Need tp connect to pc, but have no firewire or even PCMCIA Card slot. HELP?

Question

I just bought a new JVC GR-D350, and I have a compaq laptop wich is unfortunatly does not have firewire or PCMCIA (Express Card) slot.

I just got a cable that has a firewire jack from one side and usb from the other side for about $5

When I connected it, it gave me the baloon popup saying that the device is not recognized as well as movie maker and sony vegas didn't see it.

I'm using windows vista basic, but I also tried it on XP home and didn't work.

Any ideas on how to connect the camcorder to the PC since I have no express card slot so I can get a firewire card.

Really need help......

Thnx

Answer 1

Snowwillow is correct on all points.

Camcorder to computer transfer of miniDV tape based camcorder video requires firewire transfer.  Firewire to USB converters will not work because the video editing applications will only recognize the IEEE1394 port on the computer.

You have just learned this the hard way.

++++++++++++++++

I can come up with two options:

1) Find and use a computer that has a firewire port and import.  Then transfer the files (or get/use an external hard drive to store the imported files directly to the external hard drive - then just take the hard drive with you).

2) Transfer the video using the analog AV cables. You will need to get an analog/digital bridge like those from Pinnacle

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us...

Connect the camcorder with the AV cables to the A/D Bridge; connect the A/D bridge to your computer's USB port.

The conversion from digital to analog will result in reduced video quality.

Answer 2

I feel your pain, my laptop is the same way, no expansion slot but luckily my PC has firewire. You have to have firewire to download video from your mini dv camcorder.

The correct firewire cord has a rectangular end, fatter than a USB cord and the other end looks a lot like a digital camera usb cord but slightly different and goes into the dv slot and should be marked with dv. I think you might have ordered a camera usb cord.