[loki74]

Have you tried using the Print to Video function in the file menu?

[robinbray]

Originally Posted by loki74

Have you tried using the Print to Video function in the file menu?

Yes, that's the first way I tried it.

I called Panasonic twice and got a condescending reply, basically: Hey lady, you bought a consumer camcorder and it just doesn't do everything. I also spoke to another person in CS who was empathetic and said, that Panasonic missed the boat on the design. They should have allowed it to print to video. The thing that gets me is that you can watch the DV on the camcorder's screen when you tell the computer to print it to tape, you just can't get the camcorder to record it! How's that for frustrating.

The CS rep said that the whole line of GS camcorders do not allow you to send the video to the camcorder via DV, they're just not designed that way!

So, if you want a copy of your edit on Mini DV, you need to get a $1500 Mini DV deck to supplement your $699 camera! THAT makes sense.....

Now, the cost of the camera doesn't seem like such a bargain after all.

[robinbray]

Originally Posted by robinbray

The CS rep said that the whole line of GS camcorders do not allow you to send the video to the camcorder via DV, they're just not designed that way!

Well....apparently, the problem isn't the camera, it's Panasonic Customer Service! The camera actually DOES receive a signal from the computer. Here's how in case anyone is wondering.

The manual covers this on page 48 - listed as "Digital Dubbing" (Yes, I did try referencing the manual before writing here...just never found it until yesterday, when I looked at it again for the fifth time.)

1. Make the DV Connection.
2. Set the GS150 to playback mode.
3. In the menu on the GS150, select [ADVANCE]>>[REC STBY]>>[YES].
4. Move the joystick on the GS150 up to select the rec/pause symbol icon.
5. Start playback on the computer.

(Note 1: I have edited the above procedure from what the manual says to make it more clear, at least by my understanding. Note 2: You can do items 4 or 5 first. It doesn't seem to matter. Note 3: to temporarily stop recording, push the toggle up again to switch between record & pause. If you toggle down to stop, you must go back into the menu and turn the rec stby on again if you wish to record.)

Hope I've saved someone else from the frustration I just experienced. Thanks for your help.