Newbie Question

[Doug Mc]

I just got a WinXP computer and would like to input and edit some home
movies.

This machine has Windows Movie Maker and I have an analog camcorder.
Can I input the movies from the Sony camcorder?

Thanks
Doug

 

[jd]

I just got a WinXP computer and would like to input and edit some home
movies.

This machine has Windows Movie Maker and I have an analog camcorder.
Can I input the movies from the Sony camcorder?

Thanks
Doug

You have to convert to digital first. Do a google search plenty of ways to
do it but if you know someone with a newer Sony, Sony 460 or 480 they will
convert anolog from other cameras or VHS. Other wise you need a anolog card
or a external coverter. Also a firewire card and cord (4 or 6 pin). You need
something like WinDV(free and simple to use) http://windv.mourek.cz/ to turn
into .avi so you can edit the project than have at it.

There is so much info on the net it's easy to get started. Her is a few
things that are out there.

http://www.stopmotionworks.com/stopmosoftwr.htm

http://www.atomiclearning.com/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1423393,00.asp

http://www.signvideo.com/conv-v-to-d.htm

http://www.cnet.com/

http://www.download.com/

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx

JD

 

[Doug Mc]

Thanks JD,
You sent a lot of good references. I've already glanced (just glanced) at
some of them.

So...If I can convert the tapes to digital by using one of the digital
camcorders can I connect it directly to my PC? If so, how would I do that??

Doug

 

[PapaJohn \(MVP\)]

To add to your reading list, I have some good online basic tutorials linked
on the Online > Tutorials and References page of my website.

You might be able to use a digital camcorder as a 'pass-thru' device...
connect the analog camcorder to the digital one, and the digital one to the
computer via a firewire connection.... the setup lets you play the analog
one and capture from the digital... see the Setup > MM2.1 page of my site
for more info.

Or you can buy a device to plug the analog camcorder into, and plug the
device into your computer.

And if your analog camcorder is a Sony 8 or Hi8, you can play the tapes in a
Sony digital8 and the camcorder will do the conversion as you capture by
firewire.

Lots of options.

 

[Doug Mc]

Hi PapaJohn,
Well, my analog camcorder is a Sony so are you saying that I can play the
tapes it produced thru a Sony digital camcorder and then thru a Firewire to
my PC?
Is a Firewire some sort of interface cable? Or does my PC have something
installed that I haven't yet identified?

Sorry to be so dumb - but I DO appreciate your help and patience.
Doug

 

[jd]

Hi PapaJohn,
Well, my analog camcorder is a Sony so are you saying that I can play the
tapes it produced thru a Sony digital camcorder and then thru a Firewire
to my PC?
Is a Firewire some sort of interface cable? Or does my PC have something
installed that I haven't yet identified?

Sorry to be so dumb - but I DO appreciate your help and patience.
Doug

Firewire card is a card you but into a PCI slot in the back of your
computer. Plenty to chose from but do some research first on which card you
want to buy they differ in price and compatibility. The card lets you
transfer info into your computer at a higher rate than a USB1 connection.
USB2 is on most computers but only DVD cameras and high end cameras use this
right now. Some cars are plug n play otherws require drivers which come
with the cards. I think I got my card for about $50 or 60.00 US. The cord
was 10.00. The cord goes from your Device which in this case is your camera
to the card. but it could be something other than a camera too. You can
transfer info from other computers using firewire.

Is your camera a Sony hi 8? If not you can still convert with a Sony digital
just you need to go through the output cord first it will be in a 460 or 480
Sony guide book if you know someone with one.

Here is the card I have I guess I paid less than what I remember. easy to
intall just pop in a slot(PCI) and restart your PC, I'm not sure about MACs.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/ieee-1394_host_adapter_card.html

http://www.firewiredirect.com/firewire/products/adapters_pci800.shtml

this one has some info too.

http://www.videoguys.com/firewire.htm

JD

 

[Doug Mc]

Thanks JD,
This clears up a lot of things.
I don't know what a Sony hi 8 is. Mine is an old one so I'll bet it's not
one you're talking about.
How would I identify it as a hi 8?

Thanks again,
Doug

 

[Wojo]

It would use Hi8 tapes.

Thanks JD,
This clears up a lot of things.
I don't know what a Sony hi 8 is. Mine is an old one so I'll bet it's not
one you're talking about.
How would I identify it as a hi 8?

Thanks again,
Doug

 

[Doug Mc]

It does! Goody, goody!

Now, how do I play the tapes into my pc??

 

[Wojo]

Preferably with a firewire connection.

It does! Goody, goody!

Now, how do I play the tapes into my pc??

 

[PapaJohn \(MVP\)]

it could be older than Hi8 and be just 8mm, and also work.... what's the
model number of the camcorder?

 

[Doug Mc]

Just heard from JD. And it DOEs use Hi8 tapes!

It's a CCD-FX310.

Now I need a Firewire card and some type of cable. Right??

 

[PapaJohn \(MVP\)]

that won't connect your camcorder to the computer.... the tape size/type is
the key to it playing in a digital8 camcorder.... the idea is to use a
digital camcorder that plays and converts your tapes. It's the digital8 one
that would be connected by firewire.

If you don't have access to a digital8 camcorder, then you wouldn't use a
firewire connection for your camcorder. I have lots of older tapes and
borrow my daughter's digital8 camcorder to get them into my computer using a
firewire connection

 

[jd]

Just heard from JD. And it DOEs use Hi8 tapes!

It's a CCD-FX310.

Now I need a Firewire card and some type of cable. Right??

If you can't get a digital 8 camera you will need a converter to turn it
into digital format, that is what the 460 and 480(digital 8) cameras can do
with a hi 8 tape(Convert). You need either a analog converter external or
internal(PCI card) than you won't need the firewire card. I just thought if
you knew someone with a Sony Digital 8 camera it would save you some money.
My nephew has a VHS camera and I convert for him through my TRV 460 and a
VHS Player. That's one reason I bought my Sony TRV 460. And the fact it was
on Sale and Digital 8 tapes cost less than mini digital tapes(another good
thing to read about).

The way I convert is I run the VCR through my Sony TRV 460 set the camera to
out put hook up the firewire card to my Sony in the I-Link output, turn on
WinDV turn on the VCR and capture the video on WinDV. When I'm done it is in
AVI format. I can edit in a digital editor like Ulead Movie Factory 3 or
MM2. This a VHS tape so the Quailty is not as good but for his school
projects he doesn't care. We burn to DVD after we are done and he saves from
buying a converter or a new camera.

Now my advice would be to buy a digital camera they have come down in price.
Don't believe what the sales guys tell you about the Cameras do your own
research first. ABC warehouse and Wal-mart have them pretty cheap(460 and
480) less than $300.00 .Mini DV has better QC but it depends on what you are
shooting. The 460 does not have external Mic. that is my only complaint so
far. If you want a boom or lapel mic. hook up your out of luck with the 460.

JD

 

[Doug Mc]

Thanks JD,
A lot of information for me and a lot of good advice.
I appeciate it.

I really don't use a camcorder that much. My main objective now is to
convert some existing movies to DVD.
So, if I can work it out by using a friend's Digital 8 from time to time
that should take care of my needs.

Thanks so much for your help.
Doug

 

[Doug Mc]

Another question please:

Does this method reduce the quality of the product?
Or will it be just as good as any other method of capturing the tape images?

Thanks again,
Doug

 

[PapaJohn \(MVP\)]

no, it won't reduce the quality... it'll be the best transfer you can get.

 

[Doug Mc]

Thanks again,
You've been a GREAT help and I appreciate it.

My son has a Digital Camcorder. I think I can use his. If he has a
Firewire card on his XP I can capture my Hi8 tapes on his PC and then
transfer the file to mine.

Doug

 

[PapaJohn \(MVP\)]

Doug,

If you capture the files to his computer, the challenge will be how to move
the files from his to yours.... an hour of video is 13 GB....

Firewire cards are inexpensive... about $20... you might be better
installing one and borrowing his cable and camcorder to get your tapes into
your computer...

 

[Doug Mc]

You're right again!

Do you have a brand or specific Firewire card that you've used and are happy
with?