Sony 560x digital zoom video capture problem

You may download the Sony driver here.

The USB streaming driver for the Camcorder is not available for Windows Vista OS from Sony at this point. Hence it is not possible to transfer videos using USB interface. You may use i.LINK or A/V interface to transfer videos from the Camcorder to the Computer which is running on Windows Vista Operating System.

Please follow the steps to transfer video to a computer using an i.LINK connection (IEEE 1394).

IMPORTANT: Video capture software and a compatible video capture card must be installed on the computer. Depending on the computer manufacturer, various video capture cards and software (Adobe Premiere, Roxio Video Wave, Microsoft Windows Movie Maker, etc.) may be available or already installed on your computer. If necessary, contact the manufacturer of your computer for further information.

NOTE: Many Sony VAIO computers are bundled with Sony DVgate Motion or DVgate Plus software for video capturing. Some VAIO computers also include Click To DVD software that will allow video capture to the computer hard drive or directly to a DVD.

1. Connect an i.LINK cable (also known as IEEE 1394) to the i.LINK port on the digital camcorder.

i.LINK Cable.

i.LINK port.

1. Connect the other end of the i.LINK cable to the computer.

NOTE: The computer i.LINK ports and capture cards may have either 4-pin or 6-pin connections. Sony digital camcorders use i.LINK ports with 4 pins. If your computer only has a 6-pin i.LINK port, then it will be necessary to use a 4-pin to 6-pin i.LINK cable.

1. Turn on the digital camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the VTR position.
2. Cue the camcorder tape to the beginning of the video footage.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Start the video capture software on the computer.
5. Begin playing the recorded video in the camcorder.
6. Begin importing the video with the capture software.

It should now be possible to copy the video using the video capture software if the computer hardware and software are configured correctly.

The currently bundled PIXELA software does not default to the correct audio settings. In the ImageMixer [Tool settings], confirm the USB Capture Device settings are set for an available [USB Audio Device]. This setting is not defaulted to the USB streaming mode.

The available USB audio device may be displayed as Sony Digital Imaging Device or USB Audio Device. When these choices are available, the Sony Digital Imaging Device should be selected.

If you are having any installation questions or problems with the PIXELA software, please let me know.

Thanks for understanding.

Sony's compact, affordable CCD-TRV318 Handycam camcorder, with a built-in video light and SteadyShot picture stabilization system, makes it a snap to take great-looking videos. It features a 20x optical zoom, 560x digital zoom, a black-and-white viewfinder, and a 2.5-inch color swivel LCD. Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than many other camcorders on the market. Optics

• 1/6-inch CCD with 320,000 gross pixels
• 20X optical zoom
• 560x digital zoom
• f1.6-f2.4
• Focal distance: 2.5-50mm
• Shutter speed: 1/60 t 1/4,000 (AE mode)

More Features
Now you can capture video even in total darkness. Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. You can shoot subjects such as a sleeping baby from up to 10 feet away in total darkness. With the optional HVL-IRC NightShot light, you can even capture images from up to 100 feet away. Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV318 incredible operating time. To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining--right in the viewfinder Hi8 Format
In a world increasingly dominated by digital, Hi8 offers a refreshingly good format to shoot in. Despite the press that MiniDV, Digital8, and the new MicroMV have been getting, many people still prefer the tried-and-true Hi8. Hi8 offers the highest quality outside of digital and is a good choice for everyday shooting. As long as you just want to document your family's life, and send videos to grandma, you aren't really giving anything up. Size, and Contents
The TRV318 measures 3.63 by 4.00 by 7.88 inches and weighs 1 pound 12 ounces. This package includes the TRV318 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger (AC-L15), InfoLithium rechargeable battery (NP-FM30), mono AV cable, lens cap, and shoulder strap...

the current price for this product is 249$....

thank you....take care

the usb driver and pixela application is not compatible with windows vista. usb streaming is not supported by windows vista and 7 OS. however it would still be possible to transfer videos from your dv camcorder using the dv interface (ieee1394 or ilink) connection. you would need to have an ilink (ieee1394) card installed in your computer. you can check by going to device manager window. if you don't, try checking with your PC manufacturer recommendations for an ieee1394 chipset or card.if you do, all you need is an ilink cable (btw, the cam uses 4pin jack).get the correct cable for use with the PC and camcorder, and use windows moviemaker for your video capturing software.hope this helps.thanks :)

also, here's the support site for your unit:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/camcorders/dv/dv.aspx?site=odw_en_GB&m=DCR-PC101E

if you lost the disc, there is no available download for the supplied software from the sony support site. you may need to purchase that from parts (18004887669) part# 307894306 $29.95+shipping and taxes. now if your using win xp, you can just download the driver from this site:
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=DCRTRV250&upd_id=1452&os_id=7

and proceed with installation.onve installed and pc rebooted, you can use windows moviemaker for your video capturing software.no need to pay for the software. if unfortunately you have win vista and win7, forget it the supplied software (pixela imagemixer 1.5) is not compatible.so it's just a waste of money. better to go this route, connect the camcorder to your computer using dv (ilink or ieee1394) connection. of course you would need an ieee1394 card installed in your computer.so if you have it its should be a plug-and-play connection and you can use windows moviemaker for your video capturing application. hope this helps.thanks:)

Are you using the correct input on your TV / VCR ?

Where is software CD, came with camera?

Sony got back to me with the answer, so I will post it here for future reference.
If there is no audio when USB streaming with PIXELA ImageMixer version 1.5 software on the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, change the USB capture device setting for sound to USB Audio Device. In the Image Mixer Tool settings, confirm the USB Capture Device settings are set for an available USB Audio Device. This setting is not defaulted to the USB streaming mode.

This would be the icon of an open end wrench in the top right hand corner of the capture environment screen.

Follow this procedure to change the USB capture device setting for sound in the Pixela ImageMixer 1.5 software.

1. In the ImageMixer window, click the USB Device Capture icon.

2. Click the Preferences icon.

3. In the Capturing/Recording Preferences window, in the USB Capture Device Setting section, click the down arrow to select the desired sound device.

4. Click the OK button.

For any request for processing or editing assistance you may visit the PIXELA help file. You may also contact them at the following website:

www.imagemixer.com

I happen to have this setup... you need to set the audio source (the usb camera connection.) It is possible to hook up via the sound card, but that could be stressful for some.