Sony camcorder - USB mode

This is the step-by-step for downloading from your camera as found on Sony's tutorial page:

1. Turn on the computer.
2. On the computer, install the USB driver for the digital camcorder. Note: Only the USB driver included on the supplied CDROM will properly enable the digital camcorder for USB streaming. Alternatively, you can download the USB driver here.
3. Turn on the digital camcorder to the VTR, VCR or PLAYBACK mode.
4. Turn on the USB streaming feature of the digital camcorder.
5. Connect the USB cable to the digital camcorder.
6. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the computer.
7. Cue the video to the beginning of the video footage to be transferred.
8. Start the video capture software on the computer.
9. Begin playing the recorded video in the camcorder.
10. Begin importing the recorded video with the capture software.

If the Computer is having Windows Vista installed on it then it's required to use a compatible i.LINK or Firewire cable to connect the Camcorder to the Computer.
Once the connection is established, you can use Windows Movie Maker to transfer videos from the Camcorder to the computer. Make sure that the Camcorder is set to the "VCR/VTR" or "Play/Edit" mode and the tape is playing in the camcorder before importing the videos to the Computer.

If you're having Windows XP on the Computer and using USB cable to connect the Camcorder to the Computer then it's required to install the USB streaming driver and the USB driver for connection on the Computer before you can establish a successful connection between the Computer and the camcorder for transferring videos.

You can install the USB streaming driver using the supplied Software installation disc.

Go to camcorder Menu and enable USB Streaming option.
Computer / Windows will recognize camcorder and will install drivers automatically for further communications.
Thanks.

If you're using a Windows Vista Operating System it'snot possible to transfer the videos from the Camcorder to the Computer using the USB connection. The videos from the tape camcorders cannot be transferred to Windows Vista Operating System as there is no USB Streaming ooption available on the Windows Vista Operating System. The Camcorder uses the USB Streaming function to transfer the videos to the Computer. You may wish to purchase a i.LINK/Firewire cable to connect the Camcorder to the Computer in order to transfer the videos from the Camcorder to the Computer.
or
There is an update for driver on the Sony website to transfer the videos from the Camcorder to the Computer using the USB cable.
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?site=odw_en_GB&m=DCR-HC42E&f=usbdrven_vista

You may also try installing the driver update for the Camcorder. The i.LINK cable gives a better video transfer qulaity than the USB transfer. The i.LINK cable used to connect the Camcorder to the computer depends on the number of pins available on the i.LINK/FIREWIRE port on the Computer. The i.LINK port on the Computer is a D shaped port which is labelled as i, DV, IEEE1394 and Firewire.

Si puedo utilizar su camara por eso. pero, la directiones estan en engles.


Primero es para S- Video

La orta mas pavajo estan directiones para USB Streaming

How to use a Sony® camcorder as a Web cam with a composite video or S-video connection.
Solution
IMPORTANT: The computer must have a composite Video or S-Video input jack [FIG. 1]and compatible webcam software installed. Some computers may require a video capture card and/or sound board.
NOTE: This procedure cannot be performed when using the battery of the camcorder as a power source. If the camcorder is turned on, but not recording or playing a tape, it will automatically turn off after 5 minutes to conserve battery power. In addition, please be advised that this procedure may not work for all Sony camcorder models even when using the AC power adapter. Some models have an automatic demonstration mode that will activate after 5 minutes if the camera is turned on but not recording or playing a tape.

1. Plug the AC power adapter for the camcorder into a working electrical outlet and then connect it to the camcorder.
2. Connect a composite video cable or S-Video cable to the VIDEO or S-VIDEO jack on the camcorder. NOTES:
   
   • Sony camcorders usually come packaged with composite Audio/Video cables; S-Video cables are sold separately.
   • To purchase either of these cables, check with your local electronics dealer or visit the Sony® Parts and Accessories Sales Web site or by call (800) 488-7669.
3. Connect the other end of the composite video cable or S-Video cable to the VIDEO IN or S-VIDEO IN jack on the computer.
4. Turn on the camera by moving the POWER switch to the CAMERA position.
5. Remove the cassette tape from the camcorder.
6. Turn on the computer.
7. Start the webcam application to be used. NOTE: Contact the software manufacturer for assistance with setting up or using the webcam software.
   

[[Direct Accessories and Parts Center, DAPC]] How to use a Sony® camcorder as a webcam using USB Streaming. Solution
IMPORTANT:

• Not all Sony® camcorders are equipped with a USB Streaming port. For compatibility information, or if you require further assistance with any of the steps below, consult the instruction manual of your camcorder. A copy of the camcorder instruction manual is available in the Manuals/Specs/Warranty section of the Sony® eSupport Web site
• The USB Streaming driver is not compatible with the Apple® Mac OS® operating system.
• The computer should have a factory installed USB port and compatible webcam software, such as Microsoft® NetMeeting®.

NOTE: This procedure cannot be performed when using the battery of the camcorder as a power source. If the camcorder is turned on, but not recording or playing a tape, it will automatically turn off after 5 minutes to conserve battery power. In addition, please be advised that this procedure may not work for all Sony camcorder models even when using the AC power adapter. Some models have an automatic demonstration mode that will activate after 5 minutes if the camera is turned on but not recording or playing a tape.

1. Install the USB Streaming driver on the computer from the CD provided with the camcorder.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Plug the AC power adapter for the camcorder into a working electrical outlet and then connect it to the camcorder.
4. Connect the supplied USB cable to the camcorder and computer.
5. Turn on the camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the CAMERA position.
6. In the camcorder menu, set the USB STREAMING option to ON .
7. On the computer, start the webcam software.

NOTE: Contact the software manufacturer for assistance with setting up or using the webcam software.

I have a partial solution for those whose files come up as audio. connect your camera via USB. Windows Movie Player should recognize the camera when you select capture device. When you have your camera selected hit next. Put the file in My Video and title it. When you are ready too capture video Hit play on you camera while in the review screen. The Movie Maker will then capture your video as it plays in the camera.

after connecting the CAM to computer switch the CAM to play back mode. (the mode in which you view the shot photos or files)
if it dosent work please contact the customer care

you can install picture package software which comes any ofusual sony cybershot digi cam. I think that might work..try that and revert back to me.

I've learned my lesson here. Firewire and maybe WinDV is what I setup all the time now.