Connecting camcorder to computer

[Eireann]

It's a Samsung DV. It has two options: Firewire or USB. USB hasn't worked. I received the camcorder as a gift, so I don't have the original software. I called Samsung UK, and the guy was very helpful and was ready to send me the installation CD, until he discovered I was calling from outside the UK. I contacted Samsung here. They sent me a download link. No good.

Now what do I do? Firewire won't work unless I have some sort of link between the cable and the computer.

[It's me]

You should be able to download the correct drivers from the Samsung website, regardless of where are are in the world. Post the model of the DV and what sort of computer you have (Mac or Windows, and the version of the operation system on it) and we can help you find the right place to grab the drivers.

[Eireann]

It's a Samsung VP-D31. I've downloaded drivers, but they didn't work. I don't know what the problem is. My OS is Windows 7.

[Chromatix]

Based on how *my* camcorder works, the USB connection is probably for still photos (which go on an SD card), while the Firewire is for video (which goes on tape). You will therefore need a Firewire port in your computer (some have one or two built in, otherwise there are add-on cards) and a cable.

Once you have te right physical connection in place, the drivers and video software should work.

[Racket_Man]

It's a Samsung VP-D31. I've downloaded drivers, but they didn't work. I don't know what the problem is. My OS is Windows 7.

my question would be is how old is this camera?

a quick Google search shows that this camera is at the very least 4 years old. the last/latest version of the Windows drivers may not work with Win7.

I had this happen with my digital cam-corder. I bought it in 2004 and it worked fine with XP. when I got a new computer 3 years later with Vista, the driver on the install CD AND the driver from the website did not/would not work even if I tried to futz around with the compatabiloity mode. the only way I can do xfers is to us something like a Pinnacle 710 USB video input box using either Firewire input or standard 3 wire video/audio.

so if you can get a 3 wire video/audio output or a Firewire output you can use a box like this for xfering stuff.