Verified answer

The Panasonic AG-DVX100 can record high quality, low compression, standard definition, video to miniDV tape.

With the camcorder OFF, connect the camcorder's IEEE1394 DV port (not USB) to the computer's firewire port (not USB) with a firewire cable (not USB). Power up the camcorder and put it into VCR/Play mode. Launch the video editor. Use the video editor's controls to rewind the tape and import or capture the video.

USB-to-firewire cable/converter/adapter things do not work.

You did not tell us which computer, operating system or other details.

Link to PowerDirector 8 manual:

http://download.cyberlink.com/ftpdload/user_guide/...

Page 6: "DV camcorder connected via OHCI-compliant IEEE1394 (check CyberLink web site) for supported model list)"

Link to Panasonic AG-DVX100 manual (the difference between the a and b variant will not impact you):

ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/manuals/OM_AG-DVX100B.pdf

Location of the DV port: Page 18, item 58. It is a 4-pin firewire connector.

Putting the camcorder into "Playback" mode: starts on page 48.

You are using a low end, USB based, analog-digital converter. Too bad. Awesome camcorder - wasted video quality. Connect the camcorder's "AV-out" (Page 18, item 59). This is an analog connection so so digital information is passed from the camcorder to the computer. The computer won't "recognize" anything because there is nothing related to the camera to recognize. If anything is to be "recognized, it *might* be the analog/digital converter you are using - assuming PowerDirector can deal with the low-quality re-digitized video coming through the USB connection.

Page 6 of the PowerDirector8 manual says, "PCI or USB1.0/2.0 capture device compliant with WDM standard (i.e. PC Camera and TV tuner with WDM driver)"

You did not tell us which computer or operating system - or whether you installed the required drivers for the analog/digital converter.

http://www.ionaudio.com/products/details/video-2-p...

Usually, with these A/D converters, you connect the camcorder AV-out port to the A/D converter's AV-in connections; launch the capture application (in this case, PowerDirector8), put the camcorder into Play/VCR mode and press play. Go to PowerDirector 8 and select "Capture" or import.

Using this analog/digital converter process, the computer will never "recognize" the camcorder because the camcorder is just another analog external video source. If you want the camcorder to provide "best quality" video transfer to the computer, then the firewire connection is the only way that will happen - AND that direct digital connection between the camcorder and the computer will allow the computer to "recognize" the camcorder as a firewire-connected device.

Panasonic Dvx100b

Both cameras are nice, and you could possibly be satisfied with either one. Undoubtedly, you'll be able to generally wish to lean closer to the HV20 given that it is cheaper and has better decision being an HD camcorder. Nonetheless, in case you are fascinated by posting your pictures on the internet, you are going to must compress it lots, so it won't be HD by the point its on Youtube. Still, I quite just like the HD capacity on the HV20, and the color saturation is great!!! One factor that is not so great in regards to the HV20 is that its guide controls are poorly laid out, and hard to use. Aperture, White stability and Shutter velocity need to be adjusted through the menu and the handbook focus is manipulated via an disturbing litte dial on the aspect of the camcorder; i would opt for a focal point ring. With that said, the DVX100B is one among my private favourite cameras, despite being regular Def. And has nice manual controls. The DVX, being a pro camcorder has an extra potential in its 3CCDs as opposed to the only CMOS sensor within the HV20. I rather like 3CCDs for their correct color copy. The DVX100 also has twin XLR mic inputs, while the HV20 has a single mini-stereo enter. The XLR input will permit you to make use of pro mics on the camera, versus the mini-stereo enter, which limits you to the consumer fine mini-stereo mics. This just isn't a significant component on your decision, due to the fact the audion have to be compressed as well going on the net, and you are going to do first-class with mini-stereo mics (the RODE VideoMic shotgun is exceptional). The DVX additionally has a fab little characteristic known as 24p. 24p is a mode that simulates the unique artsy look of celluloid film on digital camcorders. The DVX is the top of its class relating to 24p, and was once a long time favorite of indie filmmakers therefore. The HV20 supposedly has a 24p mode, but I do not find it irresistible as so much; it seems as though it simply degrades the photograph, making it grainy. All in all, if Youtube movies is your only reason for the camera, the HV20 is most likely the simpler choice as it is a mere $800 in contrast to the $2500 DVX100. I've used the HV20 a few times, and the one important setback is its lack of excellent guide controls like another client camcorder this present day; its fine left in auto mode as i've tousled shots previously even as taking part in with its handbook controls.

Panasonic Dvx 100b

working with tape is slightly different than with drives or memory cards. tape does not appear on your computer as a mass storage drive with files. to download the video you need to open a video application, like Power Director and use the capture from camera option.