help getting video off a borrowed cam

[hillmanr2]

I borrowed my in-laws camera and they can't find the cd with the programs necessary to get the vids off it. It is a Hitachi DZ-MV550A, it burns straight to DVD but that does not seem to help. I have a usb cord to connect it to my computer.
Any help would be uber appreciated.

[wizard]

You might try windows movie maker. It has an option to capture from a video camera. I haven't used it but, it is worth a try.

[macanaw]

If you have a firewire or usb on the camera and computer you can use Microsoft Movie Maker (comes with XP) to get it.

[madmax]

Hilly, that model uses recordable DVD media. Throw the DVD in your computer. Download windows movie maker, google it. Free download, works awesome for and is easy to use even for the complete newbie.

Drag the files into movie maker, and then to the "timeline". Use the "cut", or control-I option (if I remember correctly) to clip unneeded video. Use file, save movie, select the broadband option, name the file and it will create a .wmv format video. Upload it to the site.

Hope this helps dood! Good luck!

[hillmanr2]

Thanks Max, it seems my computer can't find anything on the disc. I'll have to mess with it some more

[BDSBob]

I have had this type of CamCorder for a few years. You may not have the correct driver installed:
http://dvdcam-pc.support.hitachi.ca/...port/DZMV2.asp .

Additionally, if you used a DVD-RAM disc the file will be in the .vro format. There are only 1 or 2 editing programs besides the one provide by Hitachi that will edit .vro files with ease.

I have Cyberlink PowerDirector and have used it with good results.

If you try to use MovieMaker with a .vro file, the program will tell you that it doesn't recognise the file format. (Unless MovieMaker has been updated lately) You can try to rename the .vro file to .mpeg. However, I have run into audio problems.

If it is a DVD-R disc, you need a program that will import .VOB files. I am not sure if MovieMaker can handle this file extension.

You can download the USB drivers from the Hitachi web site above.

You can also download PowerDirector Trial edition. Just do a search on the net.

-
BDSBob

[hillmanr2]

Thanks BDSBob, I guess when I get back from my vacation I will have to make a trip up to my Mother in-laws and hunt for the Manuel and software. This is one of those cases where my EX father in law bought the camera with her money so he could have a better camera than he would ever need. Of coarse he used it once for 5 minutes the day he got it and then lost all the supporting stuff.

[BDSBob]

Make a note to download both the USB and the UDF drivers for your computer.