Capturing HDV Tapes using a DV Camcorder

[Raz1]

Hi Guys,

I have been using this forum for years and have finally plucked up the courage to join!! Apologies in advance if I am asking something really stupid.

Basically, I had a friend who recorded my wedding for me in HDV (tapes) format and he gave me the master copy (the tape). Now basically I dont have access to his camcorder and I need to transfer this into my computer for editing. I have managed to locate a DV camcorder. If I insert the tapes into the DV camcorder it says, HD format not support. My question is can I still use the DV camcorder to transfer the HD tape to my computer.

If the answer is no, it will save me from having to buy a redundant firewire cable.

Many Thanks,
Raz

[filmboss80]

No. DV camcorder is DV. HDV is mpeg-2 based. Compression is different; data is put to tape in different fashion. One is standard def, the other hi-def. The only thing compatible is the size of the tape cassette.

[Raz1]

OK thanks for your help. I have since gone to a shop and asked them to transfer them over.

Thanks for your help.

There werent any other options were there?

[MJA]

send the tapes to a pro(u can ask for a bluray,or SD copies) cheaper than buying a camera

[edDV]

HDV format outputs 1440x1080i @25 Mb/s MPeg2 TS. Most HDV camcorders can also down convert to DV format 720x480i @25 Mb/s in hardware.

[filmboss80]

Most HDV camcorders can also down convert to DV format 720x480i @25 Mb/s in hardware.

...but not vice versa. The OP only had access to a DV camcorder.

[edDV]

The OP will need to play the tape in an HDV camcorder or player.