Article ID : 00195900 / Last Modified : 05/10/2020Print

How to transfer video to an Apple Macintosh computer using an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) or Thunderbolt connection

    IMPORTANT: The following items are required to complete this procedure:

    • The computer must have compatible video capture software installed, such as iMovie software.
    • The computer must have a FireWire or Thunderbolt port connection.
    • An i.LINK / FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable  must be available.

    Procedure for transferring videos using iMovie software:

    1. Turn on the computer.
    2. Start the iMovie software.
    3. Connect an i.LINK cable to the i.LINK port on the digital camcorder.
    4. Connect the other end of the i.LINK cable to the FireWire connection on the computer.

      When connecting via i.LINK (FireWire)

      connection diagram between a camcorder and a computer

      1. Camcorder
      2. i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port (4pin)
      3. FireWire (IEEE 1394) port (6pin)
      4. i.LINK cable (4pin<=>6pin)
      5. Computer

      When converting i.LINK (FireWire) to Thunderbolt

      connection diagram between a camcorder and a computer

      1. Camcorder
      2. i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port (4pin)
      3. FireWire (IEEE 1394) port (9pin)
      4. Thunderbolt port
      5. i.LINK cable (4pin<=>9pin)
      6. FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter
      7. Computer
    5. Turn on the digital camcorder by moving the POWER switch to select VTR or the PLAY/EDIT mode.

      NOTE: The setting for camcorder playback varies by model. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camcorder for model specific information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

    6. Cue the tape in the camcorder to the position where you want to begin importing the video.
    7. In the iMovie window, click the IMPORT button.
    8. When finished, click the IMPORT button again to stop.

    IMPORTANT: Further information and troubleshooting for importing video with iMovie software is available on the Apple Macintosh Web site at https://support.apple.com/imovie.

    NOTE: FireWire is a registered trademark of Apple, while i.LINK is a registered trademark of Sony. Both trademarks refer to the industry-standard IEEE 1394 serial bus connection.

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