Sony TRV 260 Handy Cam

Question

Sony TRV 260 Handy Cam

I have just purchased on-line a four pin cable that will hookup to my Sony TRV 260 Handycam and also hook into my new Mac (iMac 9,1)

I found the information for this cable right here from a subscriber named Kenichi Watanabe - Thanks Dude, I had been asking around here in Thunder Bay for a cable that would integrate with my Mac and Sony camera and all I got here was dumb looks and a pitch to by a new camcorder. So much for the local Future Shop ( our only authorized Apple dealer).

Anyway, I digress.

I have the software for this camera but cannot seem to get it to download on my machine. Will iMovie recognize the camera without the software download? Is there anyplace I can obtain software that will download on the Mac. Does anyone have a suggestion to help downloading the softare I currently have?

Thanks - Luv this forum

iMac 27 inch Desktop, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Feb 23, 2010 10:20 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 24, 2010 1:28 AM in response to thunderbayguy

thunderbayguy wrote:
.. Will iMovie recognize the camera without the software download?

with a high chance yes.
• connect your device' dv-out to your Mac's firewire-port
• connect device to powerline (not battery, we read about issues... )
• set device to Play
• launch iM, goto 'Import from camera' ...

there's a small chance, that your 'antique' 😉 device is NOT recognized.. we read about issues with the old Digital8-format and iM09 .. 😟

ahh, and Welcome thunderbayguy to the  iMovie boards ... 😀

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Answer 2

Feb 24, 2010 6:48 AM in response to thunderbayguy

I have a Sony DCR-TRV230 Digital 8 Handy Cam, and it works great through Firewire. No additional software is needed.

I am selling it, but only because I don't need it anymore.

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Answer 3

Feb 25, 2010 8:16 PM in response to Karsten Schlüter

I really appreciate the info.Yeah, I know, the camera is "old school" but I have a preference for digital tape as opposed to the Hard Drive camera's.

I should be receiving the Fire wire cable within the next week and am anxiousto try it out.

Again Thanks for the info - I was VERY helpful -

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Answer 4

Feb 25, 2010 8:20 PM in response to AppleMan1958

mmmm...selling it eh? ( How Canadian is that, eh?...lol)

well if mine won't work I may give you a call if you still have it

Appreciate your info - makes me feel like I have a good chance at success.

Thanks very much

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Answer 5

Mar 2, 2010 3:50 PM in response to AppleMan1958

Hey Appleman,

I'm interested in your camera if you still have it. BTW, I've used all kinds of hi-8, mini-dv cameras with imovie, starting with the original program and have never had problems.

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Answer 6

Mar 2, 2010 5:25 PM in response to Alfalfa55

Can't really sell it through here. But if you go to my profile you will see a link to my blog. Look at the entry for 2-26. The auction ends tonight in about 2 hours.

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Answer 7

SuzyQ123

Level 1

0 points

Mar 5, 2010 2:25 PM in response to Alfalfa55

I am trying to transfer my video from a Sony handycam. I was told I would need a 3rd party video converting software to open iMovie. Is this true or can I use a firewall cable? If so, does any computer store, ie. Office Depot, have that? Thanks.

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Answer 8

Mar 5, 2010 2:41 PM in response to SuzyQ123

You need a Firewire cable. You do not need any software beyond iMovie. (Note: On your Sony camera, the Firewire port is called the i.Link port)

You need to know if your Mac has a Firewire 400 port, a Firewire 800 port, or both, or neither.
With a FW400 port, you need a 4 pin to 6 pin Firewire cable. With the FW800 port, you need a 9 pin to 4 pin Firewire Cable.

You can do a search in Google and find these very inexpensively. If you are in a hurry, try a local Radio Shack or the Apple Store.

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Answer 9

Mar 5, 2010 4:39 PM in response to Karsten Schlüter

I have just received my NT Firewire 1394B cable Other World Computing today in the mail and am EXTREMELY pleased to announce that I simply plugged it into my Sony TRV 260 Handy Cam and presto, instant recognition with iMovie - imported a short segment and everything seems to be just great!

Now I can get on with learning all about the iMovie program ( I am sure I will have a ton of questions as I proceed through it)

Again I want to thank those that responded and offered clear and concise advise, suggestions and contacts.

This Mac community ROCKS!!! ( The P.C. is really starting to gather a lot of dust..lol)

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Answer 10

Loerincz

Level 1

8 points

Mar 30, 2010 12:29 PM in response to thunderbayguy

Hello Thunderbayguy,

I am the Torontoguy - :-D - having the same problem as you did. I also have a TRV260 which was barely used and I don't feel like throwing it away. My question is, what kind of cable did you buy from OWC? A product number or a link to their web page would be very helpful.

Thanks a lot for your answer.
L

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Answer 11

Mar 30, 2010 1:44 PM in response to Loerincz

You will need one of these cables with the latest 27" iMac, just choose the length you want.

http://eshop.macsales.com/Search/Search.cfm?Ntk=Category&Ns=P_Popularity%7c1&Ne= 5000&N=7574&Ntt=firewire1394cables

I think with the TRV260 you can also do analogue to digital pass through (great for your old VHS collection) I use a TRV355.

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Answer 12

Loerincz

Level 1

8 points

Mar 30, 2010 1:47 PM in response to Superfulcrum

Thanks Superfulcrum,

I just finished chatting with those guys at OWC - great service so far - and they told me basically the same thing.

Not sure if I can use my camcorder to transfer my VHS movies (I have a few of those too), but I'll check this before purchasing a converter. Thanks for the tip!

Have a great day!
L

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Answer 13

Mar 31, 2010 8:02 AM in response to Loerincz

This review
http://www.camcorderinfo.co.uk/content/sony-dcr-trv260-camcorder-review.htm
seemed to indicated you could...but on further investigation it seems you can't!!.. sorry. It has always proved rather difficult to find out which of the digital 8 models do analogue 8mm playback, pass through etc.

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Answer 14

Loerincz

Level 1

8 points

Mar 31, 2010 8:14 AM in response to Superfulcrum

I haven't tried it yet. It is confusing, because I found mixed information too. I'll give it a try on the weekend; worst case scenario, I'll have to invest a couple of hundreds in a converter - found this, which has good reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Canopus-77010150100-ADVC110-Converter/dp/B00030ATTO.

Thanks for your input.

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Answer 15

Mar 31, 2010 10:53 AM in response to Loerincz

My Brother has the Canopus ADVC110 and it works well for him on his current Mac setup (intel).

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