The Servo Can't Lock message indicates that the tape transport mechanism in the video tape recorder is not able to sync up as Final Cut Pro expected. This article covers the two most common causes of this, and how to eliminate them.

The two most common sources of the Servo Can't Lock message are:

1. The tape transport of your VTR requires more time to sync up to where the computer thinks it is. Try increasing the Pre-Roll time in the Device Control Preferences tab.

Figure 1 The Pre-roll field of the Device Control tab

2. If you are using Firewire, try switching over to Firewire Basic, also in the Device Control Preferences tab.

Figure 2 Switching to the Apple Firewire Basic protocol in the Device Control tab

You may consult the Final Cut Pro Device Qualification page for more information on interoperability with your particular video device at http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/techspecs/qualification.html