I'm new to camcorders and am having mega problems with my VDR D220. I've read a couple threads about the D220 on here but they are somewhat different problems from mine.

The camcorder seems to be working OK but I can't seem to make the hookup to my PC work. My PC is running Windows Vista and when I try to make the hookup I keep getting the error message about the "OS not supported." I went on the Panasonic website and downloaded a couple Vista updates (150 megs or so) and it still doesn't work.

So Panasonic sells camcorders that won't work with the majority of PC's coming out with different Windows software. Do I have that about right? BTW, I called the Panasonic support number and they were completely useless. Wonder how much I can get for this POS on ebay.

Hi
Instead of connection the D220 via USB to the PC you could just put the miniDVD into the computer's drive and import the video files.
Only problem could be in case you are using miniDVD-RAM with the camcorder but your PC's drive does not support DVD-RAM.

__________________
Regards
Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus

That is probably the case since when I put the mini DVD in my pc it doesn't recognize anything there. It's a DVD RW etc so it should unless there is some configuration problem. I used to think Panasonic stuff was good.

If it is a miniDVD-RW then your PC drive should read it.
What happens if you open Windows Explorer on your DVD drive? Does it at least show some files?

__________________
Regards
Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus

When I put the mini dvd in and click on the DVD RW drive, it opens the drive and says "please insert a disk into drive E." So it's not recognizing that the mini disk is even in the drive.

Have you finialized the disk on the camcorder?
This is required in case you use video mode.
Its not required if you use VR mode.

__________________
Regards
Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus

When I tried to finalize it, I got the prompt "this disk does not need finalizing."

Then this sounds like you are using VR mode. Can you please confirm?
One more question:
Do you really use a miniDVD-RW or is it a miniDVD-RAM?
If its a miniDVD-RW then you should be able to read the files with your PC's drive. If it doens't then try another PC.
If it is a miniDVD-RAM then you need a special drive that supports DVD-RAM disks.

__________________
Regards
Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus