Sorry Dave, you're right. I guess Sony have implemented a copy protect function to the HDMI output so it will only work if it sees a playback device. If it detects a recording device, it blocks the output.
There is a way around this, using an HDMI splitter that strips the HDCP copy protection but that is another bit of kit to buy and may need a bit of research to find one that actually works.
If you have all the proprietary cables, for AV and component, you could use one of these.....
Amazon product ASIN B07ZHFR2V3
You would need the component lead from your camera AS WELL AS the R/L audio from you camera's AV lead - the camera should output all these simultaneously.
If you want to try an HDMI splitter, you could try this one
Amazon product ASIN B08B1B371D
which I know works for my particular situation
I cannot however guarantee that it will work with your kit.
It will prevent the Sony from "seeing" a recording device so should allow output. You will still need the A type adapter for the camera's miniature connection and 2 x standard HDMI cables. One for the camera to the splitter and one from the splitter to the MyPin recorder.
Hi John, sadly the splitter idea didn't work mate. I tried connecting the splitter to the HDR-HC3 camera, using HDMI leads, then HDMI lead from that to the Mypin, as you said. Then witched it all on, set the camera to play, and mypin to record. The mypin screen remained blank, then informed me that there was no signal.
I went back to the splitter instructions, which said that the red led would light up once the power was connected (which it did), and the green led's next to the HDMI in/out sockets would do so as well, once the HDMI leads were 'connected properly'?. So, suspecting the HDMI leads may be inadequate (quite old) I tried 3 more, still nothing.
In the splitters trouble shooting area, it said that if you plug the camera in to an appropriate TV via HDMI, and the picture displayed correctly (which it did with all 4) then that proves that the lead is not the issue. What a PITA. I had high hopes for that idea John, because it sounded so logical, but my luck ran true to form mate.
So, I must revert back to plan 'A', RCA to HDMI converter box fed into the mypin, then through the software in my laptop to convert the MP4 into AVCHD, then into the big new Panny, then finally to DVD. If that doesn't work, I shall possibly take the vows and become a monk......
I assume that if I take the mini SD card from the mypin, and pop it in its adapter, then into the reader in my laptop, I can feed the MP4 in to the software that way? If so, could I either download the result of the conversion into an SD card , and stick that into the Panny, or USB out of my laptop into the Panny that way? The SD card would be favourite I think, because you seem to have to 'register' (whatever that means) another USB device before the Panny will accept it.
Lastly, I assume when the info on the RCA to HDMI converter says 'mini' RCA to HDMI, my cameras AV out RCA jacks will fit that? Or are there actually 2 sizes of RCA pins?
Sorry for the novel length post again John, there is just SOOO much I don't understand, sad old fart.
Cheers, Dave.