Sony's iLINK Cable and standard 4-4 Firewire Cable?

Question

Good Day,

I have one of those old sony camcorders. TVR-480 to be exact.

The old "Picture Package" software that came with camcorder is only compatible to XP. I downloaded a newer version on Sony's site that is compatible for Vista. The problem is, the software would only allow video transfer using an iLink cable. (And not with the suppiled USB cable).

So I went to the nearest electronic shop to ask for the iLINK cable and they are out of stock.

However, I found a 4-4 Firewire cable in a computer shop nearby and it cost a lot less. (80 pesos vs 2000 pesos).

My question is, will a standard 4-4 Firewire cable work as an alternative for the Sony iLink cable?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, FireWire and i.LINK are the same thing. Just make sure your computer has an i.LINK port. Most computers use the bigger, 6-pin FireWire port, not the smaller, 4-pin i.LINK port. Find out which you have, then get the right cable.

For example, if you have the smaller port, get a 4-4 cable. If your computer has the larger port, get a 4-6 cable.

Answer 2

Yes it will work!!

Answer 3

iLink, Firewire and IEEE1394 are all the same thing, so it should work.  BUT, while all Digital8 and MiniDV camcorders have a 4 pin firewire socket, most PCs have a 6 pin socket.  There are PCs with 4 pin sockets (e.g. some Sony laptops) but please check.