My windows media player could not read video tape, why so?

Question

My computer OS is XP.

Answer 1

If you have a mini dv (cassette) camcorder….

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.

Answer 2

most media players can't play a  video stream directly from (tape) vcam as these are designed for such and for these, the video stream has to be capture into a file, check detailed process below:

a miniDV or digi-8 vcam w/c must be FIREWIRE**-connected to a pc to upload video thru video capture or video editing* application while vcam is on playback. Before cable** purchase, note: Firewire port of vcam is 4pin...check the firewire port of PC whether 4 or 6 pin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker* (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. Upgrade to other video editing app http://video-editing-software-review.top... accdg. to need & skill level

Video Editing Process

>>> open wmm- start/all programs/wmm->TASK pane

..Step 1. Capture/Import video files (+pics, music) to be edited

..Step 2. Edit- drag/drop files->timeline & enhance w/effects, transition, music & titles

..Step 3. Finish (render)- save Movie file, also save Project* file

..Step 4. Share-burn to CD (to DvD thru a DvD authoring app)

Pls. note: hi-8 & vhs require a diff. capture process

Answer 3

You mean, you are trying to plug in a camcorder (with mini dv casette) and trying to play it from windows media player?  It doesnt work because, your media player can play a digital format file stored on your hard disk or on any other media.  that too, it should be in a compatible mode for wm player.  you can connect your camcorder with a firewire cable to your computer, have pinnacle studio or Ulead software installed in your machine and then, pull the video into your computer.  These softwares will play the video from the casette player to your screen and record it as well and store it digitally in your computer.  Later, you can try media player or some other player (i prefer VLC player) to play the file.