Recordable DVDs can be used to make long-lasting copies of Sony camcorder videos.
The Sony CCD-TR51 is a camcorder that uses 8 mm analog video cassette tapes for recording and playback. Copying these tapes onto a DVD requires a connection from the camcorder to an analog-to-digital converter box, which then transfers the signal to a computer with a DVD burner. Software packages such as DVD Maker for Windows or iDVD for Apple computers can then burn the digital copy to a blank DVD.
Instructions
1. Load the software CD that comes with the converter box in the computer's media tray. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program, then restart the computer. The software enables the computer to communicate with the converter box through an on-screen recording interface.
2. Connect the three plugs on one end of the composite cable to the white, yellow and red jacks on the right edge of the Sony camcorder. Insert the lugs on the other end into the matching jacks on the converter box.
3. Plug in the USB cable from the converter box to the computer.
4. Turn on the camcorder, converter box and computer.
5. Insert an 8 mm video cassette into the tape compartment on the right side of the Sony camcorder. Close the compartment door. Cue the tape to the desired starting point using the rewind and fast-forward buttons.
6. Click the name of the converter box software to open the program on the computer.
7. Press the "Play" button on the camcorder. Click the "Record" button on the software screen, typically a round button with a red circle. Click the "Stop" button on the software when you've finished recording.
8. Click the "File" option on the software and select "Save As." Enter a name for the new digital copy. Click "Save" to place the digital copy on your hard drive.
9. Insert a blank DVD in the computer's media drive and close the tray.
10. Open the software for the DVD burner, such as Windows DVD Maker or iDVD. Click "New" in DVD Maker or "New Project" in iDVD to open a workspace for creating the DVD.
11. Click "Add Items" in DVD Maker or "Media" in iDVD to access a list of the videos stored on the computer. Click once on the digital copy of the Sony camcorder tape recording. Click the "Add" button in DVD Maker or the "Import" button in iDVD. Click the "Next" button to advance to the customize screen.
12. Pick menu features and other options available with the software package. Titles can also be added at this stage by typing content into the boxes provided.
13. Click the "Preview" button to review the project before committing to a DVD.
14. Click the "Burn" button at the bottom of the DVD Maker Screen or the top of the iDVD screen to record the video to DVD. The disc ejects automatically when completed.
Tags: digital copy, Sony camcorder, converter computer, button software, computer media, iDVD Click