Several years ago I bought a Camcorder a Samsung VP-85i.

Today I tried hooking it up to my PC using the lead I have with it.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y56...d/camcord1.jpg


I've used this lead to hook the camera up to my TV before.

When I connect it to the PC I can get sound working fine. But programme on my PC I should use to view the video? I've looked in media player nothing. And no new hardware is detected when I plug it in, but I down expect there to be given the cable type.

I think I must have the video working aswell but I have no idea how to view it.

Help is welcomed thanks

[A n d r e w]

Which format does your camcorder record to? Mini-DV tape, mini DVDs, or memory cards / hard drive? Whichever way, the best way to view your clips on your PC would be to import the video using appropriate software and then play back the resulting file, rather than trying to play the video directly from the camcorder. The cable you're using is fine for TV use, less ideal for PC use - as you've noticed.

For mini-DV camcorders, you use a FireWire cable to transfer the video. Mini DVDs can be played from the DVD tray in your PC, if you have one (so long as it's a tray-loading DVD player - not a slot). Memory card / hard drive camcorders typically use USB though some (notable JVC Everios) use FireWire.

The instruction manual should advise you on which transfer method is appropriate for your camcorder.

I had a FireWire cable but it rarely worked for some reason my PC would only sometimes detect it. The cable certainly wasn't damaged either I had barely used it and it was a SOLID cable.

If there definately no way to use this cable?

mini DV btw. Its a farely old camera I emailed ds,samsung a while back and you they won't even supply the drivers for it

[ade4all]

The lead you've shown is not for connecting to a pc - to view on pc you 1st need to capture the footage onto it via the firewire.
you don't need drivers to connect through firewire, just a £10 firewire card in the computer, connect up the camera & windows should automatically detect your camera - if you haven't got any software for video editing then just use moviemaker which comes with windows (presuming you've got a pc) - check your firewire card & cable & also be careful not to plug the firewire into the camera when the camera is turned on, you can easily fry the cameras firewire port that way