Is the Handycam DCR-TRV340 video out allowing best possible resolution?

[redgiant]

On my win7 64-bit, I installed a Diamond One Touch Video Capture kit, for drivers, EzGrabber and ArcSoft's ShowBiz editing.

Then from my Sony DCR-TRV340 Handycam, I tried both the composite-to-USB and also the "i-Link" firewire video out methods to drive video capture using ArcSoft ShowBiz.

I also tried both A/V -> DV OUT menu settings onboard my Handycam (ON and OFF, for analog and digital output).

The tape was recorded on the Handycam, so I assume it is Digital 8 format.

In all cases, the resolution on my 1920x1200 PC screen is pretty pixelated. Even at 100% mag it does not seem as clear as, say, hooking the Handycam video out directly to my big-screen TV.

Is it just my perception due to inherent scan line density differences between a PC monitor and a TV set, or is there some purposeful degradation imposed by the Handycam video out? Is there any way to improve the outgoing resolution for recording to a PC file?

[NJRoadfan]

If its a Digital-8 tape, use firewire to transfer it digitally with no quality loss.