[RESOLVED] Anyone with a Sony PD100A?

[MarkMission]

What happens when you plug in firewire between it, and the computer? Mine isn't being recognized, I set it to VTR and connect it with a firewire cable and get nothing from either the camcorder nor computer. The battery is fully charged.

1.) What does the camcorder do when you connect yours? (Does it say something like "Connected"or Beep?)
2.) What does your computer do? (does it beep, say detected, etc.)
3.) Did you need drivers?

I have tried 3 firewire cables and 4 computers (all with XP). I plug the firewire into the camcorder, then into the computer, turn it on to VTR and nothing happens on the camcorder nor computer it's like I have no cable attached (I can still press play on the device, rewind, etc.)

If my camcorder is broken, is there another way/device that will let me record my tapes without buying another PD100A?

Thanks

[aedipuss]

drivers are in windows, nothing to install. it's not like usb. nothing pops up. try connecting it and then run windv, click the small square box after video source. does it find the camera?

[Richard_G]

Although I haven't got a PD100A, I've got two VX700s and a VX2000 which are likely to all use the same Firewire board. I start my software (in my case the capture portion of Ulead Mediastudio Pro although I do use WinDV at times), plug the camera in, switch it on to VTR and the computer pings and, if I'm using the Ulead app, a box pops up to tell me it has detected it and asks if I'd like to use it.

Although I've never heard of a fried Firework board on a Sony, I know it can happen on a number of other makes. Finding someone who can fit a new board is going to be a lot cheaper than a new camera.

[MarkMission]

Thank you so much! The windv link helped me tremendously as that program is simple so I could load it on all the computers I tried. Combined with the comment "I've never heard of a fried Firework board on a Sony" caused me to treat this issue as there's nothing wrong with the camcorder, it has to be the wire or computer and saved me about $250 in repair/replacement.

Loading WinDV, it could not locate the device. I tried it on 3 computers, same issue (and even tried 2 cables). I then realized the Belkin firewire cables I was using all had the same awkward huge connector which when plugged into the camcorder the camcorders strap interfered slightly with a perfect fit, it was at a very slight angle. I decided what's the chances if I remove the strap so it won't be at a hairs angle it will work... sure enough it did. I heard a "Bing" on the camcorder, the computer detected a "New Device", a Sony AV Camcorder device popped up, then the Movie Maker popped up to capture the video, and WinDV recognized it now. Nice!!!

In the end, it was the Belkin cables and their super fat plastic ends which prevented a care free fit they eventually wore the port. I'm now going to shave down the plastic of them and should be good to go. Thank you so much, you saved me a lot of money... I was certain it had to be the firewire board until you mentioned you've never heard of it going and got me off that path.

[Richard_G]

Re-reading my post I realised I'd referred to the Firewire port as the Firework port! But at least you knew what I meant. Glad you got it sorted. I use a genuine Sony cable and a couple of cheapo eBay jobs and all have a nice small plug on them. I've always regarded Belkin as paying for the name (and the packaging!) rather than being any better quality than anything else.
Now they've got even less in their favour!