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Question

Help! Cant upload old videos of the kids.

Dec 23, 2013 6:15PM PST

I'm having terrible trouble uploading videos of the kids from my old Sony DCR TRV 110E camcorder to my PC. I've tried contacting Sony's help desk, but they weren't much help.

I've solved lots of problems so far, such as:

• Installing a firewire port'
• Using a "legacy" driver,
• Working out the exact order that everything needs to be connected, including the baffling problem that if the a/c mains charger is plugged in, the computer won't recognise the device!

After weeks of fiddling about, I have got as far as opening Windows Photogallery (which recognises the device) but no matter what I do, the video clip does not upload.

I plugged in my modern digital camera, with a test video clip and it uploaded straight away, absolutely no issues.

I'm running windows 7 (32 bit) and the version of photogallery is 16.4.3508.205.

Can anyone help please?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The Sony DCR TRV110E
Dec 24, 2013 1:13AM PST

is a PAL localized Digital8 camcorder.

Camcorder OFF.
Connect the camcorder's DV (i.LINK, IEEE1394, firewire) port to the computer's firewire port using a firewire cable.
Connect the camcorder's DC power adapter to the camcorder and mains power.
If the computer is not already on, then now is a fine time to turn it on.
Power up the camcorder and place it into Play/Edit mode. Rewind the tape if necessary.
When the computer is at a stable desktop, launch MovieMaker.
Import or capture the video.
Edit. Save. Export as a high quality finished video project... Likely a WMV or MP4 file.

Notes/comments:
* Only the firewire port needs to be working properly. There is no specific "driver" other than the IEEE1394 driver.
* Do not have the USB cable connected to the camcorder and the computer at the same time.
* USB won't work. USB-to-firewire cable/adapter/converter things will not work.
* You did not tell us which "modern digital camera", how it was connected to the computer or what sort of file type/video format is captured.

There may be more - but hope this helps get you over the hump.

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Sony DCR TRV 110E
Dec 25, 2013 6:43PM PST

Thanks for your reply. I have done everything you have said, but it just doesn't work. The camcorder is shown as being recognised by Movie Maker and I get a dialogue box saying "import" but it doesn't do anything if I click import. Is there an essential step I am missing at this point.?

I have also found that if the camcorder is plugged into the a/c charger, my PC cant "see it". As soon as I unplug the charger it recognises the device. Its all very bizarre and very frustrating as I want to download precious film of my kids.

Someone has suggested "Sony Vegas Movie Studio", which I think I have to buy. Do you think this will help?

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Answer
Parting ideas.
Dec 24, 2013 1:17AM PST

For firewire I have used WinDV for years. Only the newer folk tended to insist on capture in video editors.

I also have had to capture old content to DVD or VHS recorders then re-capture on a PC. This can really upset folk that thought they could get by with just one step. Keep in mind I'm not there and am sharing just a few ideas from what I did to get by this problem area.
Bob

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Sony Camcorder
Dec 25, 2013 6:54PM PST

Excuse my ignorance, what is WinDV?

Are you suggesting I should use this instead of Movie Maker?

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Sony
Dec 26, 2013 1:11AM PST

1. You find that with google or other searches.

I don't want to upset you but do try that.

2. I'm sharing my choices and work arounds.
Bob