transfer devices for minidv tapes

[aivanez58]

Hello.
For the past year or so I have been transfering my tapes to my computer using a panasonic and a 4 prong to 6 prong firewire cable. now this has been fine. the thing is a friend of mine told me I could try using a device that would allow me to place the tape into my computer so that I wouldnt have to use the camera. This sounds great except for the fact I cant remember what such device is called and my friend is out of the country. anyone know the names of those? thanks.

[edDV]

An internal mount DV tape player? Why?
I see no advantage. The added heat in the PC case would damage the tapes.

Why not buy something like this that can be moved where needed?
https://www.coremicro.com/catalog/product_info.php?language=en&currency=USD&products_id=200

[aivanez58]

it does not necesseraly have to be an internal device. . . All I know is that it is a device that can use minidv tapes and it can transfer them to a pc and it is not a camcorder.

[edDV]

it does not necesseraly have to be an internal device. . . All I know is that it is a device that can use minidv tapes and it can transfer them to a pc and it is not a camcorder.

They will cost more than a camcorder. Their only real advantage is a faster tape cue. Their disadvantage is potential for poor interchange performance. Watch for transport interchange issues (picture breakup). DVCAM (wider tracks, 40min per tape) was invented to make playing tapes in various transports more reliable.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=....x=0&image.y=0
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&a=244_1510&mnp=0.0&mxp=0.0...y=13&Submit=Go

[aivanez58]

thanks that clears alot up!