I actually read another review long time ago on Amazon and how users where starting to utilize cameras, like this Sony, as a perfect replacement for complicated video capture cards. All you really need in addition to this is the iLink cable (the older smaller IEEE 1394) for interfacing your Media (VCR, TV etc.) to PC/MAC.

If one thinks about it, this hardware's soul purpose is to deal with Video and images at superb quality. Not to mention that they would behave as a standalone device that wont require any CPU power nor any complicated pre-configeration. All u do is connect your media via the AV Cables already supplied and buy an additional iLink cable and u r ready to rip anything or everything.

Some older models u had to record your media first to the mini DV tape and then feed it in. However i am happy to report with this cam u only need to play the source and have it directly written on your computer.

Happy capturing folks.

I have the U.S. version of this camcorder and I must stay it is technology at its finest: the best combination of features, video quality, low light quality and price in the Sony line over the past five years - it's the best deal that Sony has offered in this category. The DCR-TRV38 offers excellent video performance, impressive low light performance and offers a nice manual focus ring. The superior low light performance of the DCR-TRV38 wins out over all other camcorders under $1,000