Video Capture / Firewire

[Jenny]

Hi.

I would like to learn how to get video on to my PC.

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Here's some stuff you might need to know:

Software: Vegas Video 3.0
Purpose: To make short 2 to 10 minute videos for the internet only
Camera I use: Sony / Handycam Vision / CCD-TRV98 NTSC / Video Hi8
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As far as I know there are three ways to capture video on a computer (correct me if I'm wrong).

1. Transfer video to a Video Card
2. Transfer video to a Video Capture Card
3. Transfer using the Firewire method


I'm just learning about this Firewire stuff. I'm having a 'lil trouble with it.
What exactly do I need if I'm going to transfer video via Firewire cables?

Do I need a Firewire Card? Is there a such thing? What the heck is Firewire :-)


Thanks for reading.
Jenny

[jtor]

Firewire is basically a hi-speed port that you can 'add-on' (if it doesn't exist yet) to your PC. Primary use for this is to transfer video from a digital camcorder to your PC. With a digital camcorder, just hook up a firewire cable from the camcorder to the firewire port in the PC. Run a capture software (Vegas Video for example) and she should be able to let you transfer the video.

Since you listed the camcorder you're using is Hi8 (analog), you have the following options:

1. Do the analog approach; get a video capture card. Check the capture cards link/list on the left.
2. You can get a Digital8 camcorder, that has the capability to play analog Hi8 tapes. This D8 camcorder should allow you to transfer an analog video (from Hi8 tape) to your PC by way of the firewire port. With this option, you'll also need a firewire card (Pinnacle Systems Studio DV for example).

Hope this helps.

[Jenny]

Hi.

Thanks jtor. The info. in your post was useful.

Do most capture cards have the ability to receive analog and digital transfers?

Thanks,
Jenny :-)

[jtor]

Basic capture cards only offer capture from an analog source. There are some cards that are capable of both analog capture and digital transfer (example is Pinnacle DV500, matrox RT2500), but they are pricey.

As for a basic firewire card, it can only deal with digital.

I would suggest you look at the capture cards list, and visit their website if you think you'll need more info about a specific card.

hope this helps.