Sony DCR-PC 109 E - video capture with USB 2.0

Hi,
I would like to capture all my Videos, to be able to use my expensive MiniDV Cassettes again.
My Camcorder (Sony DCR-PC109E) has a USB 2.0 Interface.
I use Windows XP.
Can anyone name a convenient software solution for video capturing, preferrably freeware?
For my videos I want to make a compromise between hard disc space, and video quality. My aim is to be able to burn DVD's from my captures Camcorder Videos after I am back in Germany, in reasonable quality.

I tried Windows Movie Maker 2, and have installed Virtual Dub.
I am not sure which parameter I must use with Virtual Dub!


Thanks, and cheers from NZ,
Jürgen

 

You will have problems trying to capture video using USB 2. A better solution would be to use Firewire. Get a Firewire cable and connect it to the DV socket on the Sony and plug the other end into the Firewire port on your PC. If your PC doesn't have a Firewire socket you can buy a PCI card with Firewire ports on.
As for free software, Windows Movie Maker will capture video but will only burn onto CD and and I dont think Virtual Dub can burn any disk.
You may have to get the credit card out!

 

Hi!
I have a burning program.
Where exactly can I find the DV interface on the Camcorder / Charging Station? I only saw USB...

Jürgen

 

Sorry I just found the DV interface on the charging station.
I will buy a Firewire Cable then.

But I still would appreciate help with the parameters I would have to use for capturing a video with e.g. Virtual Dub.

Cheers
Jürgen

 

It's not a program I've ever used, sorry. But try Movie Maker to get you started, nice and simple.

 

Unless you install a DirectShow DV codec, you will not be able to do a DV transfer with VirtualDUB.
But anyway: I would suggest a program like WinDV or any of the other free capture utilities. You can find a couple over here:
http://www.digitalvideoclub.com/downloads/freedownloads.php

 

Hi,
using WinDV etc., this makes a 1:1 copy of the movie, right? This would mean about 12GB per 60min MiniDV Cassette - is there a way to lessen the disc space, without lessening the quality too much?
Jürgen

 

Yes, closer to 13GB per hour though.
Of course you can compress to a smaller size using other codecs, but not without loss of quality. I cannot determine for you what you would rate as an acceptable loss of quality. You could for example go for DivX with a high bitrate.
If your final goal is making DVD's, you can also compress to MPEG-2 (which is anyway the compression that is neede for DVD), but be aware that it is going to be a bit difficult to edit your material afterwards.