Ask A Geek

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 a Canon DC410 has the mini disks. It does not have a USB port and I am trying to figure out how to bring my videos up on computer. Do you know how to do this? When I put the disk in it won’t open it.

Q: How do I put music videos on my SanDisk Sansa Fuse MP3 player? What software do I have to download?

Q: I have an Intel based Mac. I have a wireless router and a TV tuner. How do I stream the video to my Samsung big screen in another room? What kind of device do I need? I only need the signal.

Q: I just bought a Cannon HG-10 HD camcorder and I am looking for the best way to watch recorded content in the optimap format. I saw the post about the difficulties of transferring HD data to DVDs, so now I am wondering how I might be able to retain the HD quality of the videos without keeping them on the flash drives for the camcorder.

If I transfer the videos from the flash card to my computer can I then move them back to the card or USB flash drive for viewing (with the camcorder hooked up to the TV via mini-HDMI cable)? Can I back up the videos from my computer in some data format on a writable DVD in case my computer crashes or I want to pass them on to family members? If I do burn to a DVD, can they view the content on their computers in HD quality?

Q: I would just like to know if there is a safe program out there that I can use to transfer DVDs to my iPod? Or videos from You tube,etc.

Q: For Christmas I got an mp4 digital player. My mom ordered it from ebay and it came from Hong Kong and that is just about all I know about it.

I put the little CD in there, got some music and movies and stuff on there but I don’t know how to get the songs from the little CD onto the mp4.

Q: I bought a Canon Powershot SX110 camera and I can’t for the life of me get any video images transferred to my PC. Anywhere I can bring the memory card to get images put on disk in a recognizable format?

Q: I have a Canon zr200 DVR. How do I transfer video that I have recorded on tape to my computer?

A: Thank you so much for your question. I can certainly answer it for you. But first, you and I need to agree on some common terms. Otherwise, my answer may seem like nonsense. You call your Canon zr200 a DVR. It is actually a digital video camera — or camcorder if you prefer. Don’t feel too bad! Your misuse of the term DVR is understandable. After all, DVR is short for Digital Video Recorder. But a DVR is a piece of home theater equipment that is designed to record television programming (think ultramodern VCR).

Interestingly, I have previously discussed the Canon zr200 here at AskAGeek.com. My previous post about this camcorder provides instructions on how to record video straight to your computer, without a video tape. While fascinating, it does not quite answer your question. As I understand it, you need to transfer video from a tape to your computer. Since you do not mention in you question what kind of computer you are using, I will assume Windows XP. Other operating systems, such as Mac OS X and modern versions of Linux, can import and edit you video as well. Please consult the instructions for Windows XP below:

1. Windows XP includes a program called Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft has created a very informative online article entitled Download video from your camera to your computer. You may wish to visit that webpage, as it contains lots of helpful screenshots. You my also wish to consult the Canon zr200 Owner’s Manual.
2. Your camcorder uses something called FireWire to easily connect with your computer. There are other options, but FireWire is by far the simplest choice. FireWire is a hardware port that exists on you camcorder, and hopefully on your computer as well. If you cannot find a FireWire port on your computer, do not be concerned. You can purchase inexpensive FireWire hardware at most electronics and computer stores.
3. When you connect your camcorder to your computer, a window should appear asking if your want to Capture Video using Windows Movie Maker. You will chose OK, and a wizard will guide you the rest of the way.
4. If Movie Maker fails to start automatically, there are two places where the program might be hiding. Go Start Menu => All Programs => Windows Movie Maker. If you do not see it yet, continue from where you are to Accessories => Entertainment => Windows Movie Maker.
5. If you have had to start Movie Maker manually for some reason, use the Capture from video device option in the program to begin copying video from your camcorder to your computer.

Enjoy!