Usb Stream Video from a Sony 8 Handycam Cassette on Windows 7

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Many people online have repeatedly written that USB streaming for a Sony 8 Handycam DCR-TRV 280 on Windows 7 is impossible, or requires a complete change of operating system. The Sony website says that for the models with USB streaming, it is not possible on Windows 7. Good news for you, it is not possible because the driver and instructions provided here is only for XP! (Also works for Sony TRV14E using XP and MS moviemaker)

Steps

  1. Normally, if you connect your video camera to your computer, it will say that it cannot find the driver, or that it is unknown. When you look online, on the Sony website, there is no simple driver for USB Streaming your cassette, and even if you have the program that comes with this camera, it will not let you stream the video through USB.
  2. You will need to download a driver that is not specifically for the Sony 8 Digital Handycam DCR-TRV 280 with USB streaming, but for another version of a Sony camera. Click on the link at the bottom of the article titled "Driver".
  3. Once you have downloaded the driver, you have to double click to open the file. A pop up will ask you where do you want to extract the files. Choose a simple location, such as your desktop and click 'Ok'.
  4. After the files are extracted, double click on the folder (which is titled Sony_usb). Double click on the Setup file, as shown in the picture. It will ask for administrative access, and select 'Yes'.
  5. It will take you through the process. Don't have your camera connected at this time.
  6. Now, select the option to restart your computer. Let it restart, and then when you're ready, connect your camera to the computer through the USB cable. Make sure that the USB streaming option is enabled in the menu of your camcorder and that the tape is inserted. To set the USB option to 'on', go to: Menu > Setup Menu > USB Stream > On.
  7. The computer will say that it is installing drivers/software. Click on the pop up to view the process. If you have installed the driver correctly, the pop up should look like this: All should be checked green and it will say 'Sony digital imaging video' in the middle.
  8. In order to transfer the video, you will need a program that will capture it and save it onto your computer. For this wiki-how, I will be showing the example with Sony Vegas 11 Pro video editing software. You can get a free trial for 30 days at the Sony software website. The link will be below, titled "Sony 11 Pro Trial".
  9. Open Sony Vegas 11 Pro, and click: File > Capture Video. Another window will pop open.
  10. This window is where you can capture the video. When you start playing on your camcorder, it will show up on the screen. To start capturing, click 'Capture Video'. To stop, click on the small square. When you are done with the clip, it will show you different options, such as whether you want to add the clip to the project media.
  11. The video is now saved to your computer!

Video

Tips

  • If the driver does not install on the first try, retry the install, and leave your camcorder connected to the computer. Sometimes it all depends on if you have it connected, and on which thing you do first (Sony Vegas, or the Camcorder connected first).
  • The file size will be very big, depending on the length of video. Even a really short video could take up 500 megabytes of space. It is for this reason that you should add the video file to your timeline, and render with a Windows Video format, as the video will originally be saved in an uncompressed .AVI file.
  • After you render another smaller version, you can check it for consistency and quality, and then delete the huge original file.
  • If you get an error along the lines of "This application is not compatible with the current Windows version", Do the following:
  • - Check the box under Compatibility mode "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" Select "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)"
  • - Right click on the Setup.exe->Properties->Compatibility Tab
  • - Check the box under Privilege Level "Run this program as an administrator. (This step fixed the installation issue with Windows 7 Ultimate Edition 64bit )

Things You'll Need

  • Sony Digital 8 Handycam with USB streaming.
  • The cassette you want the video from.
  • A USB cable that can connect to the port at the front of the camcorder.
  • The USB driver stated in the sources.
  • A video editing software with the capability of capturing video, such as Sony Vegas.
  • Windows 7 Operating System.

Sources and Citations

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