Transferring a Mini DV tape to PC

Tils

HI ok this might be too complicated but Id appreciate some advice

First I need to do this to get a Video of my dad who is no longer alive so Im kinda desperate to get it so would appreciate any help.

I have a JVC gr-DVL9000 Digital camera. This uses Mini DV Pal tapes.

Ive tried to use firewire to transfer the data off the camera to the PC but this doesnt work due to some stupid tihng about this specific camera.


I have a S OUT connection on this camera too. What I need to know is what I need to get to transfer my videos to my PC in the best possible quality.

I know I can record this to a Video recorder but how do I get it to a PC keeping good quality because transferring to Video first and then PC kinda loses a lot of quality.

End result id like a High Quality Video on my PC (dont care about the space) which I can eventually write to a DvD (I know this bit)

btw Im technical regarding PCs but not regarding Cameras / TV stuff...so id just need what I need to get instructions

Thanks

fox2319

Presumably you need to get a TV card if you're wanting to capture it off the S-video input. Alternatively, do you know anyone else who's got a mini-DV camera that you could borrow?

I've got one here but I've not actually tried to capture anything on the PC yet but if you run out of options...

Jeff

Joe_Bloggs

Have you tried https://www.doom9.org ? I can't link to the specific page but under their guides section is a DV to DVD-R guide. In this is a Transfer it to your PC guide.
An issue is mentioned with cables that come with the cameras. Try the cable that came with the firewire card is the suggested solution. Try your tests with less important material. You could end up writing to the tape.
J_B.

bobshep

Tils - try borrowing another mini-DV camcorder to do the transfer if you suspect it's a problem with the specific model you have.

I think using a TV capture card can result in dropped frames and therefore a poorer quality copy.

Good luck.

tobydog27

Tils, If you have Windows XP as your operating system I suggest that you try to capture your video via firewire and using Windows MovieMaker.

Connect your Camcorder via Firewire and switch on, then open MovieMaker select Capture From Video Device, MovieMaker should find your Camcorder allowing you to start your capture.

If for some reason your Camcorder is not found, try another Firewire Lead.
Plus check the IEEE in your Device Manager when your Firewire Lead is connected to your Camcorder and powered.

Hope this helps.

magic_pants

Tils wrote:

HI ok this might be too complicated but Id appreciate some advice

First I need to do this to get a Video of my dad who is no longer alive so Im kinda desperate to get it so would appreciate any help.

I have a JVC gr-DVL9000 Digital camera. This uses Mini DV Pal tapes.

Ive tried to use firewire to transfer the data off the camera to the PC but this doesnt work due to some stupid tihng about this specific camera.


I have a S OUT connection on this camera too. What I need to know is what I need to get to transfer my videos to my PC in the best possible quality.

I know I can record this to a Video recorder but how do I get it to a PC keeping good quality because transferring to Video first and then PC kinda loses a lot of quality.

End result id like a High Quality Video on my PC (dont care about the space) which I can eventually write to a DvD (I know this bit)

btw Im technical regarding PCs but not regarding Cameras / TV stuff...so id just need what I need to get instructions

Thanks

Do you have a PVR or know someone who does? Plug camera into the PVR via S-Video and record onto hard disk. Then burn onto DVD (most PVR's have DVD srite capability these days). Job done. Find someone with a PVR or another camera as has been suggested I guess.

Tils

ok thanks all for the responses... Its definatly an issue with this specific model / make of camera.

I actualyl purchased a firewire cable for this hoping I could fix the issue however the camera is simply not seen on the computer properly. Ive used many different appplications to try to get it to see the camera but it just doesnt work. Ive even check for driver updates etc.

I didnt realise that a TV card would drop frames though so I guess this isnt a good solution in the long run. Maybe ill just have to find someone with a camera as most of you have advised.. I was hoping not to have to go down this route as Im not the best person for asking for stuff hehe

Bit anyoing when you have a digital video but cant get it on a PC though

I wonder if theres any companies which would trasfer it for a cost..yep id even be willing to pay if i could get a very good copy done as it means that much.

magic_pants

Tils wrote:

I wonder if theres any companies which would trasfer it for a cost..yep id even be willing to pay if i could get a very good copy done as it means that much.

Well that is the easiest solution! Just take your tape along to Jessops and they will be happy do it for you! They can transfer pretty much from anything to anything. They provide a transfer service for cases exactly like this.

magic_pants

Here you go...

http://www.jessops.com/DP/FilmDVD

...as you can see a transfer from MiniDV will be one of the more simpler transfers they get asked for!

bobshep

Tils,

Just a thought, but if there is a known problem with your camcorder not being able to download via firewire have you looked into getting a refund under the sale of goods act as the product is not 'fit for purpose'?

I had a Samsung digital camcorder that would only download the video (not audio) via firewire. Once Samsung confirmed this was a known fault I was able to get a full refund from the vendor, even thought it was over 3 years old. I was then able to buy a much better camcorder plus accessories and had some money left over due to the advances in technology in those three years.

Might be worth looking into.