Cap from minidv HD

[bts1018]

HI there - i have some minidv tapes recorded in HD that i need to capture onto my computer and Im kinda lost. First i dont have a camera or player to play them on however i could probably borrow one. Also, Im not sure how to connect to my computer. I have a laptop with vista. I also have a desktop i used to capture vid using an mpeg capturing program. This computer has xp and i know it doesnt have an HD video card. Any help would be appreciated.

[ricardouk]

you can connect it through firewire (if you camera has it), you can use HDVSplit to capture it (you'll need lots of free space) and then convert it or not to your favourite format.

I don´t recommend doing "on the fly" capture and conversion, capture it and then convert it.

[bts1018]

so firewire will enable the video/audio to capture through onto my pc? I thought it was just a higher speed connector such as usb

[ricardouk]

yes, you can capture using a firewire cable.

[bts1018]

i must say im stunned, i had no idea.
so just to get this straight before i go out and buy a firewire, etc:
I can connect an HD compatible camcorder via firewire, play the Hd minidv cassettes and capture them in HD through HDVsplit or some software comparable.
if this is true i should be able to do the same with my cable box too, correct?

[ricardouk]

yes, if your hd camera has a firewire connection you only need to buy the firewire cable and card (less than 10 euros) but most newer pcs and laptops have it, you might just need the cable

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-including-connection-Camcorders-Panasonic/dp/B000WH2NRO...1083283&sr=1-2

also your HDV camera is backwards compatible with SD mini dv tapes