i Link cable

Question

I have a 2006 model, Dell Deminsion E 520. IMy video camcorder is a Sony Handicam that requires an 'i-Link' cable to connect to my Dell. Does anyone know if an E 520 has the capability to tie to an 'i-Link' cable? I am not a computer gurue, so I am having problems. Could this be just a mini USB cable on (1) end, to connect to the camcorder, and a regular USB end to connect to the PC?

kjharris · Answer

i-Link is Sony's name for an IEEE 1394 (firewire) connection. Unless you ordered your computer with a firewire port, you probably don't have one(Check your order invoice). You can add this port (if you have an unused PCI slot inside your computer) by buying a PCI card with a firewire port. You would then be able to connect your camera with the appropriate cable.

Ken

kjharris · Answer

Buy and install a PCI firewire card in your computer(make sure you have an empty slot before you buy). To see some firewire cards visit http://www.newegg.com and search for a firewire card. Ken

nguyenlq · Answer

I have the same problem with my Inspiron 530 that doesn't include IEEE 1394 port. What can I do to import my Sony camcorder? Thanks you for your help

nguyenlq · Answer

Hi kjharris   Thank you for quick response. I look inside the computer and there is no PCI slot available for installing IEEE 1394 card in the rear of machine.  All ware opcupied by other cards. There is one 1394 port blank at the front and is covered by a piece of plastic for optional upgrade but I don't know what hardware I should use.   Last night I tried to install a PCI firewire card I bought at Microcenter by removing one of the card, I think it is a network interface that I don't need. Howerver I have more problems such as:   * The system reboot itself after I shut down. It kept going on and on until I unplug the power. * I have multiple frame drops during video capture since I use Pinnacle 11. I'm not sure it was caused by the 1394 card.   Thanks so much again for your help

nguyenlq · Answer

Thanks for your response. You are correct. The IEEE 1394 card is the problem. I removed it and reinstalled the original card. The computer is fine, no problem. I checked the box and it shows Vista compatible. I'm not sure it is true or just marketing.  I look thru items in Microcenter web and can not identify which IEEE 1394 card compatible with Vista because they don't show its specification. Would you please send me a link if you know any.   I will try to call Dell tech support today for any more help.   Thanks again

kjharris · Answer

I can't be sure but sounds like the new card. Perhaps it(or its driver) is not fully compatible with your computer/operating system. Perhaps you can visit the web site of the card manufacturer and find out if it works with XP only, or XP and Vista. Or maybe someone on the forum suggest a card that they know is compatible with your computer. Hopefully you can return the card.

Davet50 · Answer

Dieselman61   What model of Sony Cam do you have...there may be more than one option to get the video out.. And one way is a mini USB to USB cabel...

nguyenlq · Answer

Mine is Sony TRV950 Camcorder . I had problem with frame dropping therefore I must go with IEEE 1394 cable as many people suggest. Do you have any great idea how to stop frame drop during capture video? I know this is not related to Dell forum but just asking in case you can refer me to other link. Thanks

Davet50 · Answer

nguyenlq Can you provide the model of your camcorder? There are usb options that might be available to you also The best however will be the firewire.. If you are experiencing frame drops in capture then you will proable need a IEEE connection..

Davet50 · Answer

looks like you have two options use the supplied USB cable or get a i-link cable and a IEEE card..   How are you trying to get the video in now?? Importing video is a high resourse intensive job.. a coulple of thing to try are ...   Disconnect from the internet or network...turn off firewall and virus protection.close any apps that you dont really need that might be on the task bar...run with a minual system..   Good help can also be found on the Pinnacle boards too..I use studio 10  but also have a firewire  cable..   not sure what you exactly have for a system but you might want to try the above things..

nguyenlq · Answer

Thanks Davet50. I will try your suggestion this weekend. The issue I have is my new Dell Inspiron D530 keep restarting after I installed the IEEE 1394 card. Without this card, the system is running fine. I have to fix this first before I trouble shoot the video frame drop. I will let you know what I find.   Thanks for suggestion.

Davet50 · Answer

Curious i was looking at the manual for your system and it show an optional IEEE connector on the front of your computer...so you mb must be set up for it... I wonder if you contacted Dell you could get or the p/n for a front I/O with an IEEE connector built in.   Here's the link from you users manual about the I/O panel..   http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/EN/OM/parts.htm#wp1484675   This link on your system board i belive that the IEEE would be connected to item #14   http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/EN/OM/parts.htm#wp1184332   Also here's a good link on using Pinnacle.. http://www.mikeshaw.co.uk/

nguyenlq · Answer

Hi Davet50.   It's so happy feeling to know more good friends and learn new stuffs everyday.  Thanks so much for extra informations and times you spent. All links are very good. I'll check the connector item 14 on mother board if it's available this weekend.  It makes real sense for the way Dell designed that computer. I will consult with Dell to make sure I won't create more problems and let you know the result.   Have a good weekend & happy hollidays

Locked Topics – Desktops General

Was this post helpful?