Digitizing DV8 tapes

August 13, 2009 8:33 AM

I have a friend who wants to know how to download AV from 8 yr old DV8 tapes to computer via equally ancient Panasonic digicam before their memories turn to dust... Any ideas?
posted by snarfois to computers & internet (6 comments total)

You mean Digital8 tapes? I have some of those too.

If the camera will play the tape, and it has a USB or Firewire output, any video capture program should do the trick. If you tell us what OS is being used, someone can probably recommend a free/cheap one.
posted by drjimmy11 at 8:49 AM on August 13

an analog to digital converter... analog RCA plugs in, digital Firewire out, capture with something like iMovie..

http://advanceddesignky.com/viewitem.cfm?id=2658
posted by HuronBob at 8:53 AM on August 13

Depending on how much footage there is, it may be easier/cheaper just to hire someone to convert it for you. A lot of photography/videography-related shops offer a service to convert home movies to DVD. I'm not sure what they charge, but it may be worth it not to have to buy a converter, sit around digitizing in real-time, manage your hard drive space, etc.
posted by shammack at 10:59 AM on August 13

Many Digital8 decks (and cameras) output DV through Firewire, regardless of whether you put in a regular 8mm, Hi-8 or Digital8 tape. They contain the necessary Analog->DV conversion stuff.

As the Firewire passes regular DV-25, you can use any consumer editing software to get at the video.

If you have a Mac, iDVD has a "One Step DVD" setting that will let you capture right from the tape.
posted by tomierna at 11:12 AM on August 13

If the camera doesn't have a Firewire port, you could hook up the camera instead to a DVD recorder (like a VCR, with discs). Or if you're focused on keeping it on the computer, there are small standalone devices that record mpeg-4 to flash cards. Either oneof those should be under $50.
posted by Pronoiac at 11:25 AM on August 13

I was optimistic about how much prices would drop in three years or so. Instead, those are sub-$100 options.
posted by Pronoiac at 11:36 AM on August 13