Ask A Geek

Q: Our club would like to purchase a system that will allow us to have a camera trained on a person presenting a demonstration and have that demonstration projected onto a wall or screen so the entire group can observe the demonstration. We are quilters and the demonstrations would involve watching someone perform a technique of either hand or machine sewing. We would use this system about 8 times a year.

As you can guess, we are a bunch of grandmothers with about $1000 and no technical knowledge. Any suggestions as to what we should get?

Q: Using Windows XP, Windows movie maker version 5.1 does not recognize my Canon ZR200 mini dv camcorder using USB to transfer dv tape to the computer. The capture from video device does not work either in Movie Maker. Any suggestions other than using fire wire. I have purchased a cable but have no port for this option.

Q: I have connected a Camcorder (Canon DC19) to my PC (HP running Windows XP) however my PC thinks it’s an external disc drive and doesn’t recognise it as being a camera – any ideas anyone? (Canon Website and general search doesn’t seem to help)

Q: I want to purchase a Canon HF10 high def camcorder. I understand that I have to have a blu-ray player to view an edited video in high def. But what do I need in order to burn a high def video? Is there an external blu-ray burner on the market yet? Should I wait 6 mo to a year before making this investment? I am a novice with video and am having trouble finding answers to my questions.