video8 tapes to pc

[jbristow]

I am needing some advise on how is the best way for me to transfer my old video8 tapes to edit on pc and save to dvd. I have about 30+ tapes so would be too expensive to send to shop to convert.
I havn't got the old camcorder so I am looking to buy off ebay. Could someone advise if this model would do what i need.
Sony Handycam DCR-TRV245 or if not, any other that would do the job. Only need to play and capture the tapes, not needed to record anything. I have Cyberlink Powerdirector software. Also if I bought a video 8 camcorder, how could i connect to pc.
Very confused lady needing some easy to understand advise..Thanks

[ranchhand]

I Googled that model camcorder, and it appears to be digital, not analog, so that makes things easier. Once you get a digital camcorder (make sure it is not an older analog camcorder) that will accept the casettes, I would think that you would just plug your USB cable from the camcorder to your computer, and hopfully Cyberlink will be able to import your videos. I suggest saving to mpeg2 files (if possible), they are quite universal and easier to manipulate that many other types. Unfortunately, I know nothing about Cyberlink products, maybe someone else here can jump in. I found one link to a tutorial in the forum for Cyberlink, but it is not your version.
http://www.digital-digest.com/articles/Cyberlink_PowerProducer_DVD_Authoring_Guide_pa
ge1.html

[jbristow]

Thanks for replying to me. I think i will be able to use the cyberlink software if I can get that far as i've used it before sucessfully. My concern is more if that digital camcorder will read video8 cassettes as I beleive some later model digital camcorders will not. Thanks for advise on saving to mpeg2 files.

[edDV]

First are you sure these tapes are Video8 (not hi8 or Digital8)? Do they play on your Video8 camcorder?

If you go the Digital8 camcorder route, research the camera specs to see if analog playback is supported. A quick look at the DCR-TRV245 specs didn't show analog tape playback capability.

Otherwise, you can capture off the Video8 camcorder with a computer tuner or capture card. Since you want to edit I'd recommend capture to DV (e.g. Canopus ADVC, ADC Pyro) or to huffyuv using a classic non-encoding (Connectix/Philips) tuner

[jbristow]

Yes I'm sure they are Video8 and unfortunately I dont have the video8 camcorder. Would you know of any digital camcorders
that have analog tape playback capability?
Many thanks...

[edDV]

Yes I'm sure they are Video8 and unfortunately I dont have the video8 camcorder. Would you know of any digital camcorders
that have analog tape playback capability?
Many thanks...

Digital8 camcorders were made 1998-2009.

The early models all had analog tape (Video8 and Hi8) playback capability. Over time this feature was eliminated from the low end 1xx, 2xx models, then late in the game only the highest end models (700-900) had the feature. Not sure about the 4xx models.

You need to download the Sony spec sheet or manual to confirm the feature for any specific model.

[ranchhand]

IF it turns out that you have analog, then I suggest the Hauppauge 250PVR capture card. I used this extensively when I converted the dozens of analog casettes to mpeg2 that I filmed of my kids growing up on my Sony Camcorder. It is older now, and I hope less expensive than what I paid for it, but it does a heck of a job and is totally dependable. Link:
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_pvr250.html

[Vidd]

Digital8 camcorders were made 1998-2009.

The early models all had analog tape (Video8 and Hi8) playback capability.

What would give better quality?

Playing an analog 8mm/Hi8 tape in a Digital8 Camcorder to a PC
or
Using an analog Hi8 camcorder hooked to a Canopus ADVC to a PC

[edDV]

Digital8 camcorders were made 1998-2009.

The early models all had analog tape (Video8 and Hi8) playback capability.

What would give better quality?

Playing an analog 8mm/Hi8 tape in a Digital8 Camcorder to a PC
or
Using an analog Hi8 camcorder hooked to a Canopus ADVC to a PC

The latter would be slightly better especially if the Hi8 camcorder has a built in TBC.
Digital8 playback of analog tapes may lack picture in shuttle depending on model.