just purchased a sony pc8 mini dv and was looking for best / cheapest source for downloading software cables etc for p.c. so far i have a price for a sony kit comprizing a software disc and cable at a heafty price of ?50 for the basic no frills starter set.

If you are looking for a cheap card and simple starting software then PC world have a 3 port firewire card with a 6 to 4 pin cable for 30 quid. It comes with Videowave 5se, which is not bad.