A USB connection is standard on every camcorder consumer model.
Connecting camcorders to a PC via USB cable allows video and still images to be downloaded to computers for archiving, editing and viewing. An acronym for Universal Serial Bus, the technology allows "plug-and-play" usage of camcorders and other compatible USB peripherals. While most camcorders employ standard USB cables, some manufacturers require the use of proprietary cables with special plugs on the camcorder connection end. The owner's manual will identify the specific cable type if this is the case, and they may be purchased from retailers carrying the camcorder brand.
Instructions
1. Install onto your computer the video software supplied with your camera. Commercially available software may also be used, or the computer may already be preloaded with a video-capable program.
2. Turn the power off the computer and camcorder. Turning the computer power off may not be necessary, but is recommended by some manufacturers.
3. Connect the camcorder to the computer with the USB cable supplied with your unit, or of the type recommended by the manufacturer. Some compact camcorders have a retractable USB connector built-in, eliminating the need for a separate cable.
4. Turn the computer and camcorder on in video mode. Allow the computer to boot before turning the camcorder on. The computer will recognize the camcorder as a new device, install the necessary drivers and display a message when the new device is ready for use.
5. Start the video software by double-clicking on the desktop icon or program name in the computer's "Start" menu.
6. Navigate to the "File" menu and click "Capture" or "Download" to begin transferring video to the computer. The actual commands may be slightly different depending on the software used, and may also appear on the main software screen. Consult the program's user guide or use the "Help" menu if unsure of the procedure.
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