Advice on software to capture footage from Sony HDR-HC1E

[exvirilis]

I am a complete newb - bought my first camcorder earlier in the year - a Sony Handycam HDR-HC1E. I have tried to link it to my pc. Plugged in a firewire and tried using the microsoft software which came with my pc to capture footage, but it didn't recognise the cam.

I've done some research and it seems I need software that will recognise High Def footage - my question is whether anyone recommends any particular softare. I'm happy to spend up to £100. I don't need anything particularly fancy as I've never done anything like this before, so ease of use is a key factor

any help gratefully received

[Bjs]

From the specs you listed , you need to install service pack 2 ... only then will you beable to use the device .

From sony :

Knowledge Article : C213096

How to transfer video or still pictures from a camcorder to a computer

The procedure to connect the camcorder to the computer will vary depending on the type of camcorder you have and the type of connection you are using

Once the camcorder is properly connected to the computer, you will need to use the capture feature of your video-editing software to transfer the video to the hard drive.

Because there are many different video capture applications on the market, Sony is unable to provide support or instructions for software we do not manufacture (third-party software). This is because we cannot reasonably know which video capture software you are using and we cannot speak for the manufacturers of third-party software applications. However, many video capture applications have detailed help files, including specific instructions about capturing and importing video from a camcorder to a computer. The help files should be available in the Help menu of the video capture software or in a separate file on the software disc.

If you cannot find instructions in the help file or on the disc included with your software, consult the software manufacturer for more detailed support information.

[exvirilis]

thanks for the post. Unfortunately I can't install SP 2- hardware conflict.

I was really after recommendations as to editing and capture software if poss, eg Sony, Pinnacle or Adobe which seem to be the main candidates

[exvirilis]

so, 2 questions:

1 Do I need SP2 to be able to capture HD video on a PC?

2 Which software do you recommend for someone who has never used this kind of software before? I'm thinking of Sony Vegas Movie Studio

[edDV]

I like that camcorder but if you want to use the HDV modes you will need HDV software.

I'm not certain about the HC-1 but the HC-3 will shoot in DV format and/or will shoot HDV format but hardware downconvert 1440x1080i HDV to 720x576i DV for IEEE-1394 if you want to use it that way.

Just curious why you bought HDV format? Most current editing software suites have included HDV support in the most recent versions. I think Sony Media Studio supports HDV only in the Premium version.

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/products/product.asp?pid=408

[JohnnyMalaria]

1 Do I need SP2 to be able to capture HD video on a PC?

If the software relies on the OS to handle the data transfer via Firewire then yes, you will need SP2. Also, don't confuse HD with HDV - they are different beasts.

[exvirilis]

thanks for the replies

[Bjs]

What hardware is causing conflict ?

Do you mean this unit : http://www.digitalproducer.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=33546

If so , the third page note's the available outputs as ... There is an iLink connection, a USB 2 connection, an uncompressed RGB output, and a composite output on the camera .

In the case problem with sp2 , you'lll be stuck with using it in composite output , and need a capture card , one that dose not require sp2 installed as a preference ... and stay clear of those that mention mce ... or a dvd recorder .

For capturing at a decent price , consider nero's package ... then ulead (better feature's) ... followed by sony / adobe .

Of course it will depend on the device's and software chosen as to what is allowed during capture , and their maximum setting's for size / format ... then you need to adjust to allow for the system setup ... amd 3000 runs at 1800mhz , I think from last time I built one ... so you'll need to do some tweaking to get the best ... but of course , finding out why the sp2 issue exist's , and fixing it would solve the problem entirely .