Hello,

I'm trying to output my 6 minute video to tape. I've already made a dvd (MPG2 to watch on a set top player) and a AVI file, both worked fine but I want one more form of archive and that's my miniDV tape. I've outputted to tape tons of times, but now I get this error message "your project cannot be output to the selected device. Please make sure the project format is appropriate for your output device" I am trying to output via Firewire to my camcorder, which Pinnacle does reconize. I'm using Studio version 10.8. Not sure how much detailed info you guys need but everyother "make movie" works exept tape. Please help.

 

Jason

Have you seen this article?

Hi Marc,

Yes, everything looks correct from the link article as far as what I see on my computer. I've tried a different camera, tapes, played around with all of the settings on my camera, and in Pinnacle. I can't find any reason why it won't output to tape. I get the same message everytime. What do you recommend I try next?

 

Jason

Can you try to encode a sample video to tape on a new project?

sorry, I forgot to mention that indeed I did try a few other video projects with the same results.

How about the Studio Sample Project itself? Have you tried that as well?

Wow, I didn't know there was a sample project? I looked in the book and while Studio was running and I couldn't find out how to access the Sample Project. Could you please tell me how and I'll try that next?

 

Thanks, Jason

Click Help - > Load Sample Project (something to this effect). That should load the sample project.

Hello Marc,

I'm sorry for bugging about this issue. Here is what I see when I drop down the "help" section:

-help topics, display tool tips, product reg, software updates, online offers, tech support, enter act keys, view act keys, regenerate act keys, my passport, about pinnacle studio. I don't seem to have "load sample product" as an option. I would have noticed that while I was checking all of my options to try to help from bugging you about my problem. I have version 10.8.0.4641

 

My apologies. I assumed you were running the latest version. The sample project is only found in 12 and 14. In your case, you should create a new project and load the sample video. That should work about the same way.

In order to get the "sample project", you have to have version 12 or 14 and not 10? I started a new project, if I download 12, would I lose my current project? Is 12 the next update from 10? I don't remember a version 11 update.

 

Thanks again Marc!

clashradio:

In order to get the "sample project", you have to have version 12 or 14 and not 10? I started a new project, if I download 12, would I lose my current project? Is 12 the next update from 10? I don't remember a version 11 update.

 

Thanks again Marc!

 

Yes. Installing/uninstalling/reinstalling Studio should not harm projects or captured video you have on your computer. Studio 12 came after 11.

. . . and 14 came after 12.    You can download the trial for S14 here.  If you really want to try S12 ('cos you may be able to buy it cheap on e-bay), you can download it here.

 As for the basic problem, I suggest you read your camcorder's manual carefully. Although you have apparently done this before, there may be something that you are forgetting to set correctly. 

Thanks for posting the trial download link for S14.

Hey Marc,

I know you said uploading a newer version won't affect my current project, but I have too many hours in this already to take a chance. I'm going to finish it, then upload 12. I did double check my cameras manual. And I tried it again on all three of my Panasonic PV-GS300's with the same message. I can't find any reason for this error message. I've outputted to tape with this camera before. I've played with all of the possible settings on both Pinnacle and my camera. Since I can create an AVI file, is there a way to send that file directly to the camera without rendering?

Before anything else, finish the project. Make a backup and then render it as DV-AVI (if its in standard definition). Only then I recommend running the repairs or reinstall if deemed necessary. Try creating a new project and import your DV-AVI copy and then try loading that to the tape.

Marc,

 You won't believe this... I got it to work finally. I was reading the camera manual and ran across something about "LCD brightness" mode. I keep seeing this little icon on my lcd screen so I scanned the book to find it. The only thing it said was it can't be adjusted in PC mode. I was desparate to try anything so I turned the brightness off and now I can send to tape. I don't understand how that affects output to tape. It does not affect the recording while the mode is on or off, so why should it not allow me to transfer to tape? Anyways, I really appreciate all of your trouble. Thanks for taking the time to help! I mean that. Sorry for the stupid problem.

 

Jason

Thanks for keeping us posted.