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Question

Is it possible to use DVDRecorder to convert MiniDvs to dvd?

Aug 11, 2013 7:06PM PDT

Hey everyone so i have this old camcorder that uses MiniDv cassesttes to record and i have many of these minidvs that i want to conver to digital as its easier to play on computer. I know i could go to a video store and pay them lots of money to convert my tapes to digital but i would rather do it my self if possible. I knw the easiest way is to connect my camcorder to computer and then transfer the tapes to harddrive but sadly my computer doesnt have the old firewire port to connect my camcorder to my computer so i was reading and someone told me that if i could play those minidv tapes on tv then i could use dvd recorder to record anything that is playing on Tv to dvd? Someone please confirm this. Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: DVD recorder
Aug 11, 2013 7:16PM PDT

Well, that depends on the TV. If it sends a copy of the signal it receives to a connected recorder, it might work. Some TV's might do, others don't. Why not try to see if you can record a regular broadcast that way?

And does your TV have a firewire connection? Or what input on the TV do you use to view the minidvd?
What outputs does that camcorder have? What inputs does your dvd-recorder have?

Kees

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no dvd recorder yet
Aug 11, 2013 7:38PM PDT

I have two tvs one is brand new Samsung 46" LED TV :
http://www.costco.ca/Samsung%C2%AE-UN46EH5300-46-in.-Smart-TV-1080p-LED-HDTV**.product.100035061.html
Heres all the input/outputs it has:
Number of A/V (Composite) Inputs: 1
Number of Component Inputs: 1
Number of DVI Inputs: 1
Number of Ethernet Input: 1
Number of HDMI: 3
Number of Optical Audio Outputs: 1
Number of RF Inputs: 1
Number of USB Inputs: 2

Other i have is really old Sony LCD TV (KF42WE620) , it has many svideos, one vga like output (DVI-HDTV Interface) and bunch of RCA composite outputs.
Heres all the input/outputs my old tv has:
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/3300/2kjb.jpg

My camcorder Sony TRV22:
-I connect it to my tv using A/V cable
-also has firewire and usb connections

Lastly i dont have the dvd recorder yet

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Then my choice would be ....
Aug 11, 2013 7:51PM PDT

a DVD-recorder with A/V inputs for the A/V-cable you use.

Kees

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thx
Aug 12, 2013 2:57PM PDT
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Answer
Mini DV to DVD
Aug 11, 2013 9:38PM PDT

Yes - If you have a tv that will take a Composite input (Yellow plug) and a DVD recorder connected via Scart or another connector, you can play the tapes on your camera to your TV and record on to DVD.

My TV system is a Panasonic Viera TV with a composite + S-Video input on the front and a Scart output to my Panasonic DVD recorder. Records anything showing on the TV to DVD-R disks.

OR buy a FireWire card (not expensive) and get your dealer to select the correct driver. This is the best way as it is a direct route into a video editor (In my case Corel VideoStudio Pro) which will download your tapes, convert them directly into "shots", allow you to create an edited video with sound track of your choice and then burn a DVD. This is the process I use for my Canon HV20 DV camcorder.

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what is scart
Aug 12, 2013 2:59PM PDT

hey what is scart and how do i knw if my tv has it or not? cant i connect dvd recorder by other means?

i just found out i cannot install firewire card in my laptop Sad

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Re: Scart
Aug 12, 2013 5:18PM PDT
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Firewire card for Laptop
Aug 12, 2013 6:42PM PDT

If your laptop has an expansion slot you can buy a firewire card to fit into it. Look at sites like Amazon.

SCART used to be the primary connection between a TV and a DVD player or other TV input. Your camera probably came with a SCART/ composite adapter.

It would be useful for you to update yourself on the technology, join a video club for example. there is little we can to help if you are not familiar with the basics.

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Your TVs
Aug 12, 2013 6:57PM PDT

Looking at the specs for your TVs I cannot see an output you could use for a DVD recorder. Most of the sockets seem to be for input to the TV. There are no SCART outputs shown on either TV spec. I'm not sure if the DVI port would work.

Again I suggest trying for a Firewire port for your laptop. From all reports they seem to work well.

Incidentally I always go for tower systems especially for video work. They are so much more flexible, I had to fit a Firewire card into mine for my Canon HV20 camera.