Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video I talk about the changes Intel made to their newer processors and the options you have to use legacy FireWire devices like a miniDV or HDV camcorder to capture the video. I also offer alternatives if your computer is no longer compatible. Below are time stamps and links to the hardware and software you'll need.
Update: Check out my latest video for a new solution: youtu.be/F8YYoUzCFk4
*Time Stamps:*
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - TL;DR - High Level Explanation
0:44 - How to find what gen processor you have
0:53 - Differences between Thunderbolt, USB, and FireWire
1:42 - 9th Gen or older
1:52 - Adapters you'll need
2:06 - 10th and 11th Gen
2:50 - 12th Gen
4:04 - Other options
6:38 - Wrap up
7:06 - End
For PC's with previous gen processors, please watch these videos:
Windows 10: youtu.be/GASIuX1mqwE
Windows 11: youtu.be/yT0oDYbqwwk
For Mac's: youtu.be/x5ISyI3VcWo
Newer Mac's: youtu.be/P5PdxKTmL0I
*Links to the items mentioned in the video:*
Apple Thunderbolt 3 and 4 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Adapter:
amzn.to/3Y9VAaW
Apple Thunderbolt 1 and 2 to FireWire 800 adapter: (if unavailable, watch youtu.be/LXXSZdOZb-k for more info)
amzn.to/3EKCLEc
StarTech Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
amzn.to/3ZxYNlR
FireWire 800 to 400 mini plug cable:
amzn.to/3J4W5yS
Dell TB16 (K16A) Thunderbolt 3 Dock
amzn.to/3nBxsBC
FireWire 400 to 800 cable:
amzn.to/41Co00g
FireWire 400 to 800 adapter:
amzn.to/41C8wJK
FireWire 400 mini to 400 mini cable:
amzn.to/3Zt4y4e
FireWire 400 mini to 400 full size adapter:
amzn.to/3YcM5b9
Have a desktop with a PCI/PCIe card slot, or a laptop with a ExpressCard/PCMCIA card slot:
amzn.to/3BAf5A5
Laptops with Thunderbolt/FireWire:
amzn.to/3dBGXfo
Other items I recommend:
amazon.com/shop/scottschramm
(note the links above are affiliate links which helps support my channel. Your price stays the same but a small commission may come back to me if you decide to purchase anything using my links. It's a win-win for everyone!)
*Software Mentioned:*
WinDV: videohelp.com/software/WinDV
HDV Split: videohelp.com/software/HDVSplit
K-Lite Codec Pack Basic: codecguide.com/download_k-lite_codec_pack_basic.htm
Handbreak: https://handbrake.fr/
*Other videos that may help you:*
How to connect a FireWire Audio Interface to a Mac or PC with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C
youtu.be/0EhzlqH9fMo
How to connect FireWire devices into new Mac's with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C
youtu.be/UW2Bbn_OjNA
How to connect FireWire devices to a new M1 Mac with Apple Silicon
youtu.be/x5ISyI3VcWo
*Troubleshooting*
If you are having issues with your PC connecting to the device, there are a few things you can try:
1. Ensure your PC has a Thunderbolt port (not just a USB-C/charging port). Visit the support page of your computer (support.dell.com, support.lenovo.com, etc) and verify that your drivers are up to date. Sometimes the Thunderbolt driver is separate and needs to be installed manually. Also check that your BIOS is up to date. If you're getting blue screens when you plug in, this is the solution.
2. Check the settings in your BIOS as there may be a setting in there to allow data over the Thunderbolt port. Here is an example link that shows the settings: dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln305418/restructuring-of-usb-and-thunderbolt-settings-on-new-bios-version?lang=en There is also usually an app within Windows called the "Thunderbolt(TM) Software " and make sure it is set to "Always Allow" like this: caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-devices-in-windows-10-platform
3. If your camcorder still does not communicate, then you may need to install a driver, although this is extremely rare. Here is a good webpage that may help you troubleshoot FireWire specific drivers: studio1productions.com/Articles/Firewire-1.htm Additionally if you installed a special FireWire driver you may want to uninstall it and try the built in Windows driver as that may be all you need. You can also try installing a legacy FireWire driver by following these directions: startech.com/en-us/faq/firewire-cards-windows-legacy-driver-swap
4. Here is a good guide from Sony which has a few other troubleshooting steps: sony.co.uk/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-hc44e/articles/00235677
In this video I talk about the changes Intel made to their newer processors and the options you have to use legacy FireWire devices like a miniDV or HDV camcorder to capture the video. I also offer alternatives if your computer is no longer compatible. Below are time stamps and links to the hardware and software you'll need.
Update: Check out my latest video for a new solution: youtu.be/F8YYoUzCFk4
*Time Stamps:*
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - TL;DR - High Level Explanation
0:44 - How to find what gen processor you have
0:53 - Differences between Thunderbolt, USB, and FireWire
1:42 - 9th Gen or older
1:52 - Adapters you'll need
2:06 - 10th and 11th Gen
2:50 - 12th Gen
4:04 - Other options
6:38 - Wrap up
7:06 - End
For PC's with previous gen processors, please watch these videos:
Windows 10: youtu.be/GASIuX1mqwE
Windows 11: youtu.be/yT0oDYbqwwk
For Mac's: youtu.be/x5ISyI3VcWo
Newer Mac's: youtu.be/P5PdxKTmL0I
*Links to the items mentioned in the video:*
Apple Thunderbolt 3 and 4 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 1 and 2 Adapter:
amzn.to/3Y9VAaW
Apple Thunderbolt 1 and 2 to FireWire 800 adapter: (if unavailable, watch youtu.be/LXXSZdOZb-k for more info)
amzn.to/3EKCLEc
StarTech Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
amzn.to/3ZxYNlR
FireWire 800 to 400 mini plug cable:
amzn.to/3J4W5yS
Dell TB16 (K16A) Thunderbolt 3 Dock
amzn.to/3nBxsBC
FireWire 400 to 800 cable:
amzn.to/41Co00g
FireWire 400 to 800 adapter:
amzn.to/41C8wJK
FireWire 400 mini to 400 mini cable:
amzn.to/3Zt4y4e
FireWire 400 mini to 400 full size adapter:
amzn.to/3YcM5b9
Have a desktop with a PCI/PCIe card slot, or a laptop with a ExpressCard/PCMCIA card slot:
amzn.to/3BAf5A5
Laptops with Thunderbolt/FireWire:
amzn.to/3dBGXfo
Other items I recommend:
amazon.com/shop/scottschramm
(note the links above are affiliate links which helps support my channel. Your price stays the same but a small commission may come back to me if you decide to purchase anything using my links. It's a win-win for everyone!)
*Software Mentioned:*
WinDV: videohelp.com/software/WinDV
HDV Split: videohelp.com/software/HDVSplit
K-Lite Codec Pack Basic: codecguide.com/download_k-lite_codec_pack_basic.htm
Handbreak: https://handbrake.fr/
*Other videos that may help you:*
How to connect a FireWire Audio Interface to a Mac or PC with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C
youtu.be/0EhzlqH9fMo
How to connect FireWire devices into new Mac's with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C
youtu.be/UW2Bbn_OjNA
How to connect FireWire devices to a new M1 Mac with Apple Silicon
youtu.be/x5ISyI3VcWo
*Troubleshooting*
If you are having issues with your PC connecting to the device, there are a few things you can try:
1. Ensure your PC has a Thunderbolt port (not just a USB-C/charging port). Visit the support page of your computer (support.dell.com, support.lenovo.com, etc) and verify that your drivers are up to date. Sometimes the Thunderbolt driver is separate and needs to be installed manually. Also check that your BIOS is up to date. If you're getting blue screens when you plug in, this is the solution.
2. Check the settings in your BIOS as there may be a setting in there to allow data over the Thunderbolt port. Here is an example link that shows the settings: dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln305418/restructuring-of-usb-and-thunderbolt-settings-on-new-bios-version?lang=en There is also usually an app within Windows called the "Thunderbolt(TM) Software " and make sure it is set to "Always Allow" like this: caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-devices-in-windows-10-platform
3. If your camcorder still does not communicate, then you may need to install a driver, although this is extremely rare. Here is a good webpage that may help you troubleshoot FireWire specific drivers: studio1productions.com/Articles/Firewire-1.htm Additionally if you installed a special FireWire driver you may want to uninstall it and try the built in Windows driver as that may be all you need. You can also try installing a legacy FireWire driver by following these directions: startech.com/en-us/faq/firewire-cards-windows-legacy-driver-swap
4. Here is a good guide from Sony which has a few other troubleshooting steps: sony.co.uk/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-hc44e/articles/00235677
