I am unable to get my Sony VAIO VGN AR150 to recognize my Canon ZR70 MC in "tape" mode.

When connecting my Canon ZR70 to my Sony laptop (XP OS), I do not even get the "found new hardware message" if the Canon is in "tape" mode. (In "card" mode, I get the full series of new hardware messages, plus am able to access programs that transfer the still images to my laptop. If I start out in 'card' mode and then switch to 'tape' mode, the programs no longer recognize the DVR.) Needless to say, since I am not even getting the "new hardware" message, the Canon does not reflect as being connected to the PC using any program. (I have tried Windows Movie Maker, Click to DVD, control panel, my computer, etc.) I have multiple USB ports on my laptop, co-ax, HDMI, S Video, and others, but no full-size firewire port. Click to DVD (Sony's program), indicates that there is an i-Link port available for transferring data from a camcorder. The port on the laptop that has a corresponding i-Link image also is labeled S400, and I noticed that the small end of the firewire cable that came with the DVR (the end that is meant to connect into the camera itself), fits into that port. So, should I try to find a firewire cable with one 'small' connector at each end, or should I try to get a firewire connection into one of my expansion slots? And, if I do either, will that correct the problem with the device not being visible? One final tidbit: I had no problem connecting and transferring movies from the DVR to my previous laptop (Compaq, with XP), but I had a full-size firewire port on the pc that was able to accept the cable that came with the DVR. Of course, that laptop had a major, unrecoverable disk crash, which is why I bought the Sony.

Use the firewire port. The iLink S400 port is what you're looking for. No camcorder I know of uses a "full size" firewire connection. On your camera, it would be the DV port. Small plug, going to a full size plug into your laptop. You should then see it in your PC. Then, the best utility I have found for this purpose is WinDV. It's free. And not only can you capture with it without dropping a frame, but thanks to the firewire interface, you can control your camcorder directly!
That's the way I would do it. Then import it into your editor.

Also, make sure you have all updated drivers and firmware updates. Update XP. You may also want to clean the PC from spyware and potential virus hazzards.

BTW - on an unrelated issue, Your camera was one of a host of cameras that suffered from a faulty CCD chip. Check out this from Canon regarding it.

Affected products:

- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)

Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.

Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.

So the good news is that Canon will fix it for FREE:

U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to carecenter@cits.canon.com

You said: Use the firewire port. The iLink S400 port is what you're looking for. No camcorder I know of uses a "full size" firewire connection. On your camera, it would be the DV port. Small plug, going to a full size plug into your laptop. (and a few other helpful things.... THANK YOU!!!)

As for this point, though. My iLink S400 port is also a small plug, so I am unable to use the firewire cord that came with my DVR. Would you recommend that I try to find a firewire cable with small plugs on both ends, or get a PC expansion card that has a full-sized firewire port?

Thanks for your help!!!!

(And, yes, I had read the thread dealing with fix to my model. Since I've not experienced any problems like the ones addressed in that discussion, I hadn't planned on contacting Canon. But, your comment has made me re-think that position... After all, just because I haven't had any similar problems doesn't mean I never will! Thanks for your suggestion.)

bob