I bought a Sony digital camcorder TRV-17 at a good price from New York (famous B&H store). Unfortunately I realised to my annoyance, it is NTSC and I can't transfer to normal VHS.

Is it still possible to transfer the footage for editing on a PC? Can I then make DVDs that will play in colour on UK players?

Also when I record in 16:9 mode (showing black bars at top & bottom of LCD screen), the bars disappear when played back on any TV.... how do I stop this as I like the cinema-type effect?

Originally posted by sgecko
I bought a Sony digital camcorder TRV-17 at a good price from New York (famous B&H store). Unfortunately I realised to my annoyance, it is NTSC and I can't transfer to normal VHS.

Yes, but think of the $$ you saved

Is it still possible to transfer the footage for editing on a PC? Can I then make DVDs that will play in colour on UK players?

It sure is, most analogue capture cards work in both PAL/SECAM and NTSC, and digital transfers ("firewire"/"ILINK") too. The only think that will happen is that the software has to convert the end footage from NTSC to PAL, which most can do with extra processing.

Also when I record in 16:9 mode (showing black bars at top & bottom of LCD screen), the bars disappear when played back on any TV.... how do I stop this as I like the cinema-type effect?

Most people want rid of black bars

If it's a 16:9 TV, it will not show bars as the formats are the same.

If it's a 4:3 TV, you need to switch into a mode which does show the bars, or else the display will be stretched.

If you really want bars all the time, look for a editor that will save in 4:3 mode, which essential means the bars will be part of the out picture and, hence also shown on the 16:9 TV. Although this method loses resolution deliberately, for no real gain...

Thanks for those tips!

[Eee-Tee]

sgecko- just to add to prvous post- i also bought my cam from the US- in fact the same shop as you, in NY- great shop aint it!!

i've had no probs in editing on PC, apart from those unrelated to this matter
happy editing!!

I was just looking into how I could transfer video to my PC. I have a Sony CCD-TRV62 NTSC. It has s-video and the 3 female out (white, yellow and red).

I have a PC with some slots open and USB.

What would I need to buy exactly to make it work.

All advice appreciated.