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General discussion

Broken 1991 Sony Handycam Video8 tapes - convert to DVD?

Nov 24, 2007 6:06AM PST

Hi, newbie here! We have a few dozen Video8 tapes from the Sony Handycam CCD AF that we purchased in 1991. The Handycam doesn't work any more and we would like to "burn" the tapes onto DVD. I have heard that more recent camcorders have both tape and digital capabilities, is that a good option? We don't really need a camcorder any more so are there any cheap ones or is there a better way? HELP!

Discussion is locked

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It's not going to be easy.
Nov 24, 2007 8:36AM PST

Just so you know, capturing Hi8 tapes and putting them onto DVD is going to take time, even once you are able to do it.

To capture ("load") the tapes onto your computer, you will need either a Hi8 camcorder or a Hi8 player, and the latter may not exist. I recommend finding an inexpensive Hi8 camcorder somewhere, maybe even on eBay.

There are different ways to capture Hi8 onto your computer. I use my video editing software, which gives you the most control and is the most efficient once you know the program. I use Ulead VideoStudio 10+.

Look into a product called a "Dazzle". They sell them at Best Buy. It has an RCA jack (yellow, white, and red cables like the ones on your TV) on one side and USB (which goes in your computer) on the other. Just connect the camcorder into one side and the other (USB) to the computer. You may need a cable to split your A/V out jack on the camcorder into RCA- it may not have those ports. The software is able to capture video to your computer, render video (format for a DVD), and burn onto DVD.

Keep in mind that you will need hard drive space and the capability to burn DVDs. Use DVD-Rs. (not DVD+R)

Please let me know if this was helpful.

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More questions...
Nov 24, 2007 8:56AM PST

Thanks a lot for your comments. Is Hi8 the same as Video8? I just realized that my PC doesn't have a DVD burner (I was being cheap when I bought it!). That seems to be a large problem to overcome. Is it somehow possible to transfer onto a digital camcorder instead? Sony online help recommended a CCD-TRV138, they said it will play the Video8 tapes and is a functioning modern digital camcorder.

Just groping around in the dark here!

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So, the idea is that
Nov 25, 2007 7:43AM PST

this camcorder can play Hi8 but capture onto your computer as digital? (Maybe there is an analog-to-digital chip inside?) I hope when they said "function as a modern digital camcorder" that they didn't mean quality-wise; analog will not capture onto your computer.

I looked online and I couldn't find any info to back up what Sony said. I suggest you take a good look around before you buy anything.

Not having a DVD burner is going to hinder you, though your hopes are not dashed. But the money you saved by not having a DVD burner in your computer will be spent buying an external DVD burner. (assuming you don't already have one) There are some all-in-one DVD burners that let you skip your computer and go straight from camcorder to DVD, but that's for digital video...

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You're right,
Nov 25, 2007 9:20AM PST

it isn't digital at all, is it? It doesn't even have a USB port if I can believe a reviewer on amazon. Maybe I follow your original suggestion and use it with video editing software like Dazzle and an external DVD burner. So...

Hi8 camcorder (that has USB?) + video software + DVD burner = solution?

You are so kind to help me.

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looks like two items are needed...
Nov 25, 2007 11:11AM PST
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Right
Nov 26, 2007 8:06AM PST

Yes, to state it visually, you need:

Hi8 Camcorder --> Analog-to-digital Converter --> Computer

The tricky part is going to be burning the DVDs when you don't have a DVD burner inside the computer. You'll have to try doing it externally. I've seen fairly inexpensive ones around that go straight into a USB port.

You could call up your local photo shop and see if they do this sort of thing. Do you have a Wolf Camera store in your area? I know they do VHS, they might do Hi8 too.

If you only have a few tapes, I think that would be a better option. It will probably be less than $50 per Hi8 tape put onto DVD. If you have lots and lots of these tapes, it may be worth buying the equipment to do it yourself.

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lots of pieces to this puzzle
Nov 26, 2007 8:20PM PST

Boy wish I had included a burner when I bought the PC. I probably have enough tapes to puchase rather than pay a camera store. Still... if I have it right I need to purchase a new Hi8 camcorder, converter, DVD software, DVD burner...wow. Maybe Santa will read this post.

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looks good
Nov 26, 2007 8:04PM PST

I like that idea, the Dazzle looks less intimidating and pretty cheap. Thanks for the links!

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Copying the Video 8 Handycam tapes to DVD
Sep 11, 2009 7:47AM PDT

I have been reading the posts and thought I would add in that I bought a software package online called Honestech VHS to DVD and although there were bugs at first I think it works well. Because I have a 64-bit system and run on Vista I had to opt for their Deluxe version, think its 4.0, but any 32-bit system will work with the earlier versions. There is a Videobox converter you hook to the Camcorder with RCA cables and that hooks a USB to your PC. Try it, or one of the many others like it. Good luck.

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PLEASE HELP....I too am having this dilemah.
Dec 2, 2010 12:32AM PST

Hello...I purchased parts for my sony video cam 10x ccd22?? so I could transfer my 8mm tapes to dvd or computer (preferably computer). As soon as parts arrived my camera decided to take a dive! I now have been loaned a similar (longer) model...sony video camcorder ccd-FX410 NTSC 8 (says ccd AF on lens???)

Anyway....It also had a Canon RF UNIT RU-E2 accessory/adapter unit with video out, audio out, video in and so forth. Also camera line in, vhf out, etc etc etc. Can this unit be used with the camera I mentioned ccd-FX410 or is this an extra part? What do I need to do this correctly and not ruin my tapes.

I read the conversation on this...I know it will take time and effort...I am on unemployment and have alot of time on my hands since no one is hiring at the moment...might as well stay constructive.

Anyway...Can you help me figure out what is needed for this job to be done successfully?

Thank you sooooooooooooo much. Time sensative matter...tapes are at the age limit of experation if not over.

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Canon Rf Unit RU-E2
Nov 11, 2011 4:39AM PST
Hi there I have lost my RU-E2 RF Unit that came with my Canovision 8 Camcorder that I purchased many years ago. I now desparately need one in order to convert my video tapes of my grandchildren to disc format. If the unit you have is of no use to you perhaps you would let me purchase it from you.

By the way do not be put off because I live in the UK

With best wishes
Pete Humphris
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Not quite
Jul 25, 2014 1:02AM PDT

followed your advises. Did not work. I bought the RCA-3-jacks to USB cable, connected it between the PC and the camcorder, and Windows Vista popped up a message as USB device not recognised. Any help you can provide?