[paul9619]

Hi all,

I have recently bought the Sony DCR HC-44E MiniDv camcorder. The standard cable that you get for PC connection is the USB connector.

I am looking to take advantage of the ILINK capability instead, so that I can use the direct access to DVD feature.

My queries are as follows:

1. I read in the manual that you require a 4pin-4pin ILINK cable. The trouble is my computer only has a 6 pin Firewire connection. So could I buy a 4pin - 6pin cable instead, would this work?

2. Do I need to use the Sony Click to DVD Software or are their alternatives out there?

Do I actually need to go to all this hassle or will using USB suffice?

Many Thanks in advance for help

[elton-77]

Hello,

I have a Sony DCR-TRV325E digital handicam with iLink and have only used this with a Firewire to iLink cable - I believe this to be a standard cable - so I would suspect there will be no difference with your MiniDV camcorder.

As for software, I have several editors installed on my PC (Roxio and Pinnacle - although I've yet to use Pinnacle properly) and both when started immediately find the camcorder link and can 'control' the camcoder from within the software. So I would suspect that this will be true of the HC44E.

Hassle? Well firewire is much quicker in terms of data transfer speed than USB - so I would vouch for the former. But really give both a try - there's nothing to lose.

Wish you well.

[Snubtray]

Yes, you can get 4-6 pin cables. I found them at a good price on Amazon (Belkin).

There are other DVD authoring packages, and some of the DV editing packages include the facility to burn DVDs too. You are not dependent on using the Sony software, which I believe requires you to use a Sony PC (!). I use Ulead Videostudio 8, which came with a Firewire card and cable I bought for my PC.

I have a Sony digital 8 camcorder and the USB link is not recommended for transferring videos, unless you are using the thing as a webcam or want to transfer stuff to memory stick. Firewire/iLink is the way to go.

[MarkE19]

Originally Posted by paul9619

1. I read in the manual that you require a 4pin-4pin ILINK cable. The trouble is my computer only has a 6 pin Firewire connection. So could I buy a 4pin - 6pin cable instead, would this work?

The camcorder will have a 4 pin connection for firewire and a laptop will normally also be 4 pin. A desktop PC will more than likely have a 6 pin connection, so a 4 pin to 6 pin (non Sony) firewire cable will work. IMO you should not need to spend more than £10 on this cable if bought online. Don't be conned into paying £20+ for a branded cable as it will offer no advantages.

Originally Posted by paul9619

2. Do I need to use the Sony Click to DVD Software or are their alternatives out there?

You can take your pick of several very good software packages for capture, editing & creating a DVD. A search of this forum will bring up loads of advice and suggestions on what to go for.

Originally Posted by paul9619

Do I actually need to go to all this hassle or will using USB suffice?

USB can not be used to capture full quality video to a PC, it is just not up to the job. Firewire is the only way to go if you want the best possible quality.

Mark.

[paul9619]

Thank you for the advice, makes things alot clearer.

Just one more question will other software packages allow me to use the direct burn feature built into the camcorder menu itself or will I have to upload to my computer first?

Also am I looking for 4 pin male to 6 pin male? Its very hard to tell whats female or male!

[MarkE19]

The direct to DVD option on the cam is AFAIK only available via the Sony software. Other software though may have a direct to DVD equivalent, ie Ulead DVD MovieFactory has this type of function but does require a fairly powerful PC for it to work.
When buying a firewire cable all you need to worry about is the pins on each end, ie 4 pin to 6 pin. Unless the cable is an 'extension cable' then you wont need to worry about the plugs being male or female. It is however recommended to get a cable of no more than 1.8m as longer cables 'can' cause problems.

Mark.