How to activate DV-IN/Video-IN on my SONY DCR-TRV325E?

[jouse.]

Hey guys,

I read lots of times on the internet that it is possible to activate the analog and digital input funktion on many Digital 8 Cameras. I have the DCR-TRV325E and I would like to use it to digitize other analog material to DV.

Could you tell me how that is done, without using a service to send it to? Is it easy? Or is it risky?

[nic2k4]

Get the manual:

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/3065263321.pdf

Page 100, recording analog video to DV tape.

Page 98, convert analog to digital and send to a PC or DVD recorder, a.k.a. DV pass through.

[jouse.]

Thanks, but that part of the manual concerns not my camera-model, but only the 330. :/ Found this also yesterday...

[hech54]

I thought that the passthru option was removed from most PAL models?

[Richard_G]

It is, only some of the higher end European spec camcorders will do passthrough. You used to be able to buy a plug in unit that enabled it although whether you still can or not I've no idea (I've got one for an old DCR-TR8000E). I'll see if I can find the box and check if the company that made it still does them (or even exists).

The reason why it is disabled is because the import duty on a video recorder is higher than on a camcorder. A camcorder with analogue in (whether as passthrough or to record to tape) would be classed as a video recorder. Higher duty payable means a higher retail price so, as so few owners are ever likely to use the capability, it is disabled.

[Richard_G]

Just checked. The unit was called a DV-in Widget made by a company called datavision. Although their website still exists (www.datavision.co.uk) there is no mention of the widgets any more. I have a feeling that they were taken to court, or at least threatened with it, as the use of their product was effectively allowing people to evade import duty.

[aedipuss]

if you search around you'll find references to programs/cables that could enable dvin/passthrough for e models. you're not likely to find anyone still selling it other than on ebay maybe.