[Urien Rheged]

I have a JVC camcorder which uses mini DV tapes. I would like to transfer these video tapes onto my laptop or PC and ultimately make a copy onto DVD. Problem is neither my laptop or my PC have a firewire card. How can I transfer these tapes onto DVD? Is there a way without buying a firewire card?

[Andy98765]

Firewire cards are VERY cheap.
http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/USB-----Fi...EE--1394-Cards

Did not realise they were that cheap, so no excuse.

The PCI ones that fit in a normal PC just plug in, switch on and they are recognised. Also get your Firewire cable from E-Buyer, really cheap.
This is what you normally need http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130525 but do check.

[Urien Rheged]

So firewire is the only option then? They are cheap yes, but I'd still rather not spend anything.

If firewire is the only option, I'd rather do it via the laptop if possible, can you get a cheap external firewire card? I don't particularly fancy opening up my laptop.

[Andy98765]

If your laptop has a PCIMA slot then look again as there are loads.

[senu]

Originally Posted by R1PLEY

So firewire is the only option then? They are cheap yes, but I'd still rather not spend anything.

If firewire is the only option, I'd rather do it via the laptop if possible, can you get a cheap external firewire card? I don't particularly fancy opening up my laptop.

You wont have to if it has a PCMCIA or PC express slot. There are adaptors Ive seen going for a tenner
As for spending nothing. I assume you have software , a DVD burner and discs
They will set you back
Alternatively you could just do it all on a Pals settop DVD recorder.. for maybe nothing youll still need to buy a firewire cable though!

[Urien Rheged]

Originally Posted by senu

You wont have to if it has a PCMCIA or PC express slot. There are adaptors Ive seen going for a tenner
As for spending nothing. I assume you have software , a DVD burner and discs
They will set you back
Alternatively you could just do it all on a Pals settop DVD recorder.. for maybe nothing youll still need to buy a firewire cable though!

I can't see any external slots (PCMCIA or PC express) on my laptop that would take a firewire card. It just has USB ports from what I can see. I take it there is no way of doing it via USB?

I have the software and firewire cable that came with the camcorder and the laptop has a DVD burner and I have blank DVD's.

I don't know anyone with a DVD recorder that I can use unfortunately.

[senu]

What make is it?
Only the very newest dont have expansion slots, but then they may have built in firewire ( albeit the 4-pin version)
Unfortunately though there is no USB to firewire ( or) Firewire to USB option

[Andy98765]

USB is too slow, for full camcorder control by the PC whilst uploading to the PC you need firewire and a lot of hard drive space.
Fitting a Firewire card in a PC is SOOOOOOOOOOO simple.
Take off side panel, knock out one of the blanking plates at the back, plug in card firmly, fix screw, replace panel and switch back on, surprised if it takes more than 5 minutes. Windows does the rest you do not even need drivers if you are running XP or above.
Video editing software can be found in Windows Vista, Nero or download Windows movie maker from Microsoft if not already installed.

[Urien Rheged]

Originally Posted by Andy98765

USB is too slow, for full camcorder control by the PC whilst uploading to the PC you need firewire and a lot of hard drive space.
Fitting a Firewire card in a PC is SOOOOOOOOOOO simple.
Take off side panel, knock out one of the blanking plates at the back, plug in card firmly, fix screw, replace panel and switch back on, surprised if it takes more than 5 minutes. Windows does the rest you do not even need drivers if you are running XP or above.
Video editing software can be found in Windows Vista, Nero or download Windows movie maker from Microsoft if not already installed.

I know how to do it on a PC. I built my last PC myself. The mrs wants to do it via her laptop which has no firewire.

[Urien Rheged]

Originally Posted by senu

What make is it?
Only the very newest dont have expansion slots, but then they may have built in firewire ( albeit the 4-pin version)
Unfortunately though there is no USB to firewire ( or) Firewire to USB option

Acer 5315 laptop. Also have a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo L7320 laptop.