Video8 Color loss

[briannc]

Hi guys, first time post, unfortunately under bad circumstances. Both of my parents just died and I'm trying to hold onto some memories that were captured on a Sony camcorder about 14 years old. The tapes are 9-14 years old. During playback with the Sony camcorder the tapes play in black and white though they were recorded in color. At times the color comes back, though it lasts only for a few minutes, and it is not vivid. I've got about 15 tapes, and they are all like this. Could this be a problem with the camcorder or the tapes? If it is the tapes, is there a program that is recommended that would correct this, or would it be more cost effective to hire someone to convert these and color correct them. Any advice is appreciated.

[zoobie]

At times the color comes back, though it lasts only for a few minutes, and it is not vivid.

Well, I'd start with the cam & cleaning the head.
It kinda sounds like the head itself is fading away...they wear out
You can always rent another cam...I think
Following that, you can determine whether to do it yourself or have a lab transfer to digital

[briannc]

At times the color comes back, though it lasts only for a few minutes, and it is not vivid.

Well, I'd start with the cam & cleaning the head.
It kinda sounds like the head itself is fading away...they wear out
You can always rent another cam...I think
Following that, you can determine whether to do it yourself or have a lab transfer to digital

Thanks for the tip, I'll run by Best Buy and see if they have any of these old cleaning tapes laying around.

[JohnnyMalaria]

I agree with zoobie. I have a Video8 deck that I hadn't used for a long time (years). The heads had definitely deteriorated. I tried a Hi8 camcorder that wasn't as old and the tapes played fine.

In addition to renting, you may have luck finding a colleague/friend with a Digital8 camcorder. These can play Video8 tapes and convert to DV format for direct connection to a PC via FireWire.

Failing all that, you can get a used Digital8 camcorder on eBay for a reasonable price.

[briannc]

I agree with zoobie. I have a Video8 deck that I hadn't used for a long time (years). The heads had definitely deteriorated. I tried a Hi8 camcorder that wasn't as old and the tapes played fine.

In addition to renting, you may have luck finding a colleague/friend with a Digital8 camcorder. These can play Video8 tapes and convert to DV format for direct connection to a PC via FireWire.

Failing all that, you can get a used Digital8 camcorder on eBay for a reasonable price.

That is a good tip, as it would perhaps produce a better copy than going through my old ATI AIW video card with RCA connections. I'll send out an email at work, surely someone has one. I knew the Hi8 players would play these regular 8mm tapes, but had no idea the Digital8 would as well. Thanks!

It is comforting to know you guys think the tapes are ok. If it matters, though the camcorder is just a 8mm, some of the tapes are 8mm and some are Hi8. I was kind of shocked at first thinking that these 8mm tapes deteriorate faster than vhs.

[zoobie]

the capacitors go out, too
had one go out on a Canon A-1 Hi8 cam
<== there it is in a rainy Switzerland

[2Bdecided]

You can't play Hi8 on 8mm.

A colleague was convinced his tapes were dead when they wouldn't play in his 1989 Ricoh 8mm camcorder, but he's just had someone else transfer them and is very pleased with the results. The camcorder is far more likely to be dead than the tapes - which is a good reason for not playing them in an old uncared-for camcorder.

Cheers,
David.

[zoobie]

pretty hard for a tape to goof...but I've had it happen where it didn't quite seat properly yet recorded a somewhat jittery shot...unknown to me...until I, luckily, took out the tape for something and it was then reinserted and seated properly

[OldVideo8]

The method of recording of Video 8 tape is very different as VHS. All datas be written in all frame recorded on tape (luma, chroma, audio and sync). Video8 format is very strong, view all or nothing. If you have an image from tape, lost audio or chroma is caused from electronic circuit of your camera. Capacitors exausted after 5-6 years cause a lot of problem during tape play. Some Sony Digital8 cameras convert very good quality DV format over firewire out from 8mm and Hi8 source video format directly. I have my tape Sony Video8 20 year old perfectly converted in DVD recently. I have a Digital8 Sony DCR-TRV230E.

[Richard_G]

You can't play Hi8 on 8mm.

You can't play a tape recorded on a Hi8 camcorder on a 8mm, or Video8 camcorder. But if they were Hi8 tapes used in a video8 camcorder you can. I always used to use tapes marked as Hi8 in a Video8 camcorder as they were better quality and less prone to drop outs.

I will agree with everyone else. Unless it has been stored wrongly, it is unlikely the tape has deteriorated but the camcorder certainly will have. As said, most failures are due to the electrolytic capacitors drying out and losing capacity. I use a Digital8 camcorder to transfer Video8 and Hi8 footage over Firewire too. It's worth getting a cheap Digital8 for this use alone.

[zoobie]

you can get broken ones on eBay for just a fraction
they play but don't record and are used as a playback deck only
it helps to be from a guaranteed repair place
get an individuals guarantee
avoid 'all sales final' because you won't get your money back...the college student has already had his kegger...