How to capture real-time video from my camcorder onto my PC

[seanhalley]

Hi all,

I have a Sony HDR-X105-E camcorder (1080p, HDD) and a Dell Studio XPS 8100 desktop (64-bit, Intel Core i7 2.8GHz, 8GB RAM, 2TB hard disk 7200rpm).

I'd like to connect my camcorder to my PC and be able to view/capture the live stream from my camcorder, preferably in 1080p HD.

There is a USB interface on the camera, but I'm pretty sure that's for transfering the recorded AVCHD files. There's an HDMI interface, and I have successfully connected that to one of my 1080p monitors.

I got all excited when I found an HDMI port on my Dell motherboard, but after reading through threads online, I found that it's disabled when another video card is installed (which is the case).

My video card is NVIDIA GeForce GTS 240. It has two DVI ports and an S-VIDEO port. The DVI ports are in use, and connected to my two 1080p monitors. I'm not sure if the S-VIDEO port is in or out.

Anyway, apologies for the verbose description, I'm just trying to be thorough. Does anyone have any idea how I can capture live HD video on my PC?

Either by buying some kind of hardware (and will my PC be able to handle the HD recording?) or by connecting my camcorder to my monitor via HDMI, and somehow screen capturing the monitor?

P.S. My monitors are Dell ST2310 23inch (1920 x 1080).

Thanks in advance
Sean

[Baldrick]

I'm pretty sure the svideo is out so you need to buy a separate card, maybe the http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/ .

[seanhalley]

Thanks Baldrick.

That Intensity Pro thing does look ace. And I don't htink my Dell has USB 3.0 so I'd be going for the PCI Express version.

Given my PC specs, do you reckon it could handle it? Also, how eay is it to install one of those? I've never installed a PCI card before.

Finally, on a related note, my other challenge is to get a bunch of MiniDV tapes onto my computer. This Intensity Pro thing looks like it could do it, but I still need a device that can play the MiniDV tapes. Any idea what my cheapest option is?

Thanks in advance
Sean