As is mentioned in the user manual, it is not necessary to use JVC software to couple the camcorder to a PC "if" you use the camcorders DV socket to the same on the PC, that being classed as a "firewire" connection, which is also known as a IEEE1394 connection. You require this firewire cable to have the 4 pin DVi plug on one end (for camcorder) and another on the other end to suit the PC, which can be another 4 pin plug but is usually six pin if its a desktop PC. You will of course require software on the PC to "capture" the video, this can be Windows movie maker (on XP) or some other brand of software like Nero etc. screen. By the way original as supplied software is not available from JVC.