AboutR. Ferguson Expertise Some technical knowledge in connectivity, systems, cameras, image/video software. I am better at project development, scripting, organization, conceptualization. I know Photoshop, AfterEffects, and some others but am no real expert on them. I also have knowledge in the development and production of interactive CD-ROM`s.
Experience Over 17 yrs of various TV/video production experience. B.S. degree in TV Production from James Madison Univ. Taught TV production at a community college for 5 yrs. Currently a Commercial Producer.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications (Radio, TV, Film); James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA
Awards and Honors 2x winner of the Communicator Award
2x winner of Telly Awards
Top 5 Finalaist in CAB Awards 2006
Question QUESTION: I currently have five mini cassettes I want to edit on my computer. The camcorder is a Sony I got from my dad who doesn't have the original cd-rom or cables for uploading. How can I get around the fact I am running with Vista and the device is no longer supported through PIXELA or Sony? How do I get the video onto my computer so I can edit it?
ANSWER: By 'mini-cassette' I assume you mean it's a Mini-DV (or DVC) tape. If that's the case, you're in luck. All you have to do is connect the camera to the 'puter with Firewire. It may be marked 'DV' on the camera....kinda looks like a small USB port. You will need to have a firewire port on your 'puter, of course. If you don't have it, you can buy a firewire card for about $30. That should do it. Very easy.
I hope this is helpful. If it's not Mini-DV, send me another message and tell me what tape format it is.
GOod luck.
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QUESTION: OK. You're answer/advice is immeasurable. So I am able to upload video using the USB 2.0 I had laying around. However when I edit the video the video doesn't look "clean." That is it looks jumpy. Does the quality improve using a FireWire? Using the FireWire will it look smooth rather then like I'm flipping the stills? Thanks ahead...Basic questions but I'm excited to know.
Answer USB typically isn't fast enough for good quality throughput. Firewire is. That should solve the problem but without getting in there an checking all your settings, etc it's hard to say for sure. It surely won't make it any worse!
Make sure you are capturing the video to the hard drive and not trying to edit from the tape, meaning you are actually recording the video thru firewire into the computer to create a library of clips to edit with. This is typically labeled "CApture".
It will also help if you have a second hard drive just for video footage. This makes it run smoother. That's a BIG plus to making things run smoothly.
