Capturing with a Firewire enabled DV Camera? Is it possible?

[JimVII]

I want to do some "in game" capturing on my PC. I DO NOT have a video card with any type of in/out built in. I DO have a nice Sony DV cam, which does allow me to get just about any type of video INTO the PC, using Premier (PC), or iMovie (Mac.)

What I wanted to know was if there is anyway for me to get the game action (or anything happening on the PC ) into the DV camera or even to my VCR? It would have to go from the PC via Firewire, as that is my only "OUT" capability. I could either record it directly to the DV tape, or into the VCR using the DV camera as a bridge (with converter cable.)

PC---->DV Camera--->(DV tape, or VCR with converter cable.)

Perhaps there is software that allows video out via Firwire?

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Jim

[yg1968]

It is not easy to do but you might be able to make it work.

Essentially, you would need a program that captures what is going on on your screen. There is a program called Camstudio that allows you to do this. This program isn't perfect but it usually works.

After you have captured what is going on on your desktop, you would need to transfer it to a DV avi file. I believe that Virtualdub can do this. (Although I have had problems doing this myself). For vdub, you need to install a DV codec such as the Panasonic DV codec.

Once that you have a DV avi file, you can export the file, using DVIO or DVapp.

In summary, you need the following items:

1- Camstudio (freeware)
2- Virtualdub (freeware)
2- the Panasonic DV codec (free) or another DV codec installed
3- DVIO or DVapp (freewares) to export the type 2 DV avi file to your camcorder
4- DV out must be disabled on your camcorder's menu

I have never actually tried this. So I am not sure if it works but, in theory, these are the steps that you would neeed to do.

P.S. It might be easier just to get a TV out card.