Sony DCR-HC18E

[Bigfathoss]

I'm having a problem I hope somebody can help with. I'm really not happy with this cam-corder.
1. I have filled two tapes with recordings now and want to transfer them to disc. The manual seems to indicate that unless I have a Sony Viao then I will have to settle for a VCD. Is this true?
2. The software provided (Picture Package) then seems unable to locate either my CDRW or DVDRW drives. It doesn't even acknowledge that they exist.

Now, I'm quite happy to accept that maybe there is something I'm not doing correctly but has anybody else had to deal with this problem?
I've un-installed and re-installed the software but no luck.

Hope somebody can advise.
Cheers

 

[MarkE19]

1. No, but Sony would obviously love you to believe it to be true as they make even more money out of you
2. Ditch the supplied software, it's not that good.

If you have the cam connected via USB then forget that and connect via firewire (aka iLink, DV port, ieee1394) as this is the only method of getting 100% quality video off the cam and onto any PC or Mac. If the PC does not have firewire then you can add a PCI firewire card to it for under £20 and this will include a cable to connect the cam to it.
If you have Windows XP then that is supplied with Movie Maker that is a very good, basic capture & editing package. You will then just need a DVD authoring package to make the DVD disc. If you have Nero 5.5 or later then this can make DVD's or buy something such as Ulead DVD MovieFactory for around £30.

Mark.