How can I tell?
Thanks!

I did a little search on the web and it looks like the Sony DCRPC105 is a Compact MiniDV Camcorder. Why would you be transferring video via USB? You should be using the i.LINK firewire port. Here’s what is says about the USB interface on your camcorder:

USB Interface : USB interface provides an easy way to connect the Digital Handycam camcorder to computers for fast transfer of digital images and MPEG movies stored on Memory Stick(R) media to the PC.

So it looks like you’re recording MPEG format video to the memory stick instead of DV format video to the tape. Could that be true? That means you’re re-encoding MPEG video which explains why you’re loosing quality. (it looks like it uses MPEG1 for the memory stick)

Try recording to miniDV tape and use the i.LINK (firewire) port to transfer your video to your PC. The results will be much better.

~jr

Thanks JR...

So I guess I need to purchase a firewire cable and port for my computer.
Does it matter what length the clip is when I am capturing it from my camcorder? i.e. if the clip is shorter will the resolution be better?

The length of the clip has nothing to do with the resolution. That’s because with firewire you are not “capturing”; you are “transferring” digital data with absolutely no loss of quality. The 1’s and 0’s your camera recorded on the tape or the very same 1’s and 0’s your computer will record to your hard drive. It’s just a straight copy of data over the firewire port.

I was reading more on your camera and the MPEG’s are actually 320x240 in resolution. So in addition to encoding twice, you were resizing the small 320x240 resolution up to 720x480 for DVD resolution. When you capture via firewire, you will be capturing the full 720x480 resolution you need for DVD. I think you’ll see a big difference in quality.

Keep in mind, DV video is 13GB per hour so make sure you have enough disk space as well. I just picked up a Maxtor 160GB drive for $79 after rebate ($109 before rebate) so disk space is cheap. If you don’t have 2nd hard drive for video capture you might consider buying one. You don’t want to capture to your C: drive because of fragmentation and swapping issues.

~jr

Hi JohnnyRoy!
Where did you get that Maxtor drive and was it easy to install?

Reg

I got it at Fry’s Outpost.com. When you get to the site, click on the weekly specials icon or the bargains icon on their home page. Each week there is usually a hard-drive on sale. There are several pages of specials so make sure you scroll to the bottom and click next. Maxtor, Western Digital and Seagate all make good drives. Make sure you get one that’s 7200RPM with an 8MB buffer and not a 2MB buffer. There is a noticeable difference in performance and its worth the few extra bucks to get one with a 8MB buffer.

This week they have a Western Digital 250GB UATA100 HD with 8MB Buffer for $144.99 after rebate ($214.99 - $100 rebate). They also have the one I got: Maxtor 160GB UATA133 HD with 8MB Buffer for $99 after rebate ($129 - $30 rebate).

I’ve had very good experience with outpoat.com rebates. I have applied for several and have gotten them all. I just got an email this morning confirming my $30 Maxtor rebate and they said it should be sent out within 30 days. You just have to remember to send them in quickly before they expire. ;-)

As for installation, it depends on your PC. As long as you have a free 3.5” drive bay open and there is a free power connector and IDE cable plug you’re all set. (most do) If you only have one drive in your PC and a CD/DVD, then you should have two (2) IDE connections open. Most PC’s can handle 4 IDE devices. The drives come with instructions on how to set the cable jumpers on the drive and where to plug them in but I know it can be overwhelming if you’ve never done this before. If you’re not sure how to do it, send me an email at john_rofrano [at] hotmail (dot) com and I’ll walk you through it.

~jr

Thanks JR!

one more question.....is it difficult to install a Firewire port? Any brand recommendations? Currently I have Dell DImension 8200.

Thanks
Aea

I have a basic generic brand Firewire port installed in my Dell. It's just a card - pops right in. Windows XP will recognize it right away.