There also used to be NTSC/PAl to Firewire conversion boxes and some
supported controlling the VCR deck via a connected but brand specific
cable. Something like a Sony DVMC-DA2 which had a connection for the
Sony LANC to control the deck. Not many of those around anymore as the
world has moved away from VHS and other analog formats. In the old days
on pro decks you would have a serial cable from the Mac to the deck so
software controls would cause the deck to scrub back and forth. Now with
firewire all that communication goes over the same link with the audio
and video. Much simpler. That said, you're still under the confines of
iMove once the video is imported.
CB
Tim Kilburn wrote:
Hi Alex,
You asked: Is it possible to use Voiceover and a Mac to control a VCR?
TK: Not that I'm aware of. From within iMovie, you can control
certain video cameras but I've not seen it control a VCR.
AJ: Also, is there hardware for my MB that will let me capture VHSs
from my VCR in a digital format, and is such a thing accessible to VO
users?
TK: There are a number of such items out there although some of them
aren't very reliable. The most reliable one we've used is the
Hollywood Dazzle or Hollywood DV. I'm not sure where you can find one
nowadays but if you did a Google search, you may find if they are
still available. The problem with using this from a VO prospective is
that you'd need to use iMovie to import the video. iMovie is usable
but not accessible by VO. You could bring the video in but would not
be able to edit it in any fashion without sighted assistance.
Later...
Tim Kilburn
& Carter the Canine
Fort McMurray, AB Canada
