Problem with importing videos from sony handycam to computer. Can someone help?

Question

I have a sony handycam. My objective is to import the videos in to the computer (Window XP). I installed the handycam software (Picture Package Menu). I updated the software to the latest version, and also updated Macromedia Flash Player. Both are working fine, and Picture Package Menu is running. THE PROBLEM IS PICTURE PACKAGE MENU ONLY DISPLAY PICTURE, NOT VIDEO, AND SO I CANNOT IMPORT IT IN TO THE COMPUTER. I use USB, because that's what Sony gave me. I understand that people suggested to use Firewire. First, I don't have one- not even the port in the back of my computer suitable for Firewire. Second, I don't want to waste anymore money, gas price is too high already. Why only pictures are displayed? Why not videos. Is it too heavy? What needed to be done, other than using Firewire? In fact I did try to use different computer (labtop), and it uploaded 1.4 GB videos in 15 minutes (good enough for me).

IS IT BECAUSE OF SOME CODEC OR DRIVER PROBLEMS? PLEASE HELP ME!

Answer 1

Firewire is not just a suggestion, it's the way it has to be, minidv camcorders will only download video correctly through firewire, as you have noticed only the audio, not video downloads with USB. I'm sorry if this is not want you wanted to hear.....

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. Make sure your camera is in playback mode.

If you have a laptop, make sure you have an empty bay for the firewire card.

Do not be taken in by the promise of a firewire/usb adapter, they do not work for video cameras.