Archiving Home Video

[chuckaug]

I am seeking advice on an archiving project.
I have a number (30 1 hour tapes) of Mini DV tapes dating back 7 or 8 years. I would like to archive on portable harddrives to preserve.
I am trying to meet the following needs
1-Would like to store with no loss of quality or minimal loss if there is a good compression option that does not limit future options in using the files. (Disc space not an issue given price of external hard drives)
2-Would like to be able to watch directly from harddrive using devices like Apple TV or Western digital video player.
3-Would like to be able to burn DVD's from master files as needed - could compress as needed at that time.
4-Ideally use software and formats that are most likely to be around for a long time
5-Ability to copy entire drives full of data to allow sharing copies with family members and back up as needed.
6-Keep it as simple as possible. While I might do some editing in the future I just want to get all the raw data stored at this time. At this time just want to label each tape with dates.
7-Prefer to work with PC system although Apple hardware available.

Next phase of project will involve doing the same for about 50 8mm video tapes (analogue) but I will tackle the digital tapes first

Thanks
Chuck

[hech54]

MiniDV to your computer via Firewire connection....no quality loss since it is a "data transfer". They will be big files though.

[chuckaug]

Ok
What software would you recommend for the transfer and organization of these files?
I am using a pc with windows 7

Thanks for your help
Chuck

[hech54]

I believe WinDV is still around....a reliable freebie.