How can I copy a home shot movie using my Sony DCR-TRV900E to my PC? Is it possibe to copy it directly from the camera I will I need to buy something else as an intemediate step?

This type of camera usually downloads better with a Firewire (DV) connection. Some mini-DV cameras only use the USB connection for stills (if they have one) and can only download video by Firewire. This is because you have to play the tape into the computer, not just copy a file.

Most PCs have a USB port, but no Firewire port. Macs often have a Firewire port but may not have USB. As most Windows PCs do not come with this interface, you might need to fit an add-on Firewire interface card. This will come with a driver for the card.

Suitable Firewire (DV) cables can easily be found on Amazon or eBay. You will need the kind with a small (four pin) connector at one end and a larger (six pin) connector at the other.

Sony has a tutorial on how to do transfer to computer (Mac or PC) at THIS LINK