Simple question for this group.
 

I have a Sony TRV140 camcorder. I would really like to be able to view the video on my Dell laptop. The camcorder and laptop have usb, the laptop does not have FireWire.

Is this possible?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You can purchase a FireWire notebook PC Card adapter.

what software?
 

When I get the firewire adapter, do I need softare?

I have been able to watch the video in (of all things) an instant messenger using the usb - but of course it is small. I seem to remember something called amcap from Microsoft to preview the firewire desk cam - but it was small too. I would love to utilize the entire screen, or most of it.

Thank you again. If I can do this, it will be a great convenience for me.

Just plug the Firewire adapter card in to your laptop - wait a few seconds while the computer recognizes it and installs the drivers (only the first time). Then simply connect the camcorder to the Firewire adapter, making sure the camcorder is on. Windows will recognize it as a camcorder.

If you have Windows XP, you'll probably hear a "bid-deep" and a message might show up asking what would you like to do (e.g., capture video). My preference is to ignore that and then, using My Computer or Windows Explorer, go to the new folder that has been created most likely called "Sony DV Camcorder". When you open it, you will see what ever the camcorder is playing/viewing. There are options on the screen to then run Movie Maker which lets you capture/edit etc.

Have fun!

Actually, you might want to plug in the cam *before* you turn it on. You don't want to short out the firewire port.