Importing video from camcorder

J1mmy · May 28th, 2008, 12:23 PM

I have a camcorder which uses the normal mini-tapes. I would like to capture the video on that tape onto me computer, in any of the popular formats such as AVI, MPEG etc. My camcorder is the Sony DCR-TRV50E.

It has the following connections: S-video, audio/video, DV IN/OUT, USB, LANC and Mic/Earphones.

How can I go about doing this? I also do not have a TV card, my video card is the 8800GTX, all other specs are in my sig.

paul9 · May 28th, 2008, 12:59 PM

You need a video capture card, or a TV card. That is unless your video card has a video-in connection. Most only have video-out.
It is possible you could use the USB connector, but you will need to check the camcorder manual.

Edit.

Quote:

There's a built-in flash and an 8Mb Memory Stick supplied, which can store 11 images at maximum resolution. You can also record MPEG movies to Memory Stick, which, like the still images, can be emailed via Bluetooth.

Memory stick may be an easy transfer option, or Bluetooth.

eraos · May 28th, 2008, 04:59 PM

If you have a firewire port on your PC, you can use the DV out and capture the video in Windows Movie Maker.

J1mmy · May 29th, 2008, 01:16 PM

If I had a a video card though, what port would I use? The video-in port?

Atlantix · June 2nd, 2008, 07:34 AM

What you call a USB port is more than likely a firewore port; all you need is a firewire cable (aka iLink) to TRANSFER tape info to hard disk. You don't need to "import" as you call it, that would mean some sort of transcoding. It is your best option, as it preserves full tape quality.

Keymaker · June 2nd, 2008, 10:10 AM

There are firewire and USB capture devices.

Examples: Amazon.com: video capture

J1mmy · June 2nd, 2008, 04:52 PM

I don't really want to spend money on more devices trying to capture from the camera, it's most likely going to be a one-off before I get a TV card.

But I am going to attempt to use the firewire port and capture it that way, wth Movie maker as suggested above.

Keymaker · June 3rd, 2008, 04:31 AM

My bad. I missed where you mention DV IN/OUT capability on the camera.

Then all you need is software. Didn't the camera come with something?

J1mmy · June 3rd, 2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keymaker

My bad. I missed where you mention DV IN/OUT capability on the camera.

Then all you need is software. Didn't the camera come with something?

It did come with software, but I don't have that with me and I don't think its compatible on Vista. It about 3-5 year old so I am most likely going to have to use an alternative method to capture whatever is on the tape.

J1mmy · June 16th, 2008, 07:22 PM

OK, I just bought the firewire cable, connected it to my PC and nothing :S

No detection, it just says on my camcorder: 'DV IN'

When I open up Win Movie Maker, it also tells me it cannot detect any DV Device connected.

Is there any specific setting on the camcorder or on the PC that I am missing, that should be on/off?

[First time I'm using FW!]