Purpose: Converts an analog video/audio signal to digital (firewire). Since Visual Communicator works best with firewire cameras, this handy converter allows you to use practically any digital video camera, old or new, as long as your camera came with a TV-output cable, also known as an a/v cable, composite video cable, or RCA cable (see picture at right).
Here's Why: Normally the purpose of the TV-output cable is to connect your camera directly to a TV set, and then playback the recorded footage on your TV. In our scenario though, you instead would connect this TV cable to the firewire converter box. The box will then convert (or digitize) the live signal to firewire. This allows Visual Communicator to "see" your live camera feed into the computer. Think of this converter box as the "middleman" that goes between the camera and the computer.
Important Note: Many newer consumer-grade video cameras do NOT have firewire output capability, such as MiniDVD, Hard Drive and Flash Memory camcorders. These types of cameras WILL require the use of a firewire converter. However, if you have an older MiniDV (tape based) camera, it likely does have firewire capability built in. You still may find the firewire converter useful though, especially if your camera doesn't have a mic input jack (many don't). Only some consumer grade MiniDV (tape based) models have firewire output, and only some have a mic input jack (example Canon ZR900, ZR950, ZR960 models are great). That is why I prefer using this firewire converter, unless you are lucky enough to obtain a MiniDV firewire camera that also has a mic input jack (hard to find).
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