Canopus ADV-55 can't hear/import audio

You can use Pavtube HD Video converter for mac to transcode MP4 video to Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC) for iMovie editing, this method you don't need to render.

I'm sorry but I believe you have this posted in the wrong product category? Please re-post the question in the proper category if this is the case, otherwise you have my apologies. This is the car and truck problem category

The vhs ribbon is not well aligned in the vhs tape head. IT can be adjusted for re alignment. Ask for a repairman if you can't do it.

Which OS? If you are on Mac it just works straight away in iMovie, just bring up the import box and it should work, as for windows, I haven't tried it but I'm presuming that the same procedure will work in an editing suite on the import settings the device should be found.

No drivers are provided on the Canopus Website (company now known as "Grass Valley") however there is a compatability release note about windows 7 saying that it is certified to work with it.

Hi Vicki
You are not going to do it without spending some money.
Look on ebay for something like a Canopus ADVC110. It's good quality (sorry - excellent quality) unit powered from your Firewire socket. It does Analogue-Digital conversion both ways. Into iMovie and then back out to your camera. in fact iMovie sees it as your camera. You can find cheaper kit but the picture quality is not as good. There is a more expensive version that has video noise reduction built in but it's best use is for removing noise from VHS tapes when importing to iMovie.
There are several on ebay in the UK right now. Canopus is now called Grass Valley - one of the biggest manufacturers in the broadcast TV world.

Put the batteries in the camera, then connect via the USB flip connection. The camera will show up on the desktop like a flash drive does. Open it when it shows up. Drill until you find the avi movies and drag them to your desktop. You may have to convert them to quicktime files. If you cannot use the software that came with the camera (it does work), you can import the sections into iMovie.

Hi - The red light indicates the VHS is Macrovision copy protected, so the ADVC55 is refusing to import it.
There is a sort of "secret" workaround for this that most people who own the old Canopus products know, and which Canopus also knew, supported, and had posted on their forums (unfortunately deleted by the new owner who seems to be unclear on copyright law).
Remember, it is LEGAL to make ONE (but ONLY one) copy of any copyrighted material for your personal use for backup purposes. In other words, if you do this, you can record the movie into your computer and store it there, or burn it to a DVD (after which you must erase the copy on your computer), but that's all! You cannot make another copy for anyone else - not even yourself - without violating copyright law.
That said, here are the two procedures that usually work, easiest first:
1) When you first turn the Canopus on, hold the select button down for roughly twenty seconds. Now the system should ignore any copy protection until you turn the unit off.
2) (if 1 doesn't work:)
1. Put all dip switches OFF (unless you have a PAL system). 2. Hook up the firewire cable from the unit to the PC while ensuring that both units are OFF (this is what the instructions say to do, because you can cause a damaging power surge otherwise).
3. Turn on the power to the DVD player, PC and ADVC-100.
4. Set capture on your PC (your software) to Manual.
5. Start the DVD.
6. The ANALOG IN LCD of the unit will light, and if the DVD is Macrovision protected, the red STATUS light will stay on for about 18 seconds, turn off for about three seconds, and then repeat the process (or may remain red longer on some units).
7. Depress and HOLD the INPUT SELECT silver button. The DIGITAL IN LCD will light up temporarily then turn off. Keep this button depressed until the red STATUS light stays off completely (about 15 seconds).
8. Release the INPUT SELECT BUTTON and press it briefly one more time until the ANALOG IN button lights up.
9. Macrovision is now bypassed!
Again, once you turn the ADVC55 off (which you must - if it stays on for long periods it can overheat and malfunction), you'll have to go through the Macrovision bypass procedure again next time you turn it on.
Good luck, and I hope this works for you as it did for me with my Canopus!

Hi Elisa, I was having the same problem with my MAC. I have a G5 tower. After much searching, here's what I found:
If you open up Image Capture and have this open when your camera is connected. You will be able to download everything, including AVI files. Once you've downloaded the file, open up iMovie. Import the file into iMovie. Do what you need to do and then you can export it as a Quicktime movie.
Phew!

Not having camcorder control is normal, as the ADVC110 doesn't translate DV (AV/C) control to anything else. It just accepts and replies to deck control commands so the capture application doesn't get stuck waiting for a response.

First off, make sure you only have the ADVC110, your VCR, and your computer connected. No other Firewire devices.

Be sure your have the output from your VCR connected to the ADVC's input. Connect your VCR's output to your TV. You should see in iMovie the same image you see on your TV, slightly delayed.