Why does my Sony Handycam DCR-HC28 take hours to import video to my laptop?

Question

I recently had to buy a Firewire card and cable to connect the camcorder to my laptop, a Dell Inspiron 1501. I have Windows Vista, so when trying to import video, I have to use Vista's Import Video option. Everything goes all right for a while, but then it takes literally hours and hours to import the video, even if it's a short ten-minute clip.

I don't know what the problem is. Help?

Answer 1

an alternative...

Video  Editing  Process

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. For enhanced effects, try  SpiceFx  by Pixelan. Venture into other video editing app ( http://video-editing-software-review.top... ) accdg. to need & skill level.

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO :  video stream from tape-based Vcam

a.) Connect miniDV to pc via FIREWIRE cable (4 or 6 pin) for best transfer (USB w/quality concern)

b.) Set vcam mode to playback, set for capture, pause

c.) Open wmm and set to TASKS pane

d.) Click Capture from video device; wmm  controls vcam operations- on play, video stream is captured to wmm/COLLECTION

IMPORT FILES :  from pc folder

e.) Import video files*  

f.) Import other files: pics, music, narration

EDIT MOVIE:  create movie as a project

g.) Drag&drop video files from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence

h.) Enhance video: drag&drop music, effects, transition, filter; create titles…re-edit as you wish

FINISH MOVIE: render muvee file

i.) Render/Save MUVEE to pc and/ or share- CD; Save PROJECT (work-in-progress) for future edits.

Finally, SHARE:

j.) Burn to DVD***   (wmm2 only on CD)

   ** Most video editing app include DVD authoring, otherwise, use DVD authoring programs, e.g.,  WinDVD, Nero, Encore, etc.