DCR-DVD403 Picture Package problems-better software?

Hi-I recently obtained a DCR-DVD403-it seems the only software that will recognise it and allow me to copy the contents of the mini-DVD to my computer is the above Picture Package, but somehow by default it overwrites the sound with music. Admittedly I'm fairly new to the DVD Camcorder scene and may well be missing something obvious!

Does anyone know if there is any other good software available that will recognise the DVD403, then copy over and hopefully allow some editing?

Nerovision Express and Player came with it but wont even recognise the Camcorder. A friend suggested Ulead VideoStudio and/or Ulead DVD Movie Factory. I can't find any info on Sony's site or Ulead to say it WILL support this model so don't want to waste moneu buying if it wont work.

As a newbie, I would very much appreciate any advice, particularly what other DVD403 owners have used successfully? Thanks! :confused:

The Picture Package software is only needed if you want to transfer video from the 403 to the PC via USB2 line. It can transfer the video whether the miniDVD in the camcorder is "finalized" or not. The videos are transfered as mpg video files.

Once a disk is finalized, you can put it in your PC's DVD drive and use any software that can work with standard DVD format & file structure. Some folks have had luck with renaming the "VOB" video files on the DVD to change the extension to mpg, but that does not work in all cases.

Picture Package can also work with your PC's DVD reader to convert the VOB files to mpg files.

Thankyou for the reply. Guess I'm stuck with Picture Package. Someone else suggested ripping the mini-DVD with Imtoo and then using an edit program such as Pinnacle so I guess I'll try that route next.
Its a pity Sony make a camcorder like the DVD403 that provides superb quality and then fail to follow up with good software...oh well! :(

Thankyou for the reply. Guess I'm stuck with Picture Package. Someone else suggested ripping the mini-DVD with Imtoo and then using an edit program such as Pinnacle so I guess I'll try that route next.
Its a pity Sony make a camcorder like the DVD403 that provides superb quality and then fail to follow up with good software...oh well! :(

Using Picture Package to download the movies from the DVD might be a little irksome, but it does a couple of things for you: First it corrects the 16:9 flag so it will display correctly, and secondly it keeps the Dolby surround sound intact. If you rip it off the VOB files, chances are you will get 4:3 flagged files even if it is 16:9, and you will get stereo sound.

I agree, the software is fruity, but it's necessary if you want to get the video off the DVD. From that point, use whatever editor you want... I've yet to find a camcorder bundled with a decent editor. I recommend Premiere Elements.

-Jack

Update: If you have Vista, the "Picture Motion" software is considerably better than "Picture Package." It's free to download from sony.net. In either case, both of these packages off the only way I know to get the files off the dvd with the Dolby intact, and correct the 16:9 flag so it displays correctly. You can do it with other software, but it takes several steps, and chances are you'll lose the surround sound.

FYI:
(I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination but here's my two-cents)

You can download a free trial version of Ulead Videostudio Plus so you can test it before buying. According to their website, the software appears compatible with Sony 403 (reads directly from the DVD, maintain 5.1 audio and 16:9 screensize). I haven't tried it myself yet but if you do, I would love to hear if you recommend it.

Supposedly, Videostudio 11 Plus can read in 5.1 audio and output the same. I believe that although DVD MovieFactory can output 5.1 audio, it can only read the audio in as stereo.

I have had a 403 since late 2005, here is what I do.

I always use Picture Package to download film clips from the computer to my hard drive, using USB, and I nearly always use RW discs. I never bother to finalise, when the disc is full, and I have transfered all my clips to the hard drive, I format the disc, ready for the next lot of clips.
I have tried most, if not all of the video editing software, and I now always use Ulead Video Studio.
My reasons are:
Firstly and most important (for me at least) is its ease of use. There are programmes, that have more facilities, but I have found that the learning curve is too great for me.
Secondly quality, Ulead keeps the same quality as the original clips ie. True widescreen, and 5.1 sound.
Thirdly, Ulead Video Studio 11+, has worked faultlessly for me, ie. no serious bugs, no computer crashes and no lock-ups. (I use Windows XP sp2, I cannot vouch for Visa, it does seem that more problems are being experienced by Visa users.).
I originally started with Ulead Video Studio 9, and have since bought every update.
I would do and recommend the advice given by J Greeb and download a free trial version of Ulead, and any other video editors that you like, give them a try, and see what suits your taste. That's what I did.

Hope this helps also.