Transferring VHS from camcorder to computer. PLEASE?

Question

I've been trying to do this for a while. The BestBuy people look at me like that have no idea what I'm trying to do.

SIDENOTE: I don't know what ANYTHING is so links with pictures really help. I can't picture a capture device, a card reader (WTF is that) and so forth.

I have a Sony Digital Handycam DCR-TRV350 bought 4-5 years ago, the DV cord was optional

I have a HP Pavillion dv1000 laptop. On the right side there's a slot something 1394 which i a firewire port (don't get what firewire is) BUT it's really small.

In those firewire cords it would be the 4 pin one. The tiny one. Not the 4/6 one where one side is tiny and the other is a little smaller than a USB.

The camcorder has a slot the same size as the 1394 port, it says DV on one side of the slot and "i" on the other as in iLink.

I don't know what to do. WHERE can I find a cord that has 2 small ends.

I just want plug the camcorder into the computer open up WMM and "capture video..."

HELP! what to do! Do I need some software...something I can download right from online.

Please links and pictures!!! If you tell me something I'll have no idea what it is without a picture

Thanks and help!

Answer 1

You need to purchase a capture devise, there are many out there. It is a gizmo that hooks to the camcorder and the computer and transfers it directly. Try this site:

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

Answer 2

If you have an analog (VHS) camcorder…

You need an analog converter, either internal card or external such as the dazzle. It's very easy to use and come with good software. You would hook your analog VHS camera or VCR to the analog converter, the dazzle and then hook the dazzle to your PC. The dazzle cost around 70.00 , but worth the money if you have a lot of VHS to tapes to convert. I have converted many old VHS tapes with this method.

**Please Note There is no 8mm or Hi 8 to VHS Adapter that currently exsists. This type of VHS Adapter only exsists with VHS-C tape**

Here is one at Office depot, but bestbuy or comusa or Fryes should also have them.

http://www.officedepot.com/textSearch.do...

Your question was how to transfer VHS tapes, but if your camcorder is a minidv camcorder then you do need a firewire connection and not a vhs capture device. The tapes in the minidv camcorders are not VHS (analog), they are  digital tapes and very different from VHS tapes.

Answer 3

You need a video capture card. Like 'avermedia'. Just plug & record.

Answer 4

DCR-TRV350 is a digital-8 vcam and would have to be DV~Firewire400**-connected to pc to upload video thru video capture or video editing* application while vcam is ON PLAYBACK.  Before cable purchase** re-check PC for DV port configuration {VCAM@4pin=>firewireCABLE=>PC@4/ 6pin?}. http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/3151...

entry-level Movie Maker* (free w/ Vista/wmm6 & XP/wmm2) is simple & easy to learn. Upgrade to intermediate (or advanced) video editing apps accdg. to need & skill level

http://video-editing-software-review.top...

      

video editing process- Vista/wmm6

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

1. Import video stream** - editing software remotely controls vcam operations

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

3. Publish (render)- save Movie (OK for youTube), also, save Project.msmmw file

      >>> Share=>auto-shifts to WindowsDvD authoring app->burn to DvD

Similarly: XP/wmm2- Capture/Edit/Finish- DvD authoring app, e.g.,DvD Flick or Nero

For details, visit:  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using...