"A high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VTRs and PCs."
Aka FIREWIRE, this satisfies the statement it can record from what items you listed albeit FIREWIRE.
As to ANALOG INPUT they write "Analog Audio/Video Input: N/A" This means no analog in.
Hope this clears that up. Here's the link:
www.camcordersplus.com/sony/minidvcamcorders/sony_dcr-hc36.html
Bob
I recently bought a Sony DCR-HC36. The manual clearly states that you can record external video/audio sources (such as from a VCR, DVD, TV, or other source) using the supplied A/V cable. It has a connection diagram which confirms this process. It states that for this operation, you must insert the camera's power cable, and you navigate thru the menu to either the "REC CTRL" or the "REC MOVIE" pages. One thing I noticed... the actual A/V jack is labeled "A/V OUT". Yet, if it was meant for output only, that would seem to be in conflict with the manual... as well as, why have the two 'ext. record modes'?
I've have been able to get the camera to record, however- although there is source material present, there is no audio or video signal present on the screen, nor on playback, so I just get a blank screen and no audio. It does erase any previous recordings on the tape, so I know the record-mode is working. The a/v cable is working, since when used as an output, I get both audio and video signal FROM the camera. All of the normal expected recording/playback functions pertaining to the CAMERA to the tape/memory stick work fine.
So- this works: DCR-HC36 > video/audio monitor... and this does not: source audio/video > DCR-HC36.
Any ideas/thoughts?

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