How do I download video from my Sony video camera to my computer?

Sony DCR-TRV17 miniDV video recorder. How do I rip the videos for editing?

• I have a Sony DCR-TRV17 miniDV video recorder. It's been in my family for a long time now, and it still works like a charm. However, I used to record some footage for a film I need to edit. This camera was mostly used to record home movies and stuff, and no one ever bothered ripping it into digital form. :| What's the easiest way for me to rip this footage? Is there any free program I can download? I have a USB cable and a Firewire cable. Please give me advice, I really need to do this but I don't know how! :(( PS. I'm on Windows XP. But I have access to a computer with Windows Vista, and a Mac. Any method is appreciated!

• Answer:

  IF you need the manual go here http://www.docs.sony.com/release/DCRTRV17.pdf You will needa firewire port to connect the camcorder to the computer, If you r pc has one check in device manager, and look for IEEE 1394 if it there then you can connect your cable to it, and turn your camera to Play (VCR) mode start windoes movie maker and go to capture, windows will have installed all the drivers it needs and then just follow the help screens. If you have a Mac then the process is the same but you use IMovie. If you have a load to do then I suggest you keep the captured video to about 10 minutes long as (on a PC) the video files are going to be very large, about 1gb per 5 minutes. Good luck RR