Can't capture video from my PV-GS500

Hi, Newbe here. Just got my PV-GS500 it takes great video and plays back fine on the camera's LCD or my TV, but it won't capture on to my computer. The camera came with two programs Quick Movie Magic & Motion DV Studio, I am running a legal copy of Windows XP (SP2) on a machine with 17GB free on my HD and 1GB RAM and capturing via the USB2 Cable supplied. I've also tried using the windows "Movie Maker" program on XP. What happens with any of the programs is the capture begins, then within 1-4 minutes my computer freezes up completely and I have to hard reboot. I have all updates, Have loaded the DirectX 9 and tried with and without the USB Drivers. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Bruce

3 things you have to do...
1. use the firewire out on the cam
2. use the firewire in on your computer
3. use windows movie maker to start out...

Actually 4 things...
If you R T F M , you will find out the USB port is for Photo's...
You MUST use a firewire to capture video...
If your computer does not have one, purchase a PCI card with firewire inputs and purchase a firewire cable (not included)..
4 pin to 6 pin for desktops , and usually 4 pin to 4 pin for laptops...

I see you have 17 gig free....
That's barely 1 hour of dv-avi...
Plus you will need at least that amount to edit...
Basically your about 20 gig short for a 1 hour video..
You may need to add an external USB Hard drive for video work..

A couple of other things you can try are:

1. Try your cam on another computer with Firewire and see if it works there.

2. Try a different Firewire device (cam, disk drive, whatever you can get your hands on) on your computer.

This will give you an idea where the problem might be.

Also,

3. Make sure your cam is in the right mode. For most cams I know of it has to be in a playback or VCR mode not the mode you use when you record video. Check the manual.

Good luck.

Dennis