Don't worry about the manual. You just need to get a firewire cable (since you have a laptop, you probably need a 4 pin to 4 pin cable, but check the port in your laptop to make sure it is a 4 pin. If the port size is the same as it is in your camcorder, you need a 4pin to 4pin cable). For transferring video to your laptop and burning DVD, use the software which came with your DVD burner. If you do not have one, try Dazzle software, it works well.
I just purchased a Sony HC40, however, I just recently discovered that (according to the manual) you need a Sony Vaio PC to burn a dvd. I have a DVD Burner and DVD Software on my HP Pavilion. I don't want to make VCD's. And I don't want to purchase a new computer. Is there any software, or any way, for me to burn my videos from the camera to a DVD on my computer? Please help.

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