Xfer video without Camcorder - is there such a device?

[The poster formerly known as Colleyville Alan]

I have a Canon mini dv camcorder and the Firewire port on it is blown. Is
there a device that will allow me to transfer my video tape to my hard
drive, other than buying or borrowing another camcorder?

If such a device exists, it would need to be less expensive than buying
another camcorder or it would not be sensible for me to buy it. I know that
I can have the port replaced by Canon, but that takes time and I am in a bit
of a time crunch.

Thanks
Alan

 

[Paul]

I have a Canon mini dv camcorder and the Firewire port on it is blown. Is
there a device that will allow me to transfer my video tape to my hard
drive, other than buying or borrowing another camcorder?

If such a device exists, it would need to be less expensive than buying
another camcorder or it would not be sensible for me to buy it. I know that
I can have the port replaced by Canon, but that takes time and I am in a bit
of a time crunch.

Thanks
Alan

There are video capture cards, with either composite input (RCA coax connector)
or with SVideo input (DIN connector). Drivers and applications software are
the weak link with these products. Your purchase may include purchasing
decent software to run the card.

If you want cheap, this is the cheapest. "Ports In: TV input, S-VHS input,
Composite input, Audio input. Ports Out: Audio output via audio cable to
sound card". The MPEG recording feature would likely be via software
compression. The reviews mention the TV Tuner should be ignored, as
should the remote.

SABRENT TV-PCIRC PCI Interface TV Tuner / Video Capture / MPEG Recording
PCI Card with Remote Control - $17.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815276002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?Item=N82E16815276002

"Other Thoughts: would not recomend to buy except as a transfer device
for recording vhs or other s-video devices to your PC"

You can look in this section for more possibilities, looking for Svideo or
composite input as an option.

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Subcategory.asp?Subcategory=47&name=Video-Devices-TV-Tuners

Here is a second card for $23:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?Item=N82E16815100120

"Other Thoughts: This card does one and only one thing, and that is capture
analog video. Ignore the included software, except for the drivers. Use
iuVCR to capture as AVI files using the Huffyuv codec (do a google, it's
all freeware). Audio actually has nothing to do with this card, the given
cable simply allow stereo RCA's to be connect to a mini jack. Use your
line-in recording levels to control the recorded volume."

You don't have to spend a lot to get started.

Paul

 

[DaveW]

You need another camcorder.

 

[Noozer]

in message news:[email protected]...

Rent one. Get the video you need from your tape. Ship yours off to be
repaired (assuming it's under warranty)

 

[The poster formerly known as Colleyville Alan]

Rent one. Get the video you need from your tape. Ship yours off to be
repaired (assuming it's under warranty)

Thanks for the info.