(Note: i.LINK is also known as Firewire or IEEE 1394 if your PC doesn't have one of these inputs, adaptors and add-on cards are widely available)

To avoid static shocks damaging your camcorder, plug the cable into the computer first.

Plug your camcorder into the computer by connecting the HDV/DV jack or DV jack on your camcorder to the i.LINK input of the computer with a suitable cable.

Open the PlayMemories Home software on the computer.

Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder.

Videos will be imported in HD (high definition) quality when you import videos in HDV format, and in STD (standard definition) quality when you import videos in DV format. If you're unsure how to change settings, refer to your user guide. The menu settings will depend on the format of the recorded videos and the format you want to use for importing.

Choose HD or standard definition if your camcorder features HD (high definition) image quality.Select Play/Edit mode by toggling the power switch (refer to the user guide for more details).Connect your camcorder to a power source - make sure you use the AC adaptor.If you don't already have it, it's available here: Download PlayMemories Home They can then be viewed on a big screen TV or another device, shared online and saved to disk. You can import videos with Sony's PlayMemories Home, a PC application that allows you to easily import, organize and edit photos and videos. Option 2: Using Windows Live Photo Gallery However, Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 don't support Sony's USB streaming feature so here are two alternative ways to save DV or Digital8 video footage on to a computer.

It can be useful to transfer video footage from your Sony Handycam to a PC for editing, storing and sharing. Using a Mac? Find out how to import from tape-based cameras with iMovie.

Download old zoom video to desktop