How to transfer video from Panasonic camcorder to PC?

[Phaete]

Hi,

We recently recorded one of our football (soccer) matches on a friend's Panasonic VDR-M50 camcorder (released circa 2002). The footage was recorded to a Panasonic 2.8GB 8cm DVD-RAM disc. Unfortunately, my friend could not find the original CD-ROM software that was bundled with the camcorder so we have had a very difficult time trying to transfer the footage to a PC. I have gathered from the Operating Instructions that the software required is DVD-MovieAlbumSE. However after extensive research I've discovered that you can only download software updates and not the full application.

So I have arrived with the following options:

1. Transfer using alternative software and methods
2. Transfer through AV
3. Obtain a copy of DVD-MovieAlbumSE

Background: The footage is 30min in total recorded in 3 parts. Towards the end of the match, the battery died so the footage was cut short. I am not sure if this affects my problem. The footage plays back perfectly fine on the camcorder.

1. Transfer using alternative software and methods: I have connected the camcorder to two different PCs (without the drivers or software installed) using the supplied USB cable but neither PC recognize the device. Originally, the DVD-RAM appeared empty in my Samsung SH-183LBEBN (similar device) DVD drive and my friend's PC. However I later installed Nero InCD and Smart Projects IsoBuster. One (or a combination) of these software enabled me to see the following on the DVD-RAM in Windows Explorer:

/DCIM/100CDPFP
/DVD_RTAV/VR_MANGR.BUP (128 KB)
/DVD_RTAV/VR_MANGR.IFO (128 KB)
/RTR_EXTN/RX.DAT (1.51 MB)
/RTR_EXTN/VR_MVDUM.000 (0 B)
/RTR_EXTN/VR_STDUM.000 (0 B)

If I right-click the DVD drive and check Properties it shows the following:

Name: MEI_UDF
Type: CD Drive
File System: INCDFS
Used Space: 1,402,372,096 bytes 1.30GB
Free Space: 0 bytes 0 bytes
Capacity: 1,402,372,096 bytes 1.30GB

As you can see the media Properties indicate the footage is on the DVD-RAM by its Used Space. However when browsing in Windows Explorer (with Show hidden files and folders checked) there appears to be no file that resembles the footage. IsoBuster shows exactly the same information and running the 'Find missing files and folders' option on the disc returns the following files:

Recovered File1.VR_MANGR.IFO (128 KB)
Recovered File2.VR_MANGR.IFO (128 KB)

I have successfully created an .ISO file of the disc in IsoBuster which is 1.30GB in size but I have no idea what to do with it or if it is even required. How do I 'discover' the missing footage that is apparently on the disc?

2. Transfer through AV: I have an AV/S input/output cable from my own Sony DCR-SR37E camcorder and I have read in the Panasonic Operating Instructions that you can record (dub) to other devices. However it only explains how to dub to a DVD recorder. Is there a way to dub from camcorder to PC via AV? Another option is to dub from the Panasonic camcorder to the Sony camcorder but I will need to buy another AV cable and an adapter for this.

3. Obtain a copy of DVD-MovieAlbumSE: This is a last resort for me because although I would like this footage on PC I cannot justify purchasing the software. Infact based on the reviews I have read elsewhere, it's not even guaranteed to solve my problem. Although if someone can provide the software for me that would be helpful.

I think I have provided all the relevant information but if I have left anything out please let me know. I just want to get this footage on my PC so I can edit and share it with the team!!

Many Thanks,
Phaete

[aedipuss]

the camera should have some function to close or finalize the dvdr i would think. try that and then maybe widows will be able to read it. isobuster should list the files on the disc. if there are vob files or similar i'd right click on it and extract it.

[Phaete]

Hi aedipuss,

Thanks for your reply.

The Finalize Disc option is only applicable to DVD-R discs. I am using a DVD-RAM disc and the only options available on the camcorder are Capacity, Protect Disc, Format Disc and Update Control Info.

IsoBuster shows the files listed in my previous post. There are no signs of .VOB or .VRO files which I presume contains the footage.

[hech54]

I'd go with Protect Disc.

[Phaete]

Hi hech54,

Could you provide further details on how this software can help me? I went to http://www.protect-software.com/ and their solutions seem to concentrate on the copyright protection of media.

[aedipuss]

hech was referring to one of the options you listed for your camcorder.

[Phaete]

My apologies! I've just Protect Disc now and put it in my DVD drive but it is still showing the same contents (i.e. lack of a .VOB or .VRO file).

[aedipuss]

are you sure your computer dvd drive is capable of reading dvd-ram. not all are. imgburn/tools/drive/capabilities

[Phaete]

Yes, ImgBurn reports that my DVD drive can read and write DVD-RAM.