transferring video from a mini cassette to computer

[Semidevil]

I have a 5 years old mini camcorder. It has a 5 pin cable to transfer images, and it also has a "dv" plug to transfer videos to the computer (the plug is square).

This is an older camcorder, so it uses tapes, not CD's, or flash memory. If I want to transfer cassette content to my pc, is it just a matter of buying the right wire and transferring? Do I need add' video editing program to do that? I"m just kind of confused. Since it is a tape, does it come as 1 huge file (video), or is it seperate files?

 

[masteryoda34]

If its a tape you will have to play it back into your computer and capture the video as it plays back.

 

[Semidevil]

Originally posted by: masteryoda34
If its a tape you will have to play it back into your computer and capture the video as it plays back.

so I need to record the video as it plays back on the pc? what type of software do I need for this(prefer free).

Also, this 'dv cable,' is it usb? or do I need to have similar port on my pc also?

 

[California Roll]

What is the model of your camcorder?

 

[gsellis]

DV = Firewire and that is your best bet. You will get digital transfers with that if you recorded in DV. Tell us make and model and we can point you in the right direction. But it sounds like you going to like it with DV. The square plug in a 4 pin firewire connection (4 = no power, 6 is powered).

So, you will just need a firewire port on your computer. If you have a elongated U firewire port (6 pin), there are no issues with a 4 pin to 6 pin cable for the connection. Get it from someone like Cables4less as Best Buy will overcharge you for said cable. Firewire cards are inexpensive now and some computers already have the port. Laptops may have the 4 pin port already, but the PC Card versions are a bit more $. Some Creative Lab audio cards have a port too and I have found it to be extremely reliable.

Adding - DV is about 13GB per hour in space. Most video editing packages only support DV, so you are set. And it does usually come in as 1 big file. Advanced editing packages do split it into video and audio files, but their file management handles the view, so it is no concern (advanced means you probably would spend $600 just for the editor - so plan on 1 file as AVI - DV is usually encapsulated in AVI files).

 

[sswingle]

And to add on what has been said, you can use windows movie maker to capture the video

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I think Nero Vision will work, but don't quote me

 

[Semidevil]

mine is a panasonic pv-gs31

 

[gsellis]

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/PVGS19.PDF

The instructions start on Pg 43 of your manual (linked above just in case). Your camera with the app supports USB connection too it looks like. With DV though, you can usually control the camera through regular video editing software. For every camera I have used, with DV, you put it on play and the controls in the software such as Movie Maker can then control capture from your computer.