Before you can record from the Timeline or use the Print to Video command, make sure that your target video device is connected properly and your software settings are correct.

1: Connect your video equipment and set it to VCR mode

Make sure your video equipment is connected to your computer and turned on. For more information, see Setting up your system.

Make sure your camcorder or deck is set to VCR (sometimes labeled VTR) mode. Final Cut Pro cannot record to video equipment that is in Camera mode. If your video device has multiple inputs (for example TV, Line 1, and Line 2), make sure the input that's connected to your computer is the one that is selected.

2: Make sure Final Cut Pro is set to output video

Make sure that your Easy Setup is set to output external video to your video configuration.

If you're using a customized Easy Setup, make sure that you choose the correct settings in the External Video Settings tab of the Audio/Video Settings window. The two pop-up menus let you send video out of the appropriate video interface, whether it's the FireWire port or an approved third-party capture card.

* View During Playback Using: Choose how you want to view video when playing sequences and clips from the Viewer or Timeline.
* View During Print to Video Using: Choose a different video capture interface from the one you're viewing the Timeline with when using the Print to Video and Edit to Tape commands. Choose "Same as Playback" if you always want to output using the same interface.

For more information on configuring custom external video settings, see Specifying external video settings.

It's a good idea to turn on "Report dropped frames during playback" in the General tab of the Preferences window. Final Cut Pro then warns you of any dropped frames so you can find and correct whatever's causing them before you output all of your program to tape. For more information, see Setting general preferences.

3: Cue the videotape

Cue the videotape to the point where you want to start recording. If you're outputting to a tape that has previously recorded material on it, make sure that the write-protection tab is in the write, or unlocked, position. Double-check to be sure you don't copy over a tape that has source media for your program or anything else you don't want to lose.

If you're using a consumer mini-DV device and you fast-forward past prerecorded material (so there's some blank tape between it and what you'll output), the DV timecode resets to 00:00:00:00.

4: Set the appropriate render quality

Make sure the render quality is set to the desired level. Better render quality settings will improve the quality of your output, while lengthening render times and increasing the size of the rendered files. For more information, see Rendering.

To change the render quality:

* Open the sequence or clip in the Timeline, then choose an option from the Render Quality pop-up menu.


Step 5: Test your playback

Make sure everything is working properly before you start recording. Move the playhead to the desired position in the Timeline, then press the Space bar to play back your clip or sequence. If you have an external monitor connected to your video device, the clip or sequence will play on it, as well as on your computer's monitor.