Hi,
I'm new at video editing and need some help/advice on capturing video onto my computer hard-drive. I'm using a Sony DCR-HC26 Handycam and connecting it to my computer via usb connection and capturing it with Sony Vegas software. The problem is the quality. It is a little dull in colors and the over all quality of the video is lower than viewing the video on my TV by just using the provided RCA cables using the AV out on my camcorder. I don't know why it looks much more vivid on my TV using RCA cables than connecting it to my computer.

My questions are:

1. would it be better to use the Sony I-link connection (DV out)?
2. just to be sure, what is the best size/resolution to set the video for a TV screen, at 760x440 (I believe that was the setting) or something else?
3. any other suggestions for a rookie like my?

Thanks for your time,
Glen

Hey,

to answer your questions:

1. Yes, capturing via USB gives rubbish quality, so you indeed ought to use an I-link connection (Firewire)

2. If you've got a PAL TV, 756 x 480 is the proper resolution.

3. If you haven't got a I-link cable yet, it's best you buy one, since USB is really not done. I didn't get an I-link cable with my Sony DCR HC-24, which is lame in my opinion, and I went out to buy one. You'll notice the difference in quality immediately.

Hope this all helps.

Snaak,
thanks for the reply and information, I appreciate it. Sounds like the Sony I-link will improve my quality which is exactly what I'm looking for.


Thanks again,
Glen

Are you sure?

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I'm not young enough to know everything!

Sorry, my bad. I guess I wasn't really awake, I meant 720 x 576, but I'm not sure if this is the case with every TV or other device.