What can it output to? I have four questions about this HD camcorder, all of which concern the question: How will I watch and share images taken with this camcorder today?1. Can a tape recorded in HD be used (either directly via camcorder firewire connected to a DVD recorder, or by using a computer and its DVD burner and appropriate software) to burn viewable DVDs in standard mini-dv format (not HD) or must we await burners that do HD-DVD or blue ray?2. Can the images on an HD recorded tape be transferred and converted into viewable standard definition mini-dv (or DV8) by connecting this camcorder to an ordinary camcorder using the firewire connection? I assume the answer is No and you'd get gibberish on the ordinary camera tape, but I'm not sure.3. Can a computer convert an HD file to and sd file? I assume not using today's software. What can it output to? I have four questions about this HD camcorder, all of which concern the question: How will I watch and share images taken with this camcorder today?1. Can a... » Read More What can it output to? I have four questions about this HD camcorder, all of which concern the question: How will I watch and share images taken with this camcorder today?1. Can a tape recorded in HD be used (either directly via camcorder firewire connected to a DVD recorder, or by using a computer and its DVD burner and appropriate software) to burn viewable DVDs in standard mini-dv format (not HD) or must we await burners that do HD-DVD or blue ray?2. Can the images on an HD recorded tape be transferred and converted into viewable standard definition mini-dv (or DV8) by connecting this camcorder to an ordinary camcorder using the firewire connection? I assume the answer is No and you'd get gibberish on the ordinary camera tape, but I'm not sure.3. Can a computer convert an HD file to and sd file? I assume not using today's software. « Show Less
160546
Thanks Mark. I have since noticed that the owner's manual for what I think is a predecessor camera (Sony HDR-HC1) is available on amazon. It says that that camera can transfer images recorded in HD to a camcorder or other firewire compatible device that records in SD and convert the images to SD. Assuming that's true for this HD3 as well, then even if my computer and TV are not up to HD editing, I could convert the images using my existing camcorder and edit the SD version, while preserving the HD originals for the day my computer and TV can handle them. I have a son who's growing up fast and I'm eager to start capturing images in HD. Any idea whether a 1080p camera is around the corner? Thanks Mark. I have since noticed that the owner's manual for what I think is a predecessor camera (Sony HDR-HC1) is available on amazon. It says that that camera can transfer images recorded in HD to a camcorder or other firewire compatible device that records in SD and convert the images to SD. Assuming that's true for this HD3 as well, then even if my computer and TV are not up to HD editing, I could convert the images using my existing camcorder and edit the SD version, while preserving the HD originals for the day my computer and TV can handle them. I have a son who's growing up fast... » Read More Thanks Mark. I have since noticed that the owner's manual for what I think is a predecessor camera (Sony HDR-HC1) is available on amazon. It says that that camera can transfer images recorded in HD to a camcorder or other firewire compatible device that records in SD and convert the images to SD. Assuming that's true for this HD3 as well, then even if my computer and TV are not up to HD editing, I could convert the images using my existing camcorder and edit the SD version, while preserving the HD originals for the day my computer and TV can handle them. I have a son who's growing up fast and I'm eager to start capturing images in HD. Any idea whether a 1080p camera is around the corner? « Show Less
160547
Dan,As of today, 1080p is reserved for high end professional camcorders. I have not heard any speculation on 1080p for consumer or even prosumer camcorders. Panasonic isn't expected to have any HD in this price range until next year.
160548
Is it possible to copy the High Def video file to a DVD as a regular data file copy and then run the same on Powerbook in High Defination? This way even though the DVD player won't be able to play the DVD directly, the powerbook will be able to play it in High Defination. If this is possible, one could plug DVI from powerbook to HDTV and watch high defination video from DVD. Would this be possible?
160549
I have this camera and had no problem importing the HD footage into iMovie on my powerbook.
1671507
Does your HDTV have an HDMI out port or at least component cables to hook up to the input of the DVD recorder? I doubt it does so it is highly unlikely that you could record from the TV. In order to be able to record anything you need an input source that has its own tuner, or cancels the need for a tuner, as this recorder does not have one built in, but without some type of input source there will be nothing for the recorder to record
1439227
Hi Thomas, the camcorder cannot save files directly on a computer while recording. It also uses the built in USB cord for transfer. Thanks_Mitch
1006253
I can't honestly say, as I haven't used a FIREWIRE to capture video in a few years, but: Plug the camera into the FIREWIRE port on the computer. Have "capture" turned on in your software. The Intensity is connected with Thunderbolt, and should see the video with audio you are previewing to capture and play it back through the HDMI OUT port.
1692007
To transfer video to a computer, you need to use the firewire output on the camcorder. Your computer will need to have a firewire input. If you do not have this, then you can buy a firewire card and plug it into an unusued expansion slot in the back of the computer.
550777
Fahad said on November 14, 2013Yes, I've been experimenting with option. To see what I exactly mean, watch the train in this clip http://youtu.be/rz_kIt1NFpo JJ said on November 14, 2013 | Edit Some thoughts that might improve quality:Is the video jumpy on the camcorder display also?Are you recording in AVCHD or MP4?Are you recording to the on-board hard drive or to an SD card?If the video clip does not jump in the camera, then look at you computer.Do you have a really fast video processor to handle the large video files?Was the video rendered (in some video editing program like Adobe Premier) before uploading to U-Tube.Have you contacted the SONY customer support line? Fahad said on November 14, 2013Yes, I've been experimenting with option. To see what I exactly mean, watch the train in this clip http://youtu.be/rz_kIt1NFpo JJ said on November 14, 2013 | Edit Some thoughts that might improve quality:Is the video jumpy on the camcorder display also?Are you recording in AVCHD or MP4?Are you recording to the on-board hard drive or to an SD card?If the video clip does not jump in the camera, then look at you computer.Do you have a really fast video processor to handle the large video files?Was... » Read More Fahad said on November 14, 2013Yes, I've been experimenting with option. To see what I exactly mean, watch the train in this clip http://youtu.be/rz_kIt1NFpo JJ said on November 14, 2013 | Edit Some thoughts that might improve quality:Is the video jumpy on the camcorder display also?Are you recording in AVCHD or MP4?Are you recording to the on-board hard drive or to an SD card?If the video clip does not jump in the camera, then look at you computer.Do you have a really fast video processor to handle the large video files?Was the video rendered (in some video editing program like Adobe Premier) before uploading to U-Tube.Have you contacted the SONY customer support line? « Show Less
2043018
Just recieved the DVR and I only have two cams at this time connected. After setting them up and recording (it shows a red "R" on the monitor screen) I go back to search for the recorded files. I get "No recorded file !" I went to HDD and it shows the harddrive "online" but it will not record the files to the HD. What am I doing wrong?
818605
This camera does not have a burner. It uses SD cards, to record AVCHD video, to the flash card. Which can then be streamed to a TV, if the TV has an SD slot. Or you'd have to attach to your Mac/PC, to import, capture, edit and record onto a DVD, using whatever DVD authoring software you have included with or doesnload separately, to your computer. Though, this camera can connect, with wires to inputs of a TV, whether HDMI or video.
29655
Thanks Dale --That sounds great! Almost too easy to be true? I guess the big hang up with those old camcorders was getting the video onto a PC, connections, storage space, firewire's, etc.... I just want to put them on a dvd so this sounds like it would work for me. It is just home video of the kids growing up so top image quality isn't really a concern. The only other question is, what do you think the 'playability' of the recorded disc would be on devices going forward, meaning our PC, parents PC, whatever dvd player we have, etc.....? Any special type of disc to ensure compatability with multiple devices?If I spend hours converting but then can't watch, I haven't really accomplished anything. Thanks Dale --That sounds great! Almost too easy to be true? I guess the big hang up with those old camcorders was getting the video onto a PC, connections, storage space, firewire's, etc.... I just want to put them on a dvd so this sounds like it would work for me. It is just home video of the kids growing up so top image quality isn't really a concern. The only other question is, what do you think the 'playability' of the recorded disc would be on devices going forward, meaning our PC, parents PC, whatever dvd player we have, etc.....? Any special type of disc to ensure... » Read More Thanks Dale --That sounds great! Almost too easy to be true? I guess the big hang up with those old camcorders was getting the video onto a PC, connections, storage space, firewire's, etc.... I just want to put them on a dvd so this sounds like it would work for me. It is just home video of the kids growing up so top image quality isn't really a concern. The only other question is, what do you think the 'playability' of the recorded disc would be on devices going forward, meaning our PC, parents PC, whatever dvd player we have, etc.....? Any special type of disc to ensure compatability with multiple devices?If I spend hours converting but then can't watch, I haven't really accomplished anything. « Show Less
1772883
I purchased this Hi8 camcorder specifically to convert Hi8 video tape, although this camcorder just allows you to play the tape. You will still need a Digital Video Converter such as Canopus / Grass Valley ADVC-110 Advanced Digital Video Converter. There are much cheaper units as well.
1139612
I am using this to import video from a camcorder or vice to my computor I think you need a video output device. Thanks good luck
1369532
The Sony VRDVC20 records INPUT coming into the unit in "real time" (normally video/audio feed from a camcorder or VCR) via the jacks on the back of the Sony VRDVC20 (composite or firewire). If you have recorded a video clip on a camera or camcorder that you wanted to record onto a DVD that is formatted in the Sony unit, and ready to record that input, you simply have to start playback on the camera device and then start recording on the Sony VRDVC20. Does it take .mov, .avi, .wmv, .mp4, h.264, and other common videos from a media card and burn them directly to DVD's without playback? No. The newer models introduced a media card slot for specific use, but that's another story since you're asking about the VRDVC20.
2066810
As Doug-R noted above, this does NOT record in High Def (the HDD in the product name is for Hard Disk Drive and has nothing to do with High Def HD). So there will be no HiDef recording to output. This DVR records only in Standard Def.
1280493
Do you need to use sdcopy to get it onto your computer? If I used the imagemixer software to get it on my computer, how can I convert it to another file type? I have such simple requirements - my in laws want a copy of a video that I took. I don't want to have to install my image mixer software just so that they can watch it. It just doesn't make sense. I need more instruction. Can someone spell it out with little baby steps?
1996326
I am assuming you mean you want to shoot short videos for posting on the web. This camcorder saves everything in digital video files (.mpg and other formats) that you can edit together or just copy single ones on to the internet (like Youtube). If you want to edit them together you will need to use software like moviemaker or something else. There are free versions of editing software on the internet too. You can also use this camcorder to record your videos in HD format so they are much clearer when you post them. I hope that answers your question.
2253034
* You can use only a D to A type micro HDMI cable with thiscamcorder.* The HDMI jack on the camcorder is for output only.* Use only HDMI 1.3 cable when connecting to the HDMI jack of thiscamcorder. If the camcorder is connected with HDMI cables that arenot version 1.3, the screen display may not work.Hope this helps...
926201
In a round about way. Before your recording was captured on tape. If you camcorder uses a SD Card it is recorded to it for replay in the camcorder or you can transfer to a computer or TV or any device which will allow you to view it using an SD card.