Connecting Camcorder

[SGP]

Hi

I recently bought a new computer which as pre-installed Roxio s/w MyDVD LE. Now I would like to connect my camcoder (Sony Video Hi8 XR) to my PC so that I can start capturing the video through myDVD LE. However I cannot find any help on how to connect the camcorder.

 

If anybody has any information regarding this, that would be very helpful.

 

thanks

[steveoregon]

I think I see what the confusion is. There is a difference between a "video card" and a "video capture card". The GeForce 7300LE is just a typical video card with an output to your computer monitor. It was not designed for video capture from an external source. This is why you don't see RCA jacks on the back of your computer.

 

A "video capture card" has inputs (like RCA jack inputs) that allow you to hook up your camcorder, and usually comes with it's own software that helps you capture the video.

 

Go to compusa.com or bestbuy.com or circuitcity.com and do a search for "video capture card" to see what I'm talking about. A search on Circuit City also shows a "Plextor ConvertX PX-M402U" which is an external device that hooks up to USB. It has the RCA input jacks that you need. This would be an alternate to buying a video capture card that installs into a PCI slot inside your computer.

 

Welcome to the world of video capture/editing/etc. Unfortunately, there is much to learn.

[SGP]

A quick search of the internet shows that your camcorder model does not have a firewire connection (and isn't digital, but analog), making the process a little trickier. Looks like you will need a video capture card. From what little I could find out about your older camcorder model - it looks like your camcorder has an output cable with three RCA jacks for video and sound. Roxio can import video from the capture card - if it recognizes it.

 

So I guess that's youre first issue - do you have a video capture card on your computer - and do you have an output cable that might have come with your camcorder?

 

I am somewhat familiar with getting video from a camcorder onto a computer, but not an expert. Others may know more than I do how to help you.

 

Thanks for your help, it's very helpful to get me started.

To answer your question regarding - do I have a video capture card on my computer - I have "256MB nVidia GeForce 7300LE TurboCache " video card on my computer.

I do have the RCA jacks and cable which I can connect to camcorder, however I don't see the RCA jacks on my PC.

[malatekid]

Thanks for your help, it's very helpful to get me started.

To answer your question regarding - do I have a video capture card on my computer - I have "256MB nVidia GeForce 7300LE TurboCache " video card on my computer.

I do have the RCA jacks and cable which I can connect to camcorder, however I don't see the RCA jacks on my PC.

Some posts I read here indicated the use of an analog-to-digital converter equipment (such as Dazzle 90--I'm not sure of the model) to upload the analog video from the camcorder to PC. Do a search on this forum and you will find helpful discussions/information about the topic.

[steveoregon]

A quick search of the internet shows that your camcorder model does not have a firewire connection (and isn't digital, but analog), making the process a little trickier. Looks like you will need a video capture card. From what little I could find out about your older camcorder model - it looks like your camcorder has an output cable with three RCA jacks for video and sound. Roxio can import video from the capture card - if it recognizes it.

 

So I guess that's youre first issue - do you have a video capture card on your computer - and do you have an output cable that might have come with your camcorder?

 

I am somewhat familiar with getting video from a camcorder onto a computer, but not an expert. Others may know more than I do how to help you.