Help me.

[FJYankeeFan]

Ok, so I have a Sony Handicam that records to those hi-8 tapes. So now I have a bunch of those tapes....now what? I can't upload them to my computer and burn them, not enough memory. I don't own a vcr, so I can't make vhs. Who uses vhs anymore anyway? Do I need to get a dvd burner for the tv to make viewable copies of my tapes?

[RomaBoy]

FJYankeeFan previously said:

Who uses vhs anymore anyway?

I do...got a couple of them too and they work. Sorry I can't help.

[MuddyGrrl]

I hope you get an answer to this burning question. (Yes, that was a bad pun.) I have several of these tapes and with some fun footage of the kids from about 12 years ago. I'd love to be able to see them again.
Maybe a search on the WWW?

M

[FJYankeeFan]

I have looked and I get so overwhelmed with everything. I was hoping there was someone who could just tell me to do this.

I really want to get a new camcorder that uses a different media, but don't know what to go for. My kids are growing so fast.

[iCruiser]

The cheapest way to go is to get a set top DVD-Recorder. Just connect the output from the camcorder into the recorder and press record. You can also later use it to play DVDs on your TV, and also record TV shows.

These can be had for pretty cheap nowadays!

If you want to go directly through a computer, then it's a bit more complex.

You can always put the final DVD into a computer and convert them later.

Here's one cheap alternative.
Lite-on DD-A500GX 1080i Double Layer DVD Recorder w/HDMI Liteon DD-A500GX

good luck!

T

[MuddyGrrl]

Thanks iCruiser! I have a little bit of a problem. My Hi-8 camcorder is broken.

[FJC8871]

There are a few options. It depends how much $$ you want to spend.

1. You can keep the Hi 8 cam and use as a player. Plug it in to the TV everytime you want to watch a tape. Cost = 0.

2. Buy a DVD Recorder. Amazon has this for $59.99. You can plug your camera into this and capture all of the video to DVD. All you need to buy is the blank media.




3. For a little more money you can by this Sony DVDirect DVD Recorder. Lowest on Amazon is $179. Plug camera into this and capture. Creates your DVDs.



4. I think you can take the tapes in and get them transferred to DVD at a camera shop.

Hope this helps.

[iCruiser]

FJYankeeFan previously said:

I have looked and I get so overwhelmed with everything. I was hoping there was someone who could just tell me to do this.

I really want to get a new camcorder that uses a different media, but don't know what to go for. My kids are growing so fast.

I need to know what is your final goal?

Easy recording for playback or quality?

for quick recording and such any camcorder with the miniDVD recording disc should suit your needs since after taping, plot the miniDVD into any player and wala! (quality of picture is just ok)

as for quality, going 1080HD onto Hard drive, solid state, or tapes will require a computer for manipulation and conversion to DVDs.

If you wanna go the computer route, a MAC is a must for usability!

T

[iCruiser]

MuddyGrrl previously said:

Thanks iCruiser! I have a little bit of a problem. My Hi-8 camcorder is broken.

Ouch, not too many Hi-8s around anymore, and the stand alone players are expensive. There are some photo places that will convert them for you but can be pricey!

My recommendation is find someone with a still working Hi-8 camcorder and even better if it has firewire/usb and download the footage to a computer (keeps quality and prevents degradation with copies) ASAP! or record to another media. Hi-8, don't recall if it was digital or analog have been known to degrade (well, any magnetic tape media can degrade especially analog recordings)

T

[FJYankeeFan]

Thank you!

I think I'll go with the Sony DVDirect DVD Recorder. If I get that I can stick with my current camcorder for a while.