computer guys, please help.

[pimtool]

I just bought a digital video camera. It captures the video onto a mini DV tape. It doesnt use a USB port, It uses a DV port. My computer does not have this port. I talked to the tech guy. He said it can be installed, but he couldnt tell me how to do it.

Is it very difficult to add one of these ports to my computer?
If so, what is the going price to have someone install one. ( give or take)
Thanks.

 

[Mark_88]

If your Motherboard has PCI slots you can add a port card for about $30 if you do it yourself...to have it installed can double the price depending on what they charge...

It is easy enough to do yourself...just buy the card, open the case, and you'll see a few open slots near the base of the board...all you do is remove the slot cover using a star screwdriver, insert the card, and put the screw back in to hold it in place...

It can be made more difficult and you can actually break the motherboard if you force the card into place...doesn't take much force to insert the card in the slot...and all you need to do is take your time and align the card up with the slot then push it down gently...

If you know the motherboard specifications and have a diagram of the board (most systems come with them) then just look for the PCI slots...usually one or two available on most boards...if you don't have a diagram, do a search on the board manufacturer and find the owners manual...it will tell you how many PCI slots you have and some even show step by step instructions for adding a card or more RAM...

 

[Buckeyes903]

Ok, I think this is all you will need, and the supplied cord will allow you to plug it into your camera.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815201005
This is really really easy to install, i wouldn't see paying anyone to do this. As long as you have a free PCI slot, which almost every computer should its very easy. Take the left side of the computer off (if your looking at the front) and it should reveal the motherboard, looking at it, there should be a few off white slots to the top left of the motherboard. If you have any of those free you simple turn off the computer put this card in. Start it up, and it will prompt you and install. Should really be that simple.

 

[pimtool]

Thanks.
The link you gave me all of the reviews said it didnt work.
I get the idea of what I need though. Is this something that radioshack would have?

 

[Buckeyes903]

Sorry about that, but it was cheap, there are other more expensive options but that should be about what you need.

 

[Buckeyes903]

Looks like they do, but it says its web only. It wouldn't hurt to call or stop in and check
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...1&origkw=dv+card&kw=dv+card&parentPage=search

But it looks like to use that you will need a fire wire to dv adapter or a wire that is similar to the one that comes with the card above

EDIT: Sorry forgot to ask, your computer is a desktop correct?

 

[Mark_88]

Any computer store will sell them...Best Buy, Futureshop, CompUSA...

I just found out that Futureshop in Canada no longer carries some computer parts though because they don't offer installation anymore...???

 

[pimtool]

Yes it is a desk top.
Again thank you. This computer stuff is pretty intimidating to me.
Same as working on a truck, just smaller and more delicate. right. and no hammers.

 

[Mark_88]

Yeah, hammers tend to work better on trucks...I used to think computers were difficult too...but they're really easy to build and upgrade...just 'plug n play' in most cases...until you get a conflict or compatibility issue...that's where the fun starts...and all you have to do is remove the offending part if you can't resolve it...

 

[Buckeyes903]

No problem, if you have any other concerns or questions let me know, be glad to help if I can. haha I have built and worked on many computers, and often at times wished a hammer could be used...oh well

 

[Mark_88]

When I was first learning about computers I let some guy install a secondary HDD for me...big mistake...took them three days to tell me they accidentally wiped out my primary...I had over two years worth of research that was NOT backed up...

Live and learn...I was ready to take a hammer to the tech though...

 

[Buckeyes903]

Wow. I have done all of my work to my own ever since I can remember, but I have ordered parts that were DOA and its really frustrating

 

[Mark_88]

One thing I insist on having now is a ground-fault power bar...they have a little light on them that indicates proper ground...I fried a mobo once just plugging the power bar into a faulty grounded plug...that was just after the guy reformatted my HDD for me...probably spent well over $300 on that system to repair it...

 

[naford]

I hate to ask this, this late in the thread. But what kind of camera is it? Make/model.