Mini DV

[Cess]

I have a Sony Vaio PCG-9PGL series and a Panasonic Camcorder PV-DV400 Mini DV. I think I have the right plug, the DV Interface IEEE 1394 it plugs into the camera, but it will not fit into any place on the laptop. What is going on? Does this mean that is actually is not a DV Interface IEEE 1394? Do I need an adapter for this plug for it to fit into my laptop? Please advise.
Thank you,
Megan
P.S. I really am new to computers and copying the videos to them, so easy to follow instructions are appreciated!!

[gadgetguy]

Firewire ports come in two styles, 4 pin and 6 pin. Most commonly the camcorder has a 4 pin connector and the computer has a 6 pin and you probably have a 4 pin to 6 pin cable. That laptop has a four pin iLink port. You need a 4 pin to 4 pin firewire cable.

[guns1inger]

There are two types of DV socket - basically a full size socket and a mini-socket designed for laptops and small devices. Makes sure you have the right cable.

[edDV]

Does your laptop actually have an IEEE-1394 port?
If not get something like this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=IEEE-1394+PCMCI&x=0&y=0

If you want more advice ID your laptop.

[gadgetguy]

...If you want more advice ID your laptop.

She did.

I have a Sony Vaio PCG-9PGL series...

It has a 4 pin iLink port.

[edDV]

...If you want more advice ID your laptop.

She did.

I have a Sony Vaio PCG-9PGL series...

It has a 4 pin iLink port.

Missed that. Vaios have th 4pin yep. Labeled ILink.

[Cess]

Ok, thank you! What I have, I think must not be right. I mean, I have 2 cords, one end of one fits into the camera but not into the laptop (not long enough), the other one fits into the laptop, but not the camera (the camera end is too big). Maybe I should take a picture of them?

Edit-the length of the cord going into the laptop is okay, but the length of the hook up into the laptop itself is the issue. Hope that makes sense??

[demers669]

Try checking out this website:

http://www.simplydv.co.uk/infobase/about_firewire.html

Hopefully this will give you what you need.

Dave

[thecoalman]

You only need one cord, it can have either ends. What's important is that it fits the ports on your computer and camcorder. According what was posted above the ports on your cam and computer are both 4-pin. they should match this picture exactly, note that one type of USB port is similar but the divot in the center will not be there. If you have a 4-pin port on your computer you only need a 4-pin to 4-pin cable.

[edDV]

I think you need this