Can't get Video

[Macdon22shipp]

Just trying to transfer some old video done with my Hitachi 8mm camcorder to my Pioneer 310-s recorder. The problem i'm having is when i put a tape in my Sony TRV250 Digital 8 camcorder i don't get any Video or Audio at all but the camcorder show the icon indicating that the tape is playing. I don't even have the camcorder hooked up i'm just trying to view it through the screen on the camcorder. Looking through the manual i can't see a setting change or anything on this. Thanks for all you help.

[bugster]

Your old camcorder recorded the movie in analog format, the new one is digital. It just so happens that they bopth use the same tape format for storing their data.

I think some Digital 8 camcorder's will play back analog Hi8 tapes but they probably need a setting changing somewhere. I can't say wether yours is one of those that will tho.

[curtw]

I think some Digital 8 camcorder's will play back analog Hi8 tapes but they probably need a setting changing somewhere. I can't say wether yours is one of those that will tho.

I'm pretty sure that all of the Digital8's will do it, as backwards compatibility is a major selling point. There may be a problem if your old Hitachi used some sort of 'kludge' to the tape speed/duration. The Sony will only understand 'SP', or 2-hour mode recordings.

[Macdon22shipp]

Went ot the place where i bought it seeking advice and thiss what i got. Can't be done!!!! Bought a $1000 Sony which can't play my 8MM tapes because it doesn't have analog to Digital coverter. So i hooked it up wiyh my old camcorder anf through the front ports of the dvd recorgher

[bobinga]

I was specifically lookig for a backwards( BC )compatible cam and the 250 is not as you have discovered.

TRV 350 is BC, but was more expensive than I wanted. Bought a TRV 103 for around $300 with shipping on EBAY and a TRV 740 from Sears for <$350. Why I have 2 is a long story and already discussed.

103 is toploading ; 740, 250 and 350 are bottom loading.
103 and 740 also have a passthru feature allowing you to convert analog to digital and supposedly get rid of macrovision.

How is your color on your pioneer 310? I have a 210 which is identical and notice that the color is slightly washed out.

Perhaps you can return your 250 for a refund? Good luck.

[Macdon22shipp]

Returning the Sony 250 can't be done as i bought it almost a year ago. I just didn't try playing my analog tapes in it because i din't have a need for that until i bought the Pioneer 310 recorder. There is a box you can buy that will allow me to plug in my old Hitachi camcorder and has a DV plug on the other end to hook to my Pioneer recorder. Cost of that unit is $400 Canadian. Little to rich for my blood.