USB video grabber.
 

I've got an elderly Sony Digital Handicam, DCR-TRV355E. The only way I can watch the tapes is to connect the camera to my TV, which is a bit of a pain. I would like to transfer the tapes to DVD via my computer but the XP driver software that came with the camera is not recognised by either my Vista or W7 machine, even in compatability mode. Sony no longer support this model and I cannot find any updated drivers anywhere on the web. Would a USB Video Grabber overcome the driver problem or would I still need a driver for the camera itself? :shrug:

Chad. :}

If you've got a lot of video to convert, how about one of these:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/vhs-to-dvd-deluxe-341048

I have a similar camera. the USB link was only for grabbing still shots from the memory card. if you have the I.link feature on the camera, you can just link it to a FireWire connector on a PC or laptop and you can copy the videos that way. it will even put them into files based on when you stop and started the recording.

what type of tapes are they?

Thanks Tatts, I'll check that out. Have to save up to buy it mind - the state pension doesn't go far you know! :D

Chad. :}

They're Digital8 tapes Mark. Would I not still need a driver to use the i.LINK? :shrug:

Chad. :}

Just to confirm, the camera does have an i.LINK socket. Would this cable work? Would I still need a driver for the camera? You will probably have gathered by now that I am not very good with this tech stuff! Please bear with me. :confused:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-5-Meter-...item1e7d36eedf

Chad. :}

you will need a driver for the camera, they are available here http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/pro...RV355E/updates

They aren't available for Vista onwards Matt. Only up to XP. Looked there first. Thanks anyway.

Chad.

then they (the drivers) are probably not needed. on mine, I just plugged it in with the FireWire and the in build software (win7) did the rest. as long as you have a FireWire card you should be OK. If nothing else it is worth a try. Plug in and see what happens.

you need a cable that has connectors that match your camera and your PC. I think there are three types.

I asked about the tapes as I was thinking if you sent me the tapes I could do it for you but mine is a mini DV tape so wouldn't fit. x-(

and no, that's the wrong cable. you need FireWire to FireWire, not USB so you will need a FireWire port in your PC or laptop.
if it is a PC, FireWire cards are pretty cheap.