Digitizing DV8 tapes
August 13, 2009 8:33 AM Subscribe
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?
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, 2009
http://advanceddesignky.com/viewitem.cfm?id=2658
posted by HuronBob at 8:53 AM on August 13, 2009
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, 2009
posted by shammack at 10:59 AM on August 13, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
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, 2009
posted by Pronoiac at 11:25 AM on August 13, 2009
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, 2009
posted by Pronoiac at 11:36 AM on August 13, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
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, 2009