extreme digital camcorder frustration!

[mouseclick1]

We got my son a Sony TRV27 camcorder for his birthday. He has been filming and playing back on the TV just fine, so we decided to hook it up to the computer so he can do some editing but we cannot get the connection. I am about to throw the thing out the window!! We have read the manual carefully, have tried to install the USB driver according to directions, but something is just not connecting right. I have been searching all over the web trying to find some sort of troubleshooting ideas, but nothing is working. Connecting the USB driver is supposed to be simple, has anyone ever had difficulties before? Does anyone have any suggestions, before I have a breakdown???

 

[TheLionKing]

I have a Sony TRV30, so my advice may not apply to your camera...

The USB port is for downloading images, either still or MPEGs recorded on the memory stick.

If you are trying to load video that was put on video tape onto your computer you will either need a firewire connection and digital video editing software or the 3 RCA connectors to some kind of connection on your computer to get video and sound signals to your computer along with video editing software.

For example I use Pinnacle Studio DV version 7. Version 8 was just released.

Hope that helps.

The next suggestion would be to talk to the people at the store where the video camera was purchased.

 

[Kermit]

TLK is right. We just got a camcorder and found that out. We thought the USB connection would be how we would download video, but it makes sense that it's not since the video is stored on the tape. We still haven't gotten the stuff that we'll need to edit and save video on the computer.

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks for resonding. The camcorder came with Pixela Imagemixer, which should be able to view movies made on tape. I wonder if it would be easier if he just taped using the memory stick? It's amazing how a little bit of technology can make a relatively intelligent person feel like a total idiot! The smartest thing to do would probably be to just turn it over to my son.

 

[TheLionKing]

The quality of the mpeg movie on a memory stick will not be as good as one you could compress from the video.

Also there is usually a set time that you can record your MPEG on the memory stick, which limits its use.

 

[mouseclick1]

Is it possible that I have a bad USB cable, and the problem is not me?? I can't even get the still pictures that are on the memory stick to appear on the computer. I have read and reread the directions and it seems that I am doing what I am supposed to do, but nothing is happening. I guess it's time to call the help number.

 

[Zurg]

firewire is the way to go

 

[mouseclick1]

Is firewire a kind of cable I have to buy, or is it a program to install? We planned on buying a better editing program than the one that came with the camcorder anyway, any suggestions? We are looking for something that has some fun effects to play around with, but not too complicated!

 

[MarkRG]

Unfortunately, firewire IS complicated, it means installing another card in your pc with a specific firewire port. It's a different format than USB, you probably don't have one in your machine. Only the newer Sony pc' s and some Apple products(maybe) have them. I've done it on a PC and when you're finished it's great, but a pain to setup the first time.

 

[TheLionKing]

First what operating system are you using?

Is it Window "something" or are you using a Mac?

If it is Windows, did you install the driver so that the computer will recognize your camera.

If you did install the driver that is on the CD that came with your camera, then go to "My Computer" and you will see a new "drive". That is the camera. Click on it and then click on DCIM and your pictures should be in that file. You will then need to copy those pictures to a photo folder on your hard drive that you will need to create.

If you have Windows XP, it probably will be able to recognize your camera without the installation of the driver, but I can guess that you do not have Windows XP.

If you are using a Mac, I will be of little help.

 

[mouseclick1]

We have Windows 98. I have done everything by the book, but still nothing is happening. Thanks for trying, but I am giving up.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

which version of Windows 98? As I recall the first version didn't have USB support.

 

[TheLionKing]

Good point, Alex.

I know windows 98 SE supports USB, but I am not sure about the first edition.

 

[mouseclick1]

Once again, thanks. Maybe that is the problem. I'll look into it tomorrow!

 

[MarkRG]

Sorry, I should have been clearer in my last post.

I have a Sony DV camcorder 1 version off of yours(mine has a color viewfinder, no lcd screen), and the first reply is right. You will be able to get pictures/movies off the memory stick via USB, but the only way to transfer off the DV videotape is via the i.link interface. That's how the camera's setup. It is a great camera, I've done a lot of filming with mine.

To explain terms: i.link(Sony name)=IEEE1394(industry spec name)=Firewire(industry popular name). Completely separate from USB.

I've been using mine for at least a year now. 'Streaming Video' means it'll provide video of what you're currently shooting over the USB, not what you've previously recorded. Think of it as a fancy webcam connection.

However, Alex is right, you do need to also figure out if you have USB support installed. There should have been something included on the cd to do this.

For software, I went with a deal that came with the camcorder and got Ulead Media Studio Pro and have been content with it.

I'd also recommend as for accessories, go right now and get the add on gun/zoom mike for it, you won't believe the difference in sound over the built in one. Screens out all behind the camera chatter. I also have the IR light, which is fun to video the local critters at night