Loud buzz when outputting audio only

[joelkranz]

I am converting Hi8 videos to digital using a Sony CCD-TRV88 Handycam. The tapes play fine on the camcorder, both audio and video, but when I run a line out for the audio to either a speaker system or a computer, it comes along with a loud buzz. The buzz is there so long as the camcorder is powered on, even if it is not playing a tape (though when I push play, the buzz can get somewhat louder). Any ideas on how to get rid of the buzz? Many thanks!

[zoobie]

see if you can turn around the plug in the wall outlet
try another outlet

[herder]

Buzz is often power supply - unregulated etc.

try tapes in different player,

or try better quality shielded audio leads.

The output leads may be picking up interference from electronic devices,
(even the modern power-breaker domestic fuse-boxes can cause it)

can you do the process in an interference free environment -
- outdoors for eg - perhaps running inverter from vehicle for mains power,
well away from any domestic or industrial mains power installations ?

Sounds drastic, but if your legacy recordings are as precious as mine are - may be worth effort

Good Luck

[turk690]

...but when I run a line out for the audio to either a speaker system or a computer, it comes along with a loud buzz... Any ideas on how to get rid of the buzz?

You are using the wrong cable. If that is the 1/8"-to-RCA male cable there are two or three variations on the market, differing in which part of the 1/8" is connected to which RCA plug. If the ground is common, you may try switching video, L and R and see if the buzzing goes away. But I have never encountered a case where the ground is always connected to the same band on the 1/8". This has been discussed in more detail in https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/359280-Pass-through-won-t-work?p=2271848

[johns0]

Sounds like you have a faulty or wrong type of cable for the audio/video,try another one,if it's still buzzing then it's a ground problem in the camera audio out.