How can I transfer the video from my JVC digital video camera to my Toshiba PC?

Question

I am using the software that came with the camera Pinnacle Studio 9. Whenever I try to capture the video, it comes up with an error that says :

"Capture device initialization error. Pinnacle Studio is trying to initialize a DV or Digital 8 camcorder via a 1394 port.

If you are trying to capture analog video click on SETUP>CAPTURE SOURCE and select to correct video capture device. Open the left hand panel on the Diskometer (capture controller and set the correct analog video input port (composite or s-video).

If you are trying to capture from a DV or Digital 8 camcorder, make sure your camcorder is turned on in the VTR/VCR play mode and is connected to the 1394 port on the computer."

My computer does not appear to have a 1394 port. Is there no way to use a USB cable to transfer the data? Do the stores sell some sort of plug-in adapter I can use that will allow my firewire cable to be accepted in my computer?

Thank you VERY MUCH for any help.

Answer 1

1st error capture device ....Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394) in order to download video, your PC probably did not come with a firewire port, so you will have to buy one and install it, since most computers (except possibly brand new) don't come with a firewire port, your camcorder did not come with a firewire cord so you have to purchase a cord too. Your camcorder did come with a USB cord and that is used for downloading stills from you

If you are capturing analog......You need an analog converter, either internal card or external such as the dazzle. It's very easy to use and come with good software. You would hook your analog VHS camera to the analog converter, the dazzle and then hook the dazzle to your PC. The dazzle cost around 70.00 , but worth the money if you have a lot of VHS to tapes to convert.

Answer 2

Does your PC have a PCMCIA slot or an express card slot?? If it does just buy a firewire card and that will solve your problems!! Just remember to buy a firewire cable to connect the devices!!!