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How To forum: Upload MiniDV tape into computer NO FIREWIRE PORT. ARGH!

by: wildchatt February 25, 2013 2:29 PM PST

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Upload MiniDV tape into computer NO FIREWIRE PORT. ARGH!

by wildchatt - 2/25/13 2:29 PM

I have a prosumer-level video camera that records on MiniDV tapes. My circa 2008 VAIO did great uploading & editing both SD & full 1080 HD video but became outdated three years later. It could not handle the new HC version of SD cards, so I bought a new VAIO that was supposed to be even better for video editing. Unfortunately, I just discovered there is NO IEEE (firewire) port & I have an important tape I need to upload and edit ASAP.
I called Sony & they told me to buy a new, tapeless camcorder,saying that essentially my prosumer camera is a $4000.00 brick because computers don't include IEEE ports anymore. I tried buying a 4 pin IEEE to USB cord which was a waste of money - WIndows 7 said it doesn't recognize it.
Is there any kind of adapter, converter, or transfer device I can use to get video from a MiniDV tape into my computer via the USB ports? I'm desperate. Thanks!


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No.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/25/13 2:52 PM

In Reply to: Upload MiniDV tape into computer NO FIREWIRE PORT. ARGH! by wildchatt

There is no Firewire to USB adapter for a few bucks. That question comes up a lot and some folk lash out about that.

Sony is no making the no-PC transfer deck but you can find them on Amazon and any old desktop can do the capture for under 20 bucks for a firewire card.

Your camcorder is not a brick. But you will find folk that won't use another PC to do the transfer step.
Bob


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PS. Link about the device I mentioned.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/25/13 2:56 PM

In Reply to: No. by R. Proffitt Moderator

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VRDMC6-DVDirect-Compact-Recording/dp/B002EVP85K


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Video transfer

by wildchatt - 2/26/13 8:32 AM

In Reply to: No. by R. Proffitt Moderator

I gave up & used an old laptop to capture the video, then transferred it to a portable hard drive, then transferred it to the new laptop where I edit the video. Uploading footage now requires 3 steps instead of one, a time factor I was hoping to avoid. Also, as the years go on, Windows PCs become unusable. My formerly top of the line Vaio desktop's C drive is out of memory space & only has Windows updates on it. Upgrading the C drive is likely a waste of money since it's XP & that's going the way of the dinosaur as well.
Direct to DVD is not an option for me since I only use tape when I need exceptionally high quality audio & video like for weddings, etc.


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Sorry for the typo.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/26/13 8:51 AM

In Reply to: Video transfer by wildchatt

I see my letter t dropped out. At the office we have a few desktops and there is no sign that firewire cards are not going off the market anytime soon.

Bob


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For this price, this thing may be worth a try

by mrmacfixit Moderator - 2/26/13 1:54 PM

In Reply to: Video transfer by wildchatt

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-To-Firewire-iEEE-1394-4-Pin-iLink-Adapter-Cable-/180563635904?pt=US_FireWire_Cables_Adapters&hash=item2a0a6e6ec0

Just a thought

P


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So far, no cable like that works.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/26/13 3:13 PM

In Reply to: For this price, this thing may be worth a try by mrmacfixit Moderator

Sure, folk sell such but the only folk that claim it works, sells them.
Bob


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you're right

by wildchatt - 2/26/13 8:38 PM

In Reply to: So far, no cable like that works. by R. Proffitt Moderator

That's the cable I bought for $2.00 w/ free shipping...& it didn't work. I know the companies like Sony have the capacity to make something that would allow tape to be captured on the most current models,but they don't want to...they want to force us to upgrade, which is how I ended up w/ this computer after upgrading my camera.


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I felt no force at all.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/26/13 9:03 PM

In Reply to: you're right by wildchatt

The firewire is not on consumer models but on the business models. I don't want to upset you but keeping an old piece of iron around for the occasional capture is par for the course. Ask anyone with a SCSI scanner.
Bob


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Does that laptop have a PC slot?

by mrmacfixit Moderator - 2/27/13 4:57 AM

In Reply to: you're right by wildchatt

Failing that, I know someone who has a Dazzle Hollywood DV bridge that takes in Firewire and puts out USB.
Normally used for converting Analog video to Digital, it also enables Digital Video to pass thru

P


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