MHS-TS20 software problems

Question

I have Windows Vista 32 bit (it's absurd that apparently they don't have a software for 64 bit).
When I first plugged the Sony BLoggie in, it looked like it was downloading some software but I did not perform any of the steps that were detailed in the instructions. I did not select "Setup Bloggie Software". Anyway, the bloggie eventually downloaded the movies but they suck. They are choppy.
Is the problem that I did not download the software using the steps in the instructions? Problem is, it doesn't appear the software is even there.

Answer 1

I have had the same issues with the Bloggie HD.
I tried to install the Bloggie software on my laptop. I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit (a supported OS) and had nothing but trouble installing this software.
When the Setup_Bloggie.exe application was run, I encountered Javascript errors which prevented me from installing the Bloggie software on my computer. Being a systems administrator, I tracked down the javascript file that was being run by this program and attempted to bypass the Setup_Bloggie.exe program altogether (It turns out that the "Controls" object was having issues. I found the install program and went to run it manually. The install only got about 60% of the way before failing because it claimed to be missing files. I ran back through the code and found that a few files did seem to be missing.
At this point I contacted Sony's customer support (people you would expect to be at least moderately technical) to see if they could send me a link to a new version of the Bloggie Software. After an hour with customer service, I had lost my patience and received no help at all. I would go 5 - 10 minutes without any kind of response (This was over their online support chat client) and in the end he kept telling me to read the manual (which simply told me to run Setup_Bloggie.exe). Despite multiple requests to speak to an engineer, he just told me I should contact a different department. Rather than transfer me himself, he wanted me to call in later.
After a little while longer, I did manage to install the Bloggie Software on my own, but I still cannot get it to function correctly. If you receive error messages when attempting to install the software, try the following:
Please remember that I am a very experienced user. I would NOT recommend that anyone try this if they are not comfortable getting their hands dirty so to speak. Instead, I would recommend that we all push for Sony to release some software that works. I am not responsible for anything that may happen to your computer if you attempt this procedure.
1.) Go to the "Start" Menu and open the "Control Panel".
2.) Click on "Folder Options".
3.) In the new window, click on the "View" tab along the top bar.
4.) Scroll down until you see "Hidden Files and Folders". Click "Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives" underneath this item.
5.) Click "Apply" (Leave this window open. It is a good idea to click "Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives" as soon as you finish this process.
6.) Open "My Computer" or "Computer".
7.) Find "Bloggie Software (J" along the left hand bar.
8.) Open the "conf" folder.
9.) Scroll down until you see "Setup" or "Setup.exe".
10.) Right-click on this item and select "Troubleshoot Compatibility"
11.) In the new window that opens, click "Start the Program...".
This will install the program. However, even after installing and updating the software, the software will STILL not recognize my Bloggie. I still cannot synch my camera with my computer.
Note that the updates require this same procedure, but you first have to find the updated software files (The same files that Sony would not provide me earlier) in your C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp\" directory. Mine was titled 1293649297.
As for the camera itself, I found it to be a bit lacking in color saturation and contrast. Everything seemed a bit flat. Then again, I couldn't get Sony's software to work properly, so there may be something in there that can correct these issues.
All in all, I like the Bloggie HD for what it is. It's a (relatively) cheap, pocket video camera. I wouldn't use it to shoot anything serious, but it's great for those times when your boss takes you to a "unique" restaurant and the food is still moving. Assuming Sony ever fixes their software issues, this could be a great product.