Find an 8mm tape player without a camcorder.
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moustic
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Stafi -
Stafi -
Hello,
I have about thirty 8mm video tapes, but I can't watch them because my camcorder is broken. Repairing it would probably cost too much, so I'm looking for a cheap way to be able to view them again. I've checked out some websites that transfer our videos to DVD. Is this the most economical solution? What are the best sites for this kind of service? Do you have any other solutions? What equipment do I need to buy? Is there a VHS tape format that can hold an 8mm video?
Thank you.
Moustic.
I have about thirty 8mm video tapes, but I can't watch them because my camcorder is broken. Repairing it would probably cost too much, so I'm looking for a cheap way to be able to view them again. I've checked out some websites that transfer our videos to DVD. Is this the most economical solution? What are the best sites for this kind of service? Do you have any other solutions? What equipment do I need to buy? Is there a VHS tape format that can hold an 8mm video?
Thank you.
Moustic.
13 answers
The solution I found
- purchase of an 8mm analog camcorder on eBay
- copying on a home DVD player with the 2 cables (about 20 tapes transferred to 7 DVDs)
- importing to PC from Pinnacle (or other video software)
no need to go through a capture card, the quality is thus very good.
- cutting the sequences on the DVD player
In reality, I bought 2 camcorders (Sony and Samsung) that are not HI and both work very well and read my tapes nicely. So I didn't have any problems making my copies to the hard drive of the DVD player and then the DVD copy,
and I didn't have to go through a professional (sending the tapes and costs).
- purchase of an 8mm analog camcorder on eBay
- copying on a home DVD player with the 2 cables (about 20 tapes transferred to 7 DVDs)
- importing to PC from Pinnacle (or other video software)
no need to go through a capture card, the quality is thus very good.
- cutting the sequences on the DVD player
In reality, I bought 2 camcorders (Sony and Samsung) that are not HI and both work very well and read my tapes nicely. So I didn't have any problems making my copies to the hard drive of the DVD player and then the DVD copy,
and I didn't have to go through a professional (sending the tapes and costs).
Hello,
There are indeed several solutions for transferring your videos, digital 8, mini DV, VHS. The best quality is undoubtedly the transfer by playing your video tapes with a suitable camcorder and copying the signal to a DVD recorder. This is what I do every week for my clients. There is a cost, but I assure you the result is very good. One piece of advice, contact a professional or contact me.
There are indeed several solutions for transferring your videos, digital 8, mini DV, VHS. The best quality is undoubtedly the transfer by playing your video tapes with a suitable camcorder and copying the signal to a DVD recorder. This is what I do every week for my clients. There is a cost, but I assure you the result is very good. One piece of advice, contact a professional or contact me.
Hello
I found a Sony EVS 800B (home) 8mm VCR for cheap while looking around, and I took the opportunity to copy my 8mm tapes (I had a lot of them) onto my computer using a video capture card. I even did some editing to cut out the long parts and burned some DivX videos with those memories to make space on my computer.
Now I have two options: either I sell it on eBay and make some money back, or I use it to record music in HiFi, which is great, and I can thus use my old 8mm tapes that were otherwise destined to be thrown away.
So, minimum investment, maximum result.
Have a nice day.
I found a Sony EVS 800B (home) 8mm VCR for cheap while looking around, and I took the opportunity to copy my 8mm tapes (I had a lot of them) onto my computer using a video capture card. I even did some editing to cut out the long parts and burned some DivX videos with those memories to make space on my computer.
Now I have two options: either I sell it on eBay and make some money back, or I use it to record music in HiFi, which is great, and I can thus use my old 8mm tapes that were otherwise destined to be thrown away.
So, minimum investment, maximum result.
Have a nice day.
Hello,
For those who might find it helpful, here is the website of a Bordeaux-based company specializing in digitizing tapes and reels
https://www.transfert-bobines.fr/
See you!
For those who might find it helpful, here is the website of a Bordeaux-based company specializing in digitizing tapes and reels
https://www.transfert-bobines.fr/
See you!
Hello, either your tapes have aged poorly (stored near a magnetic source, humidity, wear, ...) or the playback head is dirty.
Do you have this problem with all tapes or just one?
Otherwise, to copy your tapes at low cost, if you have a Freebox and a camcorder of course, you can do it for free, no video capture card needed!!!
Connect to the video/audio inputs on the back of your Freebox TV box, then go to the menu on Personal TV, broadcast (don't forget to start the video otherwise it will show an error message) and there you go, recording. The quality is good :)
Do you have this problem with all tapes or just one?
Otherwise, to copy your tapes at low cost, if you have a Freebox and a camcorder of course, you can do it for free, no video capture card needed!!!
Connect to the video/audio inputs on the back of your Freebox TV box, then go to the menu on Personal TV, broadcast (don't forget to start the video otherwise it will show an error message) and there you go, recording. The quality is good :)
Hello Moustic and everyone in the group
Regarding your various questions, are you sure that the playback function is also down? I've seen breakdowns that only affect recording but still allow for playback.
As for adapters to VHS tapes, that's only possible with VHS C, which is of course not "8 mm" :-(
It's only feasible because the standard is the same for VHS, even though the cassette size is different.
If it's confirmed that your machine really can't play, maybe you can find, among your friends, someone who has a functioning machine and could lend it to you.
For copying to DVD, a convenient solution is a standalone recorder, which sometimes accepts digital input, and always accepts all analog formats.
Regarding your various questions, are you sure that the playback function is also down? I've seen breakdowns that only affect recording but still allow for playback.
As for adapters to VHS tapes, that's only possible with VHS C, which is of course not "8 mm" :-(
It's only feasible because the standard is the same for VHS, even though the cassette size is different.
If it's confirmed that your machine really can't play, maybe you can find, among your friends, someone who has a functioning machine and could lend it to you.
For copying to DVD, a convenient solution is a standalone recorder, which sometimes accepts digital input, and always accepts all analog formats.
Hello
(former technician) I would like to point out that you are mistaken. The Sony 8mm standard is in PAL. The tape is 8mm wide, and the video is recorded separately from the chroma (color) on the tape diagonally by the rotating heads; the sound is recorded between the image tracks on the tape.
The VHS-C cassette is encoded in SECAM, with the color and video encoded together and the audio tracks being analog with a dedicated fixed audio head. The video tape is 1/4 inch wide. So, we are very far from talking about compatibility between them. However, with a mechanical adapter, you can insert a VHS-C cassette into a home VCR.
Cheers
(former technician) I would like to point out that you are mistaken. The Sony 8mm standard is in PAL. The tape is 8mm wide, and the video is recorded separately from the chroma (color) on the tape diagonally by the rotating heads; the sound is recorded between the image tracks on the tape.
The VHS-C cassette is encoded in SECAM, with the color and video encoded together and the audio tracks being analog with a dedicated fixed audio head. The video tape is 1/4 inch wide. So, we are very far from talking about compatibility between them. However, with a mechanical adapter, you can insert a VHS-C cassette into a home VCR.
Cheers
Hello
I bought a used EVS 800B (Sony 8mm home video player) from a cash converter for 20€ to watch and copy my 8mm cassettes from my former Sony camcorder, and I was able to transcode my films to my computer using the Plextor Px av 200u (60€), with images of the little ones who have now grown up. Here's the verdict: it's a mixed bag because the copies aren't great, but there's no way to bring in high definition when it doesn't exist. The 8mm cassettes are intact, and the direct output from the Sony EVS 800B on a giant screen is just okay (technology has advanced; today camcorders are digital, and copying via computer is easier and cheaper as it requires less transcoding, etc.), but you can't turn back time; "the documents are saved." I would say it's fine; I've done my best. It's not cheap, but I wouldn't do it again. In fact, I've learned to do without a camcorder; the images often end up in a box, just like most photos, unfortunately!
Good luck, cheers!
I bought a used EVS 800B (Sony 8mm home video player) from a cash converter for 20€ to watch and copy my 8mm cassettes from my former Sony camcorder, and I was able to transcode my films to my computer using the Plextor Px av 200u (60€), with images of the little ones who have now grown up. Here's the verdict: it's a mixed bag because the copies aren't great, but there's no way to bring in high definition when it doesn't exist. The 8mm cassettes are intact, and the direct output from the Sony EVS 800B on a giant screen is just okay (technology has advanced; today camcorders are digital, and copying via computer is easier and cheaper as it requires less transcoding, etc.), but you can't turn back time; "the documents are saved." I would say it's fine; I've done my best. It's not cheap, but I wouldn't do it again. In fact, I've learned to do without a camcorder; the images often end up in a box, just like most photos, unfortunately!
Good luck, cheers!
Hello,
I have a problem that nobody has been able to define for me so far, with video8 tapes!
Indeed, they have been recorded and watched. Now, as I continue to watch them, the image gets distorted with a line in the middle and the sound is no longer audible!
I feel like they need some adjustment, or the signal might no longer be in place, who knows?
Can someone tell me what the problem is and how and where I can make these tapes readable again?
I have a problem that nobody has been able to define for me so far, with video8 tapes!
Indeed, they have been recorded and watched. Now, as I continue to watch them, the image gets distorted with a line in the middle and the sound is no longer audible!
I feel like they need some adjustment, or the signal might no longer be in place, who knows?
Can someone tell me what the problem is and how and where I can make these tapes readable again?
All you need to do is buy the studio movie board that installs on your PC (for those who know how to make a few connections), it allows you to connect your old camcorder to your computer and transfer your videos to then burn them onto a DVD. It only costs 35 euros!
For those less skilled with connections, there’s the studio movie box that plugs into a USB port on your PC, and the system is the same as for the first one. But that one costs 125 euros.
I hope this helps!
For those less skilled with connections, there’s the studio movie box that plugs into a USB port on your PC, and the system is the same as for the first one. But that one costs 125 euros.
I hope this helps!
Hello,
I encountered the same problem: I have a good twenty family video 8mm tapes, and I started digitizing them to create DVDs. But my camcorder broke down before I could digitize all the tapes.
I had my camcorder repaired, but it broke down again after 1 hour of operation.
After quite a bit of research, I came to the following conclusions:
- go through a company that can digitize 8mm video tapes
- or buy another piece of equipment (used or new) that allows me to finish the digitizations
I chose the second solution: I bought a Sony CCD-TRV238E that works perfectly for the task I need it for.
Remarks:
The Digital8 standard theoretically allows for playback of 8mm or Hi8 video. However, it’s essential that the D8 model actually has this function listed in its specifications. So make sure when purchasing a D8 model, that it can indeed play Hi8 or 8mm video.
The Sony CCD-TRV238E is no longer officially manufactured by Sony.
But it is still available for purchase online (La Redoute in my case), so maybe a production line is still active for former 8mm videographers whose camcorders break down.
I encountered the same problem: I have a good twenty family video 8mm tapes, and I started digitizing them to create DVDs. But my camcorder broke down before I could digitize all the tapes.
I had my camcorder repaired, but it broke down again after 1 hour of operation.
After quite a bit of research, I came to the following conclusions:
- go through a company that can digitize 8mm video tapes
- or buy another piece of equipment (used or new) that allows me to finish the digitizations
I chose the second solution: I bought a Sony CCD-TRV238E that works perfectly for the task I need it for.
Remarks:
The Digital8 standard theoretically allows for playback of 8mm or Hi8 video. However, it’s essential that the D8 model actually has this function listed in its specifications. So make sure when purchasing a D8 model, that it can indeed play Hi8 or 8mm video.
The Sony CCD-TRV238E is no longer officially manufactured by Sony.
But it is still available for purchase online (La Redoute in my case), so maybe a production line is still active for former 8mm videographers whose camcorders break down.
Hello Valdorix, sorry for not replying sooner: of course, the compatibility of 8mm devices from Sony and others must be total. I would like to draw your attention to this as it’s an episode I experienced with a broken Samsung 8 camcorder. I was indeed able to transfer all my old 8mm tapes, including some that were almost 15 years old, by purchasing a second-hand Sony EVS 800B, a home player/recorder that was only used for these transfers (I didn't pay much at all for it at a cash converter). I found an unexpected use for this device from another era (and the now empty 8mm tapes) as this device (also designed for that purpose) records audio in Hi-Fi on multiple tracks. This is what brings me so much joy. I wanted to tell you finally that the transfer of Video 8 disappointed me; it's not the digitization that is at fault, but the low quality of Video 8 compared to today’s results with MiniDV, for example. However, we must put things into perspective; we are in a different era, and if there had been no Video 8 in its time, we would not be at the all-digital stage we are at today. Have a good day and happy transfers.
As I mentioned in my other post ... Dazzle is recognized and the software is installed ... that's what's strange ...
I will try again this weekend and keep you updated ...
I will try again this weekend and keep you updated ...
You first need to find the right equipment and player...
Yes, but be careful, not only are there more than forty people competing on eBay with not much chance of winning... especially if you want to get, for example, the DVDs quickly (for instance, to give as a gift for Christmas), but also you should know that not all Hi8 cameras read tapes in exactly the same way, and it’s a stroke of luck to find the right Hi8 camera that will read yours well without any interference... (it all depends on the value you place on your family heritage represented by your tapes)... the simplest, fastest, and ultimately most economical option, if you factor in the hours lost searching for a camera and then managing to transfer with a good computer (video takes the most time to handle)... while still ensuring maximum quality, is to have it done professionally, or at least to rent a Hi8 camera (for instance, at Tresorvideo it’s 50 euros) if you live in the area; otherwise, they also offer transfers starting at 12 euros, and additionally, it’s possible to further decrease the price (thanks to referrals from other people)... and your order can be ready in two days...!
Yes, but be careful, not only are there more than forty people competing on eBay with not much chance of winning... especially if you want to get, for example, the DVDs quickly (for instance, to give as a gift for Christmas), but also you should know that not all Hi8 cameras read tapes in exactly the same way, and it’s a stroke of luck to find the right Hi8 camera that will read yours well without any interference... (it all depends on the value you place on your family heritage represented by your tapes)... the simplest, fastest, and ultimately most economical option, if you factor in the hours lost searching for a camera and then managing to transfer with a good computer (video takes the most time to handle)... while still ensuring maximum quality, is to have it done professionally, or at least to rent a Hi8 camera (for instance, at Tresorvideo it’s 50 euros) if you live in the area; otherwise, they also offer transfers starting at 12 euros, and additionally, it’s possible to further decrease the price (thanks to referrals from other people)... and your order can be ready in two days...!