Vista - Mini DV usb compatability Vista!!!!

This has probably been brought up here before, but iv just spent the last 5 hours trawling throught the net looking for fixes for this problem, I cant remember half of thiings iv tried now, the problem is this..........

I cant transfer my Sony handy cam DCR-HC44E mini DV tape over the usb cable to the computer, The picture package that comes with the camera has compatability problems with windows vista.

Sombody please tell me this issue has been resolved as surely its been noticed a long time now, surely its a simple thing for Microsoft to fix, are they just trying to get more money out of me

Actually, it's surely a simple thing for Sony to fix.... Microsoft isn't responsible for products made by other manufacturers. Please check with Sony to see if there is an updated driver for your camera.

To transfer Mini DV video from cancorder to PC you'll need the Firewire cable. The Format from minidv would be DV/AVI and that is too high for USB transfer.

I know some Sony cams with a "dock station" but if your camera can handle the 4 to 6 pin firewire cable transfer your footage through that.

The USB cable will only be good to transfer any stills you capture.

Since you don't mention what capture software that came with your Camcorder a simple check on the manufactures website would have told you which OS you'll need. I'm sure the manual would say so as well. So I doubt you tried looking as hard as you say.

Transfer with Firewire cable and check manual or manufacturer website for software conmpatibility.

I use Uleade Video Studio 11+ to transfer video from my Panasonic camcorder to PV

I will look into that firewire cable. Actually I owned the camera before the laptop but i wanted the latest os system. so Il get a firewire cable in any decent computer store? thanks for that..

As for sony fixing the problem I have checked with them and they seem to be well aware of the problem and offer an updated software package for vista, but when i enter the camera details it wont accept the camera name, a DCR-HC44E, and also in the small print in what the new software actually does its not any good anyway! (it wont create a VCD!)

Your DCR-HC44E Camcorder has an I-link connector. I checked this on the net. You can check to make sure your PC has a firewire port too... if not you'll need to buy a firewire card which will cost less than the cable LOL!

In other words they are THAT cheap.

What software did Sony bundle with the camcorder?

I usually find Window Media player captures well.

Mark... when you plug in your camcorder with the usb does windows recognise it?