Is there an i link cable that can go into a usb port?

Question

I bought a camera. It didnt take the video on the tape to the computer. It can only do it with an i-link cable, but of course my computer doesnt have an i link port.

Answer 1

There is no such thing as a USB-Firewire cable which can be used to transfer data.  Some internet sites claim to sell such a cable, but it absolutely won't work and has a high probability of damaging your computer or your camera.

Most computers do have a firewire port (iLink is Sony's brand name for firewire), but it may be labeled as Firewire, FW, IEEE1394, or simply 1394.  There are two kinds of firewire ports: a larger 6-pin port and a smaller 4-pin port.  Your camera has a 4-pin port so you just need the right firewire cable (6pin-to-4pin or 4pin-to-4pin depending on your PC).

If your computer really doesn't have an 1394/firewire/iLink port, you can add one pretty easily.  For a desktop PC, you need a firewire PCI card.  For a laptop, you need either a firewire PC Card [a.k.a. PCMCIA] (most laptops made up to 2007), or an ExpressCard (newest laptops).  All 3 types of firewire cards can be found for under $30.

Answer 2

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 your camcorder.