How to capture Hi-8 videotapes for editing? at DVinfo.net

Alex Thames · November 4th, 2006, 05:08 PM

I have a Sony CCD-TRV608 NTSC video Hi8 camera and two Hi-8 tapes, but I have no idea how to capture this onto my computer for editing.

Does anyone know how? The only connection this camera has is a DC power port and a USB (probably USB 1) plug, S Video Out, A/V out, and RFU DC out port.

John Miller · November 4th, 2006, 05:34 PM

It depends on what features your computer has, particularly the graphics card. Do you know what it is? Some have video input so you can capture via that.

Alternatively, if you know anyone with a Sony Digital8 camcorder, you can play the Hi8 tapes in it and a digital signal will be available via a Firewire connection. If you have a Firewire port on your computer, this would be a simple solution.

A standalone DVD recorder will let you record the analog output from your Hi8 camcorder directly onto a DVD (in MPEG2 format). This can then be used in your PC.

Frank Hool · November 4th, 2006, 05:35 PM

I use for that ATI AIW Radeon graphic card. Very old model. But it's Theatre chipset gives best compression quality i've found from entry level analog capture cards.
Another possible option is to use DV camcorder as A/D converter.

Pete Bauer · November 4th, 2006, 06:30 PM

See also this thread:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=72216

Stuart Campbell · November 16th, 2006, 08:42 AM

When I purchased my Mac laptop many years ago I bought a fantastic little gizmo which converts RF, S-Video, and Composite video to Firewire. I think it was made by Format. It only cost about £100 (200us). I'll go and dig it out and have a look for the model number and do a google search to see if anyone still sells them. It will convert in the other direction too. Firewire to analogue. Also has analogue stereo audio inputs. It's served me well for many years!

Chris Barcellos · November 16th, 2006, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Thames

I have a Sony CCD-TRV608 NTSC video Hi8 camera and two Hi-8 tapes, but I have no idea how to capture this onto my computer for editing.

Does anyone know how? The only connection this camera has is a DC power port and a USB (probably USB 1) plug, S Video Out, A/V out, and RFU DC out port.

Hi8 does not transfer video directly to a computer.

Best way to capture Hi 8 is to get a hold of a Digital 8 Sony camera. Most are configured to play and transfer 8 mm and Hi 8 to the computer by firewire. You might be able to get a used one fairly cheap just to act as a deck.

Second best option is to get a video capture card that will capture via s-video and/or composite ports. I've used Pinnacle in the past, and they provide a decent beginning level editor/DVD production suite in their Studio software, if that is what you are looking for..

Ervin Farkas · November 17th, 2006, 12:51 PM

Really not worth fooling around with capturing analog video - just ask around, there are many left over D8 camcorders, most of them collecting dust in your friend's drawers some place.

Tim OBrien · November 29th, 2006, 05:39 PM

Duplicate post

Tim OBrien · November 29th, 2006, 05:42 PM

Plextor Convertx m-402 USB2

http://www.plextor.com/english/products/M402U.htm

Only $100-150. Worked great for me capturing all my VHS tapes over to the computer.

Take your S-Video out to the S-Video in of the plextor and throw it right on your computer. Has built-in hardware MPEG conversion or you can capture as avis....

David Kidd · November 30th, 2006, 02:38 PM

I bought a ADVC 300 video converter from Canopus for these scenarios. It works great.

November 4th, 2006, 05:08 PM	#1
Alex Thames Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 508	How to capture Hi-8 videotapes for editing? I have a Sony CCD-TRV608 NTSC video Hi8 camera and two Hi-8 tapes, but I have no idea how to capture this onto my computer for editing. Does anyone know how? The only connection this camera has is a DC power port and a USB (probably USB 1) plug, S Video Out, A/V out, and RFU DC out port.

November 4th, 2006, 06:30 PM	#4
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	See also this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=72216 __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

November 17th, 2006, 12:51 PM	#7
Ervin Farkas Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta/USA Posts: 2,515	Really not worth fooling around with capturing analog video - just ask around, there are many left over D8 camcorders, most of them collecting dust in your friend's drawers some place. __________________ Ervin Farkas www.AtlantaLegalVideo.com

November 4th, 2006, 05:34 PM	#2
John Miller Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hillsborough, NC, USA Posts: 968	It depends on what features your computer has, particularly the graphics card. Do you know what it is? Some have video input so you can capture via that. Alternatively, if you know anyone with a Sony Digital8 camcorder, you can play the Hi8 tapes in it and a digital signal will be available via a Firewire connection. If you have a Firewire port on your computer, this would be a simple solution. A standalone DVD recorder will let you record the analog output from your Hi8 camcorder directly onto a DVD (in MPEG2 format). This can then be used in your PC.

November 4th, 2006, 05:35 PM	#3
Frank Hool Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barca Spain Posts: 384	I use for that ATI AIW Radeon graphic card. Very old model. But it's Theatre chipset gives best compression quality i've found from entry level analog capture cards. Another possible option is to use DV camcorder as A/D converter.

November 16th, 2006, 08:42 AM	#5
Stuart Campbell Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hannover, Germany Posts: 400	When I purchased my Mac laptop many years ago I bought a fantastic little gizmo which converts RF, S-Video, and Composite video to Firewire. I think it was made by Format. It only cost about £100 (200us). I'll go and dig it out and have a look for the model number and do a google search to see if anyone still sells them. It will convert in the other direction too. Firewire to analogue. Also has analogue stereo audio inputs. It's served me well for many years!

November 29th, 2006, 05:39 PM	#8
Tim OBrien Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Palm Beach, Florida USA Posts: 99	Duplicate post

November 29th, 2006, 05:42 PM	#9
Tim OBrien Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Palm Beach, Florida USA Posts: 99	Plextor Convertx m-402 USB2 http://www.plextor.com/english/products/M402U.htm Only $100-150. Worked great for me capturing all my VHS tapes over to the computer. Take your S-Video out to the S-Video in of the plextor and throw it right on your computer. Has built-in hardware MPEG conversion or you can capture as avis....

November 30th, 2006, 02:38 PM	#10
David Kidd New Boot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 23	I bought a ADVC 300 video converter from Canopus for these scenarios. It works great.