How do I play these tapes?

[SoCalMK]

I was recently given a box full of home movies by family members in several different formats (MiniDV, Hi8, VHS-C etc.). I was wondering, do I need different camcorders then to play each one? Is there a machine that will play every format. A friend of mine recently told me that there was a casing that I can place the tape into and then play in a standard VHS VCR, but did not know which format that applied to. Is there such a casing for all of the formats, some of the formats, or perhaps just one of them? Any help would be greatly appreciated and I apologize if this is a completely newb question.

[yoda313]

Hello,

I don't think there's an ALL IN ONE device.

The vhs c should have a vhs converter cassette to pop into so you can play it in a normal vcr.

The hi8 needs a 8mm video camera or a dedicated player (rare and pricey).

The minidv will only play on a digital camcorder.

Sorry you really do need different devices to play all those

Kevin

[SoCalMK]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I guess I better get out the credit card.

[Bodyslide]

You can also ask around to see if your friends might have the equipment you can borrow.

[Roundabout]

SoCalMK,

If you are in Southern CA, I have a Hi8 deck you could borrow to copy all your 8mm and Hi8 tapes. I don't have a VHS-C deck, as I never bought one, I always have used the 8mm format.

PM me if you want, and tell me your location and maybe we can get together sometime.

I haven't used the deck in a while, so I may have to dig it out and clean the heads in it, but it works great and would save you spending a lot of money for something you may or may not use again.

I also live in SoCal.

Roundabout

[thecoalman]

If your going to purchase a hi-8 player get a digital-8, some of those tapes can be either hi-8 (analog or digtal-8 (digital). They use the same tape, make sure you get one that can play both.

[freestyler]

You can get an adapter to play VHS-C tapes in any VCR. One will set you back around $10-15 bucks.

[SoCalMK]

Thanks to everyone for their help, especially Roundabout for the very generous offer. I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and buy the equipment because my family is asking me to convert these, and many more to come, to DVD so I'm going to need to use the camcorders a lot.

[yoda313]

Hello,

bite the bullet and buy the equipment because my family is asking me to convert these, and many more to come

Then pass the hat around at the next family reunion! (solicit donations )

Kevin

[MOVIEGEEK]

I suggest you take them to a photo/video shop and have them convert to DVD,it might be cheaper.

[Roundabout]

Thanks to everyone for their help, especially Roundabout for the very generous offer.

No problem, if you need it, let me know. Since you're converting all this to DVD, you'd probably be better off buying a standalone DVD recorder for $140.00 or so at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club. That is, unless you need to do editing. I can only imagine what a headache it's going to be to do if you have to edit them, many hours of work on your PC.

If nothing else, you can probably save a few bucks on the purchase of equipment by buying it used from Ebay or the "Recycler". I've found a few good deals in the Recycler and since it's local, you can actually haggle with the seller and check out the item instead of buying it sight-unseen.

Thinking about what freestyler said, come to think of it, maybe there's no such thing as a VHS-C deck, only cameras and adaptors for playing them in VCR's. I really don't remember ever seeing a VHS-C deck anywhere, though it's possible they do exist
But certainly the adaptor route seems the way to go, then just stick it into your VHS deck and away you go.

Then pass the hat around at the next family reunion! (solicit donations )

Kevin

I'm with you on that one! It could get expensive buying all that equipment.

[edDV]

A dub house will be much cheaper than buying players even for used equipment and the quality will be very good.

You will need to specify an output medium. MiniDV is good if you have a miniDV camcorder.