Burn camcorder videos onto a DVD with a computer connection.
Camcorder videos can be uploaded to a computer equipped with a DVD burner to make portable, long-lasting copies on disc. Most camcorders come with an audio-video cable to connect with a PC or laptop for transferring the video files. Once stored in the computer, the videos can be burned to a DVD using the software that manages the disc writer. Windows DVD Maker is the default program on Microsoft computers equipped with a DVD burner. Mac users can create discs with iDVD on their Apple computers.
Instructions
1. Install the software that comes with the camcorder onto the computer by inserting the program CD in the computer's media tray and closing the tray. Click the prompt buttons on the screen to install the software, and then restart the computer when finished. The software will place a small camcorder icon on the computer desktop. This is a shortcut to starting the software.
2. Connect the camcorder to the PC with the audio-visual cable, typically either an IEEE 1394 (Firewire) or USB cable. Any compatible port on the computer can be used to hook up with the camcorder.
3. Turn on the camcorder, which should also launch the software on the computer. If the program does not start automatically, double-click the camcorder icon on the computer desktop.
4. Click the "File transfer" button or link on the software. The wording will vary, depending on the camcorder model, such as "Upload videos," "Transfer files," "Import videos" or a similar phrase. A window will open with a listing of the videos on the camcorder.
5. Click the desired videos, and then click the "Upload," "Import," "Transfer" or similarly worded button, depending on the camcorder model. A copy of each selected video will be placed on the computer hard drive. The original video remains on the camcorder.
6. Open the computer's media tray, insert a recordable DVD and close the tray. Start the software that manages the burner, such as Windows DVD Maker or iMovie.
7. Click "Add Files" in DVD Maker or "Import" in iDVD to open a folder of videos on the computer. Highlight the videos for burning to disc and click the "Add" button in DVD maker or the "Import" button in iDVD. Add as many videos as desired until the remaining time display indicates the DVD is full.
8. Click "Next" to choose menu styles and other customizable features by clicking each desired option.
9. Click the "Burn" button at the top of the iDVD screen or the lower right on DVD Maker to record the disc.
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