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I just got a new Sony HDR-HC9 and recorded my first clip, attempted to import it into UleadVideoStudio, and was not able to. I imported it using Sony's software, and was able to read its m2t file into VideoStudio.

I previously used a Panasonic GS120 and did all my editing in VideoStudio. VideoStudio is very intuitive to use, I appreciate well thought out programs. The Panasonic was getting old and is close to its last leg.

QUESTIONS:

1. Boy was I surprised when VideoStudio and even Windows MovieMaker would not recognize the Sony HC9. Whats the deal there? Is Sony doing some weird proprietary thing?

2. I made my purchase from BhPhoto which has a 15-day return policy. Did I make a mistake with the Sony? It seemed to have good reviews. I was trying to stay in the less than $1000 area.

3. I was also surprised not to get an AVI format. It appears m2t is common with all HD cameras?

4. I've always been a big believer in tape so I get it in "loss-less" AVI format. Is m2t compressed? Does any HD output in AVI?

5. I've always done my video edits where images are set to "fit to project size." So the HD is wide from left to right and narrow from top to bottom, my photos are standard digital size so the top to bottom is wider than the HD. So when you mix in VideoStudio, how do you get everything the same size so video and pics always completely fill the screen.

6. What other things should I be asking, LOL ... I thought I'd get a new camcorder, would have the latest video quality, and everything would be as easy.

Thanks!!!!

Looks like the answer to my #5 is in this post:

http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic.php?t=32726

Your camera is a HDV model, and the native format of HDV is mpeg-2 with high definition properties and using the .m2t extension. You only get DV/AVI format if you downconvert from high definition to standard definition. So it really depends on what you intend to do ultimately with the video in the camera. If you only ever intend to produce standard definition DVDs, then in a sense you wasted your money buying a high definition camera.

You also don't tell us what version of Video Studio you are using, but VS10, 11+ and 11.5+ can all deal with the video from your camera in its native .m2t format. A number of our users have exactly your camera and don't have problems with it. I have a Canon equivalent (HV20) and also have no problems.

How are you connecting the camera to the computer? It should be via Firewire just as you did in the "old" days... VS should then see the camera and allow downloading of the video. I don't think Movie Maker will allow downloading of high definition mpeg-2. At most it would allow standard definition DV/AVI.

While DV/AVI is the best quality format you can get with standard definition, high definition mpeg-2 gives you much better quality! If you want to play back your video in its high definition format, and you have a HDTV, then you have a number of options. You can download and edit your video in high definition format. Then when editing is finished, use Share > HDV recording to send it back to your camera (onto a fresh tape). Then connect your camera via its HDMI connection to your HDTV and play back the edit project direct over the HDTV. You will be amazed. Or if you have a Blu-Ray rated player such as the Sony PlayStation 3, you can convert your HDV project into an AVCHD hybrid disc using a standard DVD, and play it in the PlayStation connected to a HDTV. Again amazing. You can even network the PlayStation to your computer and play your video direct from the computer to the HDTV.

Or you can download your video either in its native format or downconvert in the camera (check the camera manual for the settings) and capture as standard definition DV. Edit that and convert to standard definition DVD-compliant mpeg-2 for burning to a standard definition DVD. While the quality of that will be good, it will be nowhere near as good as the high definition format the camera uses natively.

Thanks for the advice. I read over what you posted a couple times so it sinks in.

I have VideoStudio 11.5 ... using a firewire connection to the computer. I'll try again to get it to recognize it.

Sometimes varying the order in which you make your connections works. In other words, if you normally connect the firewire at both ends, turn on the camera then open VS, try instead connecting the cameras, opening VS and then turning on the camera in PLAY mode. And give it time. On my set-up, it can take 8 or 10 seconds for the program to detect the camera.

I have a Sony HDR-HC1 and capture HD video with a iLink (Firewire) connection. In order to capture HD video my camera must be set to HD or Auto and iLink conversion must be off.

When connecting to the computer my camera shows in the Device Manager under Sound, Video and Game Controllers as a AV/C device. If your computer recognizes your camera properly you should hear a ding.

If your settings are wrong your camera will show up as a Sony DV camera directly under Device Manager.

This procedure may or may not work with a HC9 but it works with a HC1/HC3.

Also you should have the latest Direct X loaded, as Ken Berry has posted before.

I set the HC9 to "HD" with "iLink Conversion off." Still didn't work. I thought for sure this computer would have a recent DirectX, guess it didn't. Downloaded it from Microsoft and was able to capture. You are correct, it showed up in the Device Manager under Sound, Video and Game Controllers as a AV/C device.

Thanks again. You guys are great!