How to troubleshoot Thunderbolt/FireWire issues on your Mac so you can import MiniDV/HDV Video Tapes

[@ScottSchramm]

Update: the setting in the Security and Privacy section will only be visible if you have a Mac with Apple silicon. If you have an Intel Mac, you can skip step 3 in the video as it will not be applicable. Thanks to @workinprogress6697 for making me aware of this! In case you missed it, here are links to where you can buy the items shown in the video: Apple Thunderbolt 3 and 4 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Adapter: amzn.to/3txX8Ca Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter: amzn.to/48osbzf FireWire 800 to 400 mini plug cable: amzn.to/41pu24J Other FireWire options: amzn.to/3Rx2O7o Other items I recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottschramm *Other videos that may help you:* How to connect a FireWire Audio Interface to a Mac or PC with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnbLq5-nfZ6Zg9E How to connect FireWire devices into a Windows PC with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXK2eqiOZtKkrac How to connect FireWire devices to a new M1 Mac with Apple Silicon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmashKx_aLuWjdE (note the Amazon links in this comment are affiliate links which help support my channel. Your price stays the same but a small commission may come back to me if you decide to purchase anything using my links. It's a win-win for everyone!)

[@SoodP]

Scott - What model Canon camera do you use?

[@ScottSchramm]

@@SoodP Please watch my entire videos before commenting. The model of my camcorder is clearly shown @5:33

[@cjayme9207]

super thanks Scott, I thought I was spending money on dongles/cables without hope, but your videos helped me a lot!!!

[@hawkforce3109]

I'll be trying to connect my firewire Nikon Coolscan 9000ED film scanner to an Apple silicon Mac and your tips will come in handy. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@lola-ts1sp]

Thank you so much for this video! A little history... I've had the same minidv camera for a year (found it brand-new deadstock with tags and everything) and have been using it all the while to make home videos. I purchased all the necessary adapters you suggested and everything has been working like a charm up (AKA I've been able to record the videos on my mini dv and import the recordings via iMovie) until a few months ago when iMovie suddenly stopped recognizing my camera. I'm 80% sure this was after a routine software update but I cannot 100% confirm. My gear Sony HandyCam DCR-HC85 NTSC MacBook Pro 13-inch, M1, 2020 macOS Sonoma 14.2.1 Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter Micro Connectors, Inc. 6 feet Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin to 4 Pin Cable (E07-216) I went through every step of this video and found that my mac does recognize that there is a device in the thunderbolt port ✅,my mini dv also recognizes that the DV is in ✅, all the settings of my camera are normal and ready for recording ✅, but iMovie still does not show my camera to import my recordings ❌. It's such a bummer to not be able to transfer these precious moments onto my laptop. If there is anything else you can think may be the problem I'd greatly, greatly appreciate the help.

[@ScottSchramm]

The only thing left is to either try a different camcorder or try a different Mac. I made this video as a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot these issues. If you’ve done the other steps then there are no other options.

[@lola-ts1sp]

Thank you for your reply! @@ScottSchramm

[@micheleastolfi6708]

hello, im in your same situation, what do you decided?@@lola-ts1sp

[@aNYCdj]

bought a 2012 mac mini Catalina for $100 last year of firewire plugged it in loaded life flix and everything worked perfectly no extra cables or work around

[@bencrowe4747]

Thank you for the detailed help!

[@cmedley]

You are a life saver!

[@yemisio.7788]

Hi Scott! Thanks for the great videos. I’m trying to transfer some footage from an old camcorder (Samsung VP-D371W) and keep running into issues. I wanted to ask for some help as I’ve now reached a stage where I’m stuck! What I’ve done so far: - Tried using an AV cable and an AV capture card. I got the camcorder to be recognised, however, I was only able to record audio and not video footage. - Now trying to use a DV cable and connect it to an old Macbook with a firewire port. When I turn on the camcorder and turn it to playback mode, then connect it to the laptop using the DV cable, the screens goes black for a second which indicates to me there is some sort of connection. However, no DV symbol appears on the screen like the manual if the camcorder says it should and the camcorder isn’t showing up on the macbook. What should I do? I’ve contemplated there being an issue with the camcorder itself but would like buying another one to be my last resort as that’s expensive. Any advice appreciated :)

[@ScottSchramm]

You'd either need to try a different camcorder or a different computer to see which one is not working.

[@Urosaurus]

Thanks

[@ttam809]

Hi Scott, I have an Audio device (M0Audio Firewire 410) connected to my computer via a Firewire to USB cable, to the USBC adapter, but my computer's not seeing it. Am I missing a driver? Or is the USB connection messing it up somehow?

[@ScottSchramm]

You can’t convert FireWire to USB. That’s why it doesn’t work.

[@tompittman3683]

Great video. Thanks for doing all this research. I am hoping you can help me. I believe I have watched all your videos in regard to the adaptors and so forth. I am trying to connect a UAD 2 Quad Satellite Firewall to a 2014 Mac mini. I am coming out of UAD device with a Firewire 800 cable to Apple Thunderbolt 2 / Firewire adaptor then plugging into Mac mini. The UAD device is not being seen. I see some people are using the 400 Firewire to 800 cable. I have one ordered and will have early X week. Will try that. I don't think it will matter tho. I also have two late 2011 MacBook Pros. It has thunderbolt and firewire. The Firewire works as Intended. When I use the Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor and plug into Thunderbolt port the UAD device is seen there also on both MacBook Pros running High Sierra 10.13. So, it appears all the cables are good. I also just updated the 2014 Mac mini to Monterey 12.7 I think. That did not matter. Any suggestions to try? Thank you

[@ScottSchramm]

It's probably an OS limitation. I think it was macOS Catalina 10.15 was the version that dropped FireWire support for Core Audio devices, so you may need to downgrade to macOS 10.14 Mojave to get it working.

[@tompittman3683]

@@ScottSchramm Thanks Scott. I am sure now this is the case. I appreciate you getting back to me

[@fletzyproductions1190]

Hi! Just wanted to ask if the newest version works with firewire! I know its tiring to inform us all for 2 years so i thank you for your patience.

[@ScottSchramm]

Yes, still works with macOS 14.5

[@fletzyproductions1190]

@@ScottSchramm thank you!

[@workinprogress6697]

This comment in Apple Community might be helpful. Question: Allow accessories to connect is missing. I don't have this here in the menu even I have M1 mac mini. Wondering why? Answer: As the article states, it only applies to Apple Silicon laptops.

[@ScottSchramm]

I just checked on a system with Intel and you are right, that setting does not exist! Thanks for the heads up!

[@bencrowe4747]

Hi Scott, thank you for answering my questions in the past you have been very helpful! I purchased a Macbook and cables you recommended. My old Sony camcorder still wasn't being recognized by the macbook so I bought a refurbished camcorder off of Amazon. With the refurbished Camcorder importing digital 8 tapes was working great. I imported 1.5 tapes and then ran into a problem. iMovie stopped recognizing my camcorder after a long break in the scenes in the tape. I have tried updating the OS on the Mac book, it is running Ventura 13.7.6 I believe. It has an Intel chip. I have experimented with restarting, changing to HD/DV out on the camcorder, changing to hi8 \ digital 8 on the camcorder settings. I am up to date with the OS updates and the latest version on iMovie. Any ideas on why iMovie isn't recognizing the camcorder in the middle of importing? Would my cables or camcorder go bad that fast? The tapes will still play on the camcorder iMovie doesn't recognize it though. I also checked to see if the Macbook recognizes the camera. The Macbook displays the thunderbolt and thunderbolt to firewire adapter but doesn't list the camera.

[@ScottSchramm]

Try one of the tapes that worked before. If the known working tape doesn't work anymore, then something has failed, either the camcorder, the cable, adapter, etc.

[@bencrowe4747]

@@ScottSchramm Thanks for getting back to me Scott. The MacBook doesn't recognize anything when just the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter is plugged in. When just that adapter is plugged in it says no device. It does recognize the Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire 800 adapter when it is plugged into the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2. But nothing changes when I then plug the Tripp Lite 1394 firewire to 800 or when I plug the Tripp Lite into the camera. This is even when I have a tape playing I was able to import yesterday. Does it sound like is the Tripp Lite 1394 to 800 cable that went bad? I have ordered a new Tripp Lite 1394 to 800 to verify. I am hoping that since the MacBook can detect the Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire 800 through the Thunderbolt 3->2, the Thunderbolt 3->2 isn't bad. Thank you again for your help. -Ben

[@ScottSchramm]

@@bencrowe4747 Your logic is correct. If it can see the FireWire adapter then both the Thunderbolt 3 to 2 and Thunderbolt to FireWire adapters are good. So now it's either the FireWire cable or the camera.

[@bencrowe4747]

@@ScottSchramm Thank you for responding Scott. I replaced the FireWire cable and now I am in business again. Much appreciated. It is interesting though, sometimes if there is a 30-second lapse in the recording, iMovie will stop recognizing the camera. I just close the import screen and then open it again and then iMovie recognizes the camera again. Thanks again without your help, I wouldn't be able to transfer my 24-year-old videos of my kids.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@bencrowe4747 You're welcome, I'm glad to hear swapping the cable fixed it for you!

[@ashleabea]

Hi Scott! This video is super helpful but I seem to still be having a problem. I've got all the right cables and I've made sure everything is set as 'allow', my system report says there's a thunderbolt to firewire adapter and that a device is connected, my camera also indicates 'DV in' on the screen but it just won't pick up in iMovie or Quicktime. I don't suppose you can help? Thanks!!

[@ScottSchramm]

Hmm that is strange because it sounds like everything is right. What camcorder are you using?

[@ashleabea]

@@ScottSchramm I'm using a Sony PD170P!

[@ashleabea]

I just noticed that when I play the footage on camera whilst it's hooked up to my MacBook, the 'DV in' disappears, could this be the issue?

[@ScottSchramm]

@@ashleabea That looks like a professional camera and likely has a lot of settings. It sounds like something is not configured right, like the format or something. Check the menus and see what you can find. Another thing to try is putting the camera in record/live mode and see if that works vs playing back pre-recorded tapes.

[@ashleabea]

@@ScottSchramm It doesn't want to work in live mode either. :( I've had a little look and there's a 'A/V -> DV out' setting which is on and then a 'NTSC PB' option where I can select 'ON PAL TV' or 'NTSC 4.43'? Thank you for getting back to quick!

[@mobilemusicinc1]

Scott thanks for putting the videos together. I had my Firewire 4pin to USBC working on my MacBook Pro for a while. I think I have a bad Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2. When I plug in Thunderbolt 2 into Thunderbolt 3 I get the allow to accessory to connect. When I unplug it again and plugin in the 800 to Thunderbolt I don't get the message. When I plug in all the way from 4pin to usbc the DVin shows up on the camera screen. Does that mean the computer should be seeing the camera? Also the TB 2 to TB 3 cable I can only find on ebay. Any suggestions? Sorry for the long comment. ty

[@ScottSchramm]

You should be fine. In my case, I don't get the prompt when plugging in the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter but I do get the prompt when I plug in the Thunderbolt to FireWire.

[@SoodP]

@scottschramm II have my Canon HV40 connected to my M1 mac and I am using iMovie to import videos. Something strange is happening, whenever I try to import lets say 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, really any length and hit "stop import". When I look into my library/events, I'll random clip of maybe 1s and 20s. Do you know where the rest of the imported video is?

[@ScottSchramm]

Sounds like an issue with either the tape or the heads on the camcorder. Does this issue happen with other tapes? Does it happen if you capture "live" by putting the camcorder into record mode and capturing in iMovie without recording to tape?

[@SoodP]

@@ScottSchramm The 2-3 tapes I tried this week all are experiencing this recording issue, but playback is flawless. I noticed that after starting the import, imovie shows "Recording..." with a counter. I noticed that this counter resets to 0 during the import and then starts counting again. Sometimes it does this multiple times during the import. Looks like, only the video imported BEFORE the first reset is retained and the rest is lost. It doesn't look like Camera is losing connecting and there are no errors. I'm wondering why this counter is getting reset...

[@jankoenen]

Hello, I have the same problem, I have more than 70 DV cassettes and a Sony camcorder, I bought all the separate cables from FireWire 800 to FireWire 400, Thunderbolt 2 to T3, to the usb - C connection, but now comes the problem I have no Apple computer, but a windows laptop, and the USB-C port is no lightning port, so I think I have to buy a desktop computer with a FireWire card, It cost so much to save old video,s

[@ScottSchramm]

I have an updated video here that talks about the process with a desktop or old computer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gom7hI2ahL-VY80

[@sl5311]

I would love for people to post updates

[@ScottSchramm]

@@sl5311what updates do you want? I have videos that cover all kind of different situations.

[@sl5311]

@@ScottSchramm I'm saying when they are stuck and you say it might be this or that, I am interested in knowing exacty which one of those worked. That is how a lot of auto repair KZbin comment sections work. As an older person coming into this now, this process of transferring seems fluid and always needing tweaking? I would love to just copy exactly what someone did -same camera, same cords, same computer and do it once and for all but I realize that isn't possible. I have two broken JVC camcorders and 50 tapes and want to get 1 to 1 without breaks. I I have a Win 10 Pro desktop but I see other creator video comments saying there are issues with Firewire ports from TI and others or there too with frame drops and latencies...geez... back 20 years ago I just wanted to record video, you know? Now I'm into all of this. Thank you for your videos they have been the most helpful to me so far. I have written down all of the Apple computers with Firewire ports just in case I can't get my Win Desktop to give me good quality. I had a well known video store in Ebay tell me that I should just get one of those video converter cards built into a VGA connector and save myself a lot of headaches and as a bonus he would give it to me for $10 but when I got on Amazon to look it up, everyone hates the quality.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@sl5311@sl5311 Unfortunately, there is no one solution that works for everyone. If that was the case, it would have only taken one video to document the process :)

[@jrm4408]

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro and want to transfer video from a MiniDV camcorder to it the way I used to with my 2011 MacBook Pro that had built in firewire ports (that one died so can't use it). The camcorder has a 9 pin firewire port (female) and the Mac has Thunderbolt 2 ports (doesn't have USB-C). Is there a direct way to go from firewire 9 pin to thunderbolt 2?

[@ScottSchramm]

You only need the FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter but since it's been discontinued it is hard to find. It may be cheaper and easier to buy another 2011 MacBook similar to the one you had.

[@jrm4408]

@@ScottSchramm What's the part number of this adapter just in case I can find one? I was actually thinking of getting a used/tested motherboard for the MacBook I have. A pain but cheaper and I had just put new ram, battery and hard drives in the 2011 so I'd like to try and salvage some of that.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@jrm4408 The part number is ‎MD464LL/A - Good luck!

[@jrm4408]

@@ScottSchramm Thanks!

[@cheloronaldo]

Quick question, i have a sony dcr-trv130 handycam that has a firewire 4pin dv input. If i also have a video capture with AV connectors and S-video connector, would it make any difference if compared to the dv connection ? I've been successfully importing my hi8 tapes into my macbook with OBS with av connection, but i'm wondering if it would make any difference in the imported video quality if i get the thunderbolt 2 to firewire and the thunderbolt 2/3 ?

[@ScottSchramm]

There is a big difference in quality when capturing the via FireWire vs the analog outputs. I talked about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4WToHePl9aqrc0

[@TJohnson540i]

I can't find the thunderbolt to firewire adapter, Amazon does not have it anymore Do you have a suggestion?

[@ScottSchramm]

eBay or old computer that doesn't need the adapter

[@workinprogress6697]

Hello again Scott, I am still struggling here and there seems to be so many others on the Apple Community with the same problem. Yesterday I found that in my System Information under Thunderbolt/USB4 that my thunderbolt to firewire adapter is definitely being recognised which is good news! But the camcorder still does not show in iMovie/FCP/QuickTime. I take from that at least the cable and adapters are NOT faulty, would you agree?😵‍💫

[@ScottSchramm]

Sounds like the adapters are good. So it’s either the cable or the camcorder. Only way to troubleshoot that would be with another computer or another cable.

[@workinprogress6697]

So it wouldn't include the firewire cable being good as well? because it is connected to the adapters...@@ScottSchramm

[@ScottSchramm]

@@workinprogress6697there is no way of telling if the cable is good since it doesn’t show up in system information like the dongles do

[@SoodP]

I made the software updates and set the Security/privacy setting. When I connect both of the thunderbolt adapters to the laptop nothing pops up and it makes no sounds. However, if I plug in a USB mouse then I do get the pop up to allow. Do I have bad thunderbolt cables?

[@ScottSchramm]

Yep either your Thunderbolt adapter or FireWire adapter is bad. I would start with replacing the thunderbolt adapter since those are easy to get on Amazon. If you still don’t get the pop up then we know the FireWire adapter is bad and you may have to find one on eBay since they seem to be discontinued now

[@SoodP]

@@ScottSchramm yeah I'm having trouble finding a reasonably priced FireWire cable. If you or anyone else has an extra they would like to sell, LMK

[@ScottSchramm]

Hurry, Amazon has the FireWire adapter back in stock: amzn.to/47fYX4J

[@nagasakib3101]

hi there I'm really struggling with this I'm using m1 iMac and I don't have those setting you show to allow connection im also using the same apple cables as you and there connected to a 400.800 adapter then a 9pin firewire to dv camcorder cable..... I just can't get it to work can anyone help me

[@ScottSchramm]

The M1 iMac's have two Thunderbolt ports and two USB-C ports. Make sure you are plugging it into the ports that have the Thunderbolt icon above the port.

[@sl5311]

Did you get it to work?

[@abelmendoza9980]

I cannot find the firewire to thunderbolt 2 adapter anywhere. It's unavailable

[@teoguez3389]

same, I found it on French amazon but it's insanely expensive, like 100 bucks...

[@ScottSchramm]

It appears Apple just discontinued it. You may need to buy one from eBay.

[@SoodP]

I'm looking for one as well...

[@ScottSchramm]

Hurry, Amazon has the FireWire adapter back in stock: amzn.to/47fYX4J

[@mehmd1913]

The Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter in unavailable...

[@ScottSchramm]

eBay

[@mehmd1913]

@@ScottSchramm yes. That’s what I did. I have one coming. Much more expensive but worth it to have for the future!

[@mrodriguez377]

Hi! I’m hoping someone can help me. I have JVC camcorder and I’m trying to capture the mini dv tapes on my mac (through either imovie or quicktime) but my mac wont recognize the camcorder or the usb or anything. I’m using the firewire to usb-A and then the usb-A to usb-C converter. The little light in my converter is turned on and the firewire cable is brand new so I think the cables are fine. I just dont know how to make the computer recognize a device being inputed.

[@ScottSchramm]

You can’t convert FireWire to USB. Please watch my other videos on this topic if you need to understand why.

[@mrodriguez377]

@@ScottSchramm thank you !! I hadn’t heard about that elsewheree

[@workinprogress6697]

Hi Scott, I have been trying for many weeks to transfer Mini DV to my Mac mini (2018). Using iMovie, FCP and Quicktime but none of them recognise my Canon MV530i. There seems to be many people on the Apple Community with the same problem. I am certain I have bought the same adapters and cable that you show on your videos. But I have no idea why I can't get it to work. 🫤

[@ScottSchramm]

Best thing you can do is try with another computer to rule out if the cables or adapters are bad