Sony-Handycam-DCR-TRV350 through Firewire qualms

[jacklink36]

Howdy! This is my first post here and I'm confident you guys can help me out or guide me through this, I've watched some videos on how this is done but not quite sure on the best route. I've got some old tapes I'd like digitized AND I'd like to create some new ones in my life

I own an older model Alienware M11x which has a 1394 4 pin firewire port but I truly know nothing about these ports. If I were to order a 9pin to 4 pin firewire cable and hook the handycam to my alienware would it recognize and be able to capture on my computer? or would I have to buy some sort of capture equipment like the pinnacle dazzle (which I heard reduces the quality)?

I'm not a big fan of the new digital camcorders with filming or photography so I guess you could call me a ludite in that way! But I would truly appreciate any help with this because I'd love to get some digital8 videos of the 21st century and be able to treasure them Thanks in advance for any replies!!!

-Jack

[msgohan]

The camcorder end is 4-pin, which Sony called i.Link. So if the PC end is 4-pin, you need that on both ends of the cable.

It should recognize the camcorder and you should be able to capture with software like WinDV. If your existing tapes are analog, the quality converting them this way will be lower than using a lossless capture device.