DV transfer

This involves multiple disciples and is beyond the capability of the average technicians.
You need external Capture Hardware (such as Hauppauge HVR-1950) - install the hardware - connect the camcorder to the capture device - connect the capture device to the computer. Then set the camcorder as the Input device. Here is my setup:

Sony digital camcorder ----> Capture Device ----> Computer

After the video is 'captured' on to the computer, you may use Windows Movie Maker (free download from Microsoft - don't know about Apple) or editing software from ULead Systems, and do the editing.

After editing, you have the choice of converting the video files to any one of 3 different types of MPEG files depending on the quality desired, saving the files, and then burning them to DVDs. I use the standard play MPEG and 2 hours of video requires about 4 GB of disk space. Even with an i-7 CPU, it is a slow process.

This capture card will also enable you to watch TV on your computer. Please make sure that the device is compatible with your Apple (drivers).

I realized that it took me quite a lot of reading and understanding before I got everything the way I wanted it to be. My tech level is medium.
Good luck!