.
It would seem that no-one has answered your question, as it appears that it's nothing to do with your installation of PD8.

I hate to see questions go unanswered though, so would suggest that you check to see if your camcorder has a CD in the pack, which may be required to install on your PC for it to recognise the camera Trevor . . My YouTube site . . (Bristol, UK) . . My JVC GZ-HM1 Camcorder

Thanks for your suggestion Trevor but the camcorder I'm using is ancient because its got an S-Video input/output it's a Canon UC-X50. I've got a small Panasonic NV-GS27 cam but couldn't figure out how to connect to it as none of the cables seemed to fit it,, I'm probably doing something wrong Bluesman

From -> http://www.reluctant-diyer.co.uk/panasonic_nv-gs27_camcorder_review.php

The NV-GS27 is Panasonic's entry level digital camcorder and can't be connected by its USB socket to a PC for editing

Looks like you're gonna need to find a different way to transfer Mini-DV to PC

. . . . and a search for Canon UC-X50 review only seems to bring up results in reference to batteries

Is it that ancient a camcorder ?
Trevor . . My YouTube site . . (Bristol, UK) . . My JVC GZ-HM1 Camcorder

So my video grabber's useless then??? so all I needed was that fire wire cable after all? If this is true I can get one from pixmania for €7 happy times Bluesman

Tip:
Switch on the Camcorder to VCR mode
Open PD
Allow PD to find the camcorder and move to Capture mode.

Dafydd

Cheers Dafydd it's worked on the antique camcorder I'll be trying the panasonic in the next few days
Bluesman

That smile hasn't lasted long I've purchased the said IEEE1394 cable, installed PD on my laptop, connected cable and selected "Capture" on PD and an error says "Failed to load disc content disc does not contain any content supported by cyberlink power director" Can some good folk point me in the right direction again please Bluesman