Camcorder Problem Sending Video To Pc-HELP!

rosequartz_3

PLEASE HELP!
I can't get my video from my camcorder to transfer to my pc (camcorder = dvd panasonic VDR-D160EB)!! I've tried it on my Windows XP pc but nothing.

I've followed the instructions (it's the first time I've done it) & the photos transferred fine (it can take still pics on sd card aswell as do videos on disc) & my pc (Vista) brought up the options & I chose transfer to pc etc etc
But......as for the video it acknowledges a beep when plugged into the camcorder (via a usb lead) but nothing comes up - no options in order to transfer etc & there's nothing to press on the camcorder...
What am I doing wrong!!!???

I even went into the photo gallery, pressed import but my camcorder wasn't down as being recognised!
Anyone any advice as to what I'm doing wrong??!! It's puzzled me completely - have I been misled when I bought it that I could transfer video to my pc? How does everyone else do it?! Do I need to purchase something extra?

Any help in 'dummy terms' please as I'm a bit of a novice!! If I need to buy something else where can I buy it etc. Thanks for this before I tear all of my hair out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sput2001

What software are you using to transfer the video files?

Was there any supplied with the camera? I think Panasonic use something called MovieAlbum.

penrhyn

Usually digital camcorders have a Firewire interface to transfer video to a PC, but can't you simply remove the DVD from the camcorder and pop it into your PC and go from there?
Having looked at the manual for your device it is as I said finalise your disk put it into your PC and copy the contents onto your hardrive. The USB interface is for transferring still pictures only.

rosequartz_3

No software was provided with the camcorder.

Tried putting the the DVD from the camcorder into the PC and go from there but it doesn't register it as being anything other than a blank disc!!

I don't know what to use - dummy help still needed!!

Ps-Where did you find the manual for my device - mine doesn't give any info for helping with transfer to pc!!!???
Pps-Not that I know what a firewire interface is but there doesn't seem to be a connection for it on the camcorder - slots are USB & A/V ONLY!

alanwjones

Try transfering into Windows Movie Maker, you should have it in all programs on your Pc Conect camcorder and in wmm click on capture from video device, it should then show your camcorder.
Alan.

OK_Sauce

Looking at the manual Penrhyn is correct. Finalize the disc on the camcorder. There doesn't seem to be a firewire connection on your camcorder.

penrhyn

The manual is available as a PDF on the Panasonic Uk site.
It looks as if you are supposed to edit you movies in the camera prior to finalising your disk. Do the DVDs play on your PC?

Donnie

DVD-MovieAlbumSE

More info here: Panasonic

Do you have DVD playing software on your computer? A good no cost option; VLC Media Player.

To edit footage on the HDD as opposed to the camcorder: mpeg video wizard

rosequartz_3

penrhyn wrote: »

The manual is available as a PDF on the Panasonic Uk site.
It looks as if you are supposed to edit your movies in the camera prior to finalising your disk. Do the DVDs play on your PC?

No the dvd's don't play when put into my pc - normal dvds do & start up by themselves but when I put the finalized disc into the pc it just brings up the boxes that I mentioned in my previous post...
Yes, you do have an option of editing on the cam but it's quite basic.

"Try transfering into Windows Movie Maker, you should have it in all programs on your Pc Conect camcorder and in wmm click on capture from video device, it should then show your camcorder. Alan"

Alan - I've tried going into moviemaker & clicking on capture but it shows no device in the box.

I'm starting to panic now as I was sold this as 'being able to transfer your video to pc' - although my dvd player doesn't play the disc anyway (I'm assuming that's due to it being a few years old & not recognising the 8mm disc?).

Is the problem that I need a Panasonic compatable programme on my pc in order for it to recognise my disc etc - any ideas what to try next??!

weegie.geek

DVD camcorders are a pain in the !!!!, and their quality doesn't match proper DV cams either.

Because they record in MPEG2 (albeit in a funny rarely supported container), they're way more fiddly to edit as well.

PowerDVD will play the files.

Don't have a clue what'll edit them, but you're probably better remuxing them to a more standard container using tmpgenc or something similar.

Like I say though, it won't be fun to edit. Keyframe issues will plague you.

rosequartz_3

Will Power DVD help transfer them cam to pc or from disc to pc?
If so where do I find it?

As for editing don't have a clue what you're talking about & wouldn't know where to start which is why I was aiming to put it in movie maker/windows as it gives you guides of how to edit etc *puts dunces hat on*???

Would I have been better off buying a mini-dv rather than a dvd camcorder then? :mad:
I thought dvd cams would still be editable & not solely on the cam - well that's what I was led to believe - if I knew I'd have all this trouble I wouldn't have bothered!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: