Is a generic Firewire notebook card OK?
 

To send dv output from a Pan dv852 with it's 4 pin 1394 port to a notebook, does it matter which card I get? I'm told that it does matter for PCI cards. Prices for these vary from about 20 an ebay to about 80 for a SIIG brand kit with cable and editing software (I'll try Windows Movie Maker 1st, it's free.)

btw, I like my 852 more every time I use it. It's thanks to Frank and the board that I I heard of it.

- Larry

It shouldn't matter as long as the card is OHCI compatible. If you are using Windows XP, it is plug and play...the drivers are already in the software.

Movie Maker is convenient but very simple. I suspect you will outgrow it pretty fast.

I am using a really cheap, iWill IEEE1394 PCI card from Taiwan. Hasn't failed me ever, from 2 years ago.

The difference between 4 pins and 6 pins is that the 6 pins connector allows the drawing of power from the PC. As your video cam is powered by its own batteries or AC, ther eis no need for the 6 pins. 4 pins will suffice.

You'll love the 852 more with every passing day...