Is it possible to convert my Hi8's this way?
May 20, 2013 8:23 PM Subscribe
So, I have a bunch of old Hi8 tapes that I want to get on my MacBook pro. I have a camcorder that plays Hi8's (but is only analog) and a DVD recorder. Can you help me?
What I had been doing was connecting the camcorder to the DVD recorder, burning DVDs, then ripping those DVD's onto my computer. This has proven time-intensive, and I am looking for a way to condense the process. My idea: connect the camcorder to the recorder, then the recorder to the computer (using it as a analog to digital converter). Is this possible? I should note than the recorder doesn't seem to have a digital visual output (no FireWire/USB, just composite cables, etc.) though it does have a digital audio output (PCM, bitstream).
I'd really like to use the recorder as other options (avdv+FireWire, digital camcorder that plays Hi8's, video capture card, etc.) would be rough on my budget.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!
What I had been doing was connecting the camcorder to the DVD recorder, burning DVDs, then ripping those DVD's onto my computer. This has proven time-intensive, and I am looking for a way to condense the process. My idea: connect the camcorder to the recorder, then the recorder to the computer (using it as a analog to digital converter). Is this possible? I should note than the recorder doesn't seem to have a digital visual output (no FireWire/USB, just composite cables, etc.) though it does have a digital audio output (PCM, bitstream).
I'd really like to use the recorder as other options (avdv+FireWire, digital camcorder that plays Hi8's, video capture card, etc.) would be rough on my budget.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Have any audio/video friends? Photographers, video people? I would ask them if they have anything that can fit your setup. Even just a audio/video accessory for a weekend of recording is not too difficult to negotiate.
With my old miniDVs, luckily we only needed a miniDV supporting camera that output to firewire, as a HP PC we bought years ago had a firewire input to allow recording to the computer. We borrowed it from a photographer friend who had the camera.
It still takes a long~ time though.
posted by Bodrik at 10:04 PM on May 20, 2013
With my old miniDVs, luckily we only needed a miniDV supporting camera that output to firewire, as a HP PC we bought years ago had a firewire input to allow recording to the computer. We borrowed it from a photographer friend who had the camera.
It still takes a long~ time though.
posted by Bodrik at 10:04 PM on May 20, 2013
I Googled "hi8 recording with vlc" and got interesting results, that might require a step using a PC but still.
posted by Freedomboy at 11:12 PM on May 20, 2013
posted by Freedomboy at 11:12 PM on May 20, 2013
It's actually incredible simple.
Just look for a used Sony Digital8 Camcorder. Any model will do equally well.
Then, pop the tape in & connect it to your computer via FireWire (you'll need a 4pin cable for the camcorder end and 6 or 9 for the computer).
Victory! I purchased a used Digital 8 camcorder on ebay a few years ago for $100. Good luck.
posted by mmdei at 6:42 PM on May 21, 2013
Just look for a used Sony Digital8 Camcorder. Any model will do equally well.
Then, pop the tape in & connect it to your computer via FireWire (you'll need a 4pin cable for the camcorder end and 6 or 9 for the computer).
Victory! I purchased a used Digital 8 camcorder on ebay a few years ago for $100. Good luck.
posted by mmdei at 6:42 PM on May 21, 2013
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Do you know anyone with a mini-DV camera with RCA in that you can borrow? You could dub your Hi-8 to mini-DV and make new masters, or just run it through the camcorder into FCP and capture without TC.
posted by nathancaswell at 8:57 PM on May 20, 2013