USB vs Firewire

[tony cooper]

Everything I read says the best way to transfer a movie from mini-DVDs to the computer (with the end result being a DVD) is with a FireWire connection.

However, something's amiss in my computer with the FireWire. I can capture the movies with a USB connection. Am I losing anything?

I don't care if it takes longer to transfer, but I do care if the image is degraded. What is the difference between the two choices of USB or FireWire?

[tony cooper]

Arrggh. I meant transfer the movie from the mini-DVD in the camera. The USB or FireWire connects the camera to the PC.

[yoda313]

I would imagine you should be able to just rip the dvd to the computer. I think they are dvd-vr discs. Dvd decrypter and dvd shrink should be able to handle them - or at the very least do a direct copy of the folders - you made them so they are no protections to remove.

As long as you finalize the disc you shouldn't have any problem reading them in your computer dvd drive. Then you'll get vob files that you can use like any dvd you normally work with.

[tony cooper]

I don't know where my mind is tonight. I'm referring to miniDV tapes. Not DVDs.
The camera's a Sony DCR-HC21.

[redwudz]

If your camcorder has a DV output, FireWire is usually the best way. If you want to transfer the DV back to the camera, FireWire is still the best way. WinDV can transfer both ways.

If your FireWire transfer is not working, check your cable, try a different FireWire card and see if your camera works on another computer. Does the computer tell you when the camera is connected?

There are a few cameras that use USB for high quality transfers but most USB transfers are lower quality.

[tony cooper]

I contacted tech support for the maker of my machine, and they had me re-install the drivers. That didn't help.

I borrowed another camera, and the FireWire connection doesn't work with it, so the problem is either in my card or my cable. I'll see if the computer store will test my cable with their computer. I just go through the steps to determine the problem.

Device Manager says the IEEEE 1394 bus controllers are OK, but that's not always a dependable indication since the port may not be making a good connection with the plug.