Some digital camcorders can connect directly to a computer using a USB or FireWire cable. However, in many cases you will have to take special measures to connect this device. This will happen if you have an old camcorder or no compatible ports. What to do?
Instructions
Step 1
Make sure your computer has the latest version of DirectX. Click the Run button and type dxdiag in the field. Hit Enter. Go to the "DirectX Version" section. Check Microsoft's website to make sure it's up to date.
Step 2
Purchase a FireWire cable if your camera supports this connection. This will allow you to download videos quickly. However, if you cannot use FireWire, use a USB cable to connect the device to your computer.
Step 3
Launch any of the video programs on your computer. For example, you can use Windows Movie Maker, which currently ships with most computers. If you need more options for video viewing and editing, purchase software such as CyberLink PowerDirector or Adobe Premiere. As soon as you connect the video camera, the equipment will automatically start playing the video and offer options for further work with it.
Step 4
Connect a camcorder that does not have USB and FireWire ports to your computer. To do this, study the hardware specification of your computer. If necessary, obtain this information from a computer store. You will need a graphics card or other device that can digitize the analog signal from your camcorder.
Step 5
Check carefully the features listed on the box to make sure the device can capture and digitize video from the camera. Also choose a device that has RCA connectors (they are round and in different colors). Also, check the system requirements and compare them with your computer's configuration data.
Step 6
Install all software that came with your video capture device. Connect the RCA audio and video cables to the corresponding jacks on your camcorder and to your video capture device. Launch the program that you will use to capture the video and complete all the necessary steps to digitize it.
