Apple Macintosh support for MicroMV camcorders

To:  Sony Electronics Inc

We, the undersigned, request that Sony either (A) release software for the Apple Macintosh computer supporting their MicroMV line of digital camcorders, or, (B) publicly release specifications for communicating over the iLink interface with these camcorders so that the independent support for these camcorders may be developed.

Many people have purchased these camcorders with the expectation of using them on the Macintosh with products such as iMovie and Final Cut Pro. Sony’s marketing for the MicroMV line of camcorders clearly states that these camcorders are compatible with the Macintosh platform. Unfortunately, this marketing is misleading because only the low-resolution memory-stick based MPEG1 videos and snapshots may be downloaded to the Macintosh. The primary function of these camcorders, namely capturing high resolution MicroMV (MPEG2) video, are not available to Macintosh owners.

It is worth mentioning that support for these camcorders on the Windows platform in the Movie Shaker application exists through QuickTime plugins. QuickTime is the Apple Macintosh format for digital video. Given that the original support in Movie Shaker for MicroMV was provided by integrating with Apple Macintosh technology, it is likely to be as simple as recompiling these QuickTime plugins on a Macintosh to bring support to the Apple Macintosh platform.

As a last word, we would like to stress that the Apple Macintosh is the premier platform for digital media and the lack of support for this platform by Sony is perhaps the primary reason that these camcorders have encountered commercial problems in the marketplace. Correcting this problem may result in significant increases in market interest for MicroMV camcorders.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Apple Macintosh support for MicroMV camcorders Petition to Sony Electronics Inc was created by Users of Apple Macintosh computers that wish to use MicroMV camcorders and written by Daniel Guinan.  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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