TITLE
    iMovie & Final Cut Pro: Cannot Export to Tape Error
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		31150
12/9/99
8/23/00
TOPIC

    When exporting to tape, the following message may appear:

    "Not possible to record to your camera. Please check your camera to make sure the tape is in and the tape record tab is in the closed position."

    This article explains why this might happen and offers a solution.

DISCUSSION

    This occurs most often when using a Digital 8 Camera, which uses a Hi-8 tape for playback and recording. There are two different types of Hi-8 Tapes--Metal Particle and Metal Evaporative. iMovie can only export to Metal Particle tapes. Using Metal Evaporative tapes can result in this error message being generated.

    If you receive this error, you should try to use a Metal Particle tape to export your digital video. There is a mechanical relationship between the camera and the tape that triggers these kinds of states; iMovie and Final Cut Pro have to believe what the camera reports back to the application.

    If everything else is working except the export, the most likely explanation is that the write-protect tab on the tape doesn't properly register with the camera. This results in the camera reporting the tape is write-protected or not present. It is sometimes possible to record to one of these tapes by putting a piece of cellophane tape over the write-protect tab, but the results of this process are not consistent. The recommended solution is to use the highest quality tape to export your video.

Document Information
Product Area: Apple Software
Category: iMovie
Sub Category: General Topics

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