Unable to import video from Sony DCR-HC28 with Firewire?

Question

I'm trying to import video from my Sony DCR-HC28 using a firewire cable on my laptop. The laptop has the firewire output, and I'm using 4-pin to 4-pin. Everything plugs in fine but doesn't get recognized. I tried with camera on, in playback mode and everything else and still no luck. What's going on?

Answer 1

Under XP you should see something happen when you switch on the camcorder - you'll be prompted for an action in the same way that you are with USB devices.   Once you've got past that, your camcorder should be listed in Explorer under Cameras and Scanners.

It's possible that your cable's the problem but before you buy a new one try going back into Device Manager, right clicking on your Firewire card and uninstalling it.  Connect your camcorder, switch it on (in playback) and reboot the PC.  You should get a message about the firewire being installed and then a pop-up asking what you want to do with the camcorder.  If you don't get the second (assuming you're running XP) it might well be the cable that's faulty.

Answer 2

Yes, it should work. Are you using Vista? If so, then you will need to find a compatible driver. Have you installed the software that came with your camera, if not, install it.

Answer 3

Is the Firewire port active? Right click My Computer: Hardware: Device Manager:

Is IEEE1394 is working properly?

Is the Firewire port built-in or is it one of the problematic cards from DYNEX?

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.h...

When you say the "camera does not get recognized", are you expecting something to happen? Because nothing will - you would launch MovieMaker or WinDV or whatever video editor you are using and you "import" or "capture" the video off the tape... It is not like a USB device where it mounts and you see it as a mass storage device...