Transfer DV 8mm Hi8 Digital8 Tapes to Digital with Firewire + Sony Demo

[@a7stringjunky]

I have spent several hours on finding a remedy for transferring 16 year old tapes before they disappear and as per usual, one will find what they are looking for in the last place they look. This worked beautifully with my DCR-TRV280 without a hicup and I thank you generously for being a light in the dark and showing me the way sir. Hope you have a blessed day!

[@SettimaLegione]

Can your TRV280 read analog cassette too? (video 8 and Hi8, I mean)

[@a7stringjunky]

@@SettimaLegione To be honest, all I have ever used in it was SONY'S HI8 MP 8mm Video Cassette 120 video HI8/60 Digital 8 NTSC and MAXELL'S Hi8 MP 120 Hi8. I have never questioned these tapes' info till now an never put thought into the analog/digital use of them but the tapes I mentioned played and recorded well. I never got into "in-depth" usage of camera because back then, it was just cool to have and use after using a borrowed 1980-something VCR tape Cam-corder lol. I hope this helps, if not then jus reply and I or the host of this show can hopefully point you in the right direction....my money is on "databits" because I am NO pro by all means lol.

[@niknikktm]

@@SettimaLegione The TRV280 (I have one) only handles the Digital8 format. There are other models that can do both Digital8 and Hi8 but not the TRV280.

[@SettimaLegione]

@@niknikktm Ok, confirmed also form other sources. Thanks

[@thebordernow]

@@SettimaLegione I have just this afternoon picked up an old Sony DCR-TRV350 NTSC Digital 8 camera in a local auction because it had the original marketing feature sticker on the camera that said, "Memory Stick Slot, USB Streaming, Hi8/8mm Playback." I bought it because my old DCR-TRV310 NTSC stopped showing any video or producing any audio on playback (I had been using the old TRV310 to burn DVDs of old Hi8 tapes). I put one of those old Hi8 tapes in to the newly-acquired TRV350 and lo and behold, the video and sound is back on its screen so it's not the old tapes but must be the heads on my TRV310(or a loose or oxidized connector as explained on another KZbin video as the problem of no video 50% of the time). Note that I can watch my old Hi8 tape on the TRV350's fold-out screen but do not know if it will actually output the Hi8 tape's content out via the DV-1394 port on the camera - another commenter below says that not all Digital8 cameras could output Hi8 analog via their DV port. I haven't tried yet because I don't have a PC or laptop yet with a Firewire 1394 port. That's next on my list....

[@chadcollins6068]

I watched 50 videos or more on this topic and your one 30 min video explained everything in 10min then tricked me into watching Sony - Video Cre8tivity but it's a fair trade off.

[@chrismcovell]

Instantly-recognizable footage from all around Vancouver (Canada) in 1986. Thanks for this!

[@Madness832]

Just had to love 16:13: dude filmin' the scantily-clad skier! And yup, that demo tape just screamed, "80s!"

[@macro820]

We made a movie back in about 2003 by filming with one of these and uploading then editing on PC, thanks for the blast from the past as always

[@macro820]

It's private on my channel at rjVoT2RzHoM

[@AeeeIOUY]

0:00 Intro 0:08 What video formats can be transfered 2:17 Choosing a camcorder 4:08 What is Firewire 4:57 Plugging a camcorder to a PC, necessary software 7:45 Transfering a video tape 14:05 Result video file: Video Cre8tivity by Sony

[@databits]

Thanks for the lovely chapter index!

[@LayneRuley]

so glad to see content like this! definitely a tape man myself, keep the format alive!

[@VigEuth]

The suite of software with our Sony VIAO purchased in 2002 was awesome for digital capture and editing for home movies & school projects. Could even write back to the tape for easy playback of finished project without needing to author a DVD. Amazing what could be done with limited computing power. Didn't even know it was firewire but that Sony "iLink" worked great!

[@dvdemon187]

Ah, memories. Way back when I was in training I built a high-end custom video-editing PC for a customer with a Pentium III 1.0GHz and 512MB of RAM and an insanely expensive Firewire card so he could capture his home movies from DV to PC. I was really impressed how the software was controlling the DV camcorder but I can't remember the name of the software used. This was even before Adobe Premiere was a thing.

[@aaronfitzgerald9109]

It sounds like pinnacle studio or video wave III

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

Yep, I bought a Digital8 camcorder off Craigslist a few years ago solely to be able to import my old Video8 and Hi8 tapes to digital. Funny thing is, modern iMovie on a modern Mac still supports importing "DV" over FireWire through a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 to FireWire 4-pin adapters.

[@4thdimension771]

26:25 was mad funny!!!!! They even changed the background music from wholesome to creepy.

[@JimLeonard]

One thing I'd add is that it's important to deinterlace the end result to 60p. Exporting to 30p throws away half the temporal information. If the editor you use doesn't support that, you can export as DV (There should be no generational loss) and then process with FFMPEG and yadif (double-rate) to get a proper 60p output.

[@SettimaLegione]

You are talking about a "exporting" to do in second time? The AVI he got from camera retains both half-frames, right?

[@Dedubya-]

Nice, a new video.... the age old problem of transferring old tapes... my DV camcorder had an analog input (SVideo and composite) so I could connect an old VHS deck into it and use the DV camcorder as the firewire interface into the PC and got some decent digital captures without frame drops.... unlike the USB video input adaptor that I got later, which are far more problematic it seems.

[@djsherz]

Same here! I've tried various capture devices over the years, but so far nothing has beaten my old Canon XM2 for quality and reliability. Over the years I've used it as a DV bridge for various VHS, Beta and 8mm tapes. If the tape is a bit tired, I route it through my old Panasonic vision mixer before it hits the camera, this acts as a simple timebase corrector, which gets rid of a lot of instability. I suspect I'd have to pay a LOT of money for a dedicated capture device that did a better job.

[@richardbirney]

My Movie Movie Maker is perfect. recognizes SONY Camcorder firewire connection in Windows 10, without needing to roll driver back to legacy version. Thank you so much for your video!

[@databits]

YAY!! I've seen varying results with Windows 10. Glad yours is working!

[@jonathansimmonds5784]

Yet again another video that begins full of hope but soon lets me down when it comes to connecting camera to laptop! I've got USB and HDMI on my Chromebook but none of the videos show how to do transfers that way!!! I might as well give up, 9 hours online trying to find a way!

[@icsecrets172]

We need a computer with fire wire port ? So where can we get that from in 2024 ??? 😂😂😂

[@ACBMemphis]

Great tip using an old laptop + Windows Movie Maker.... I used Adobe Premiere Elements with a "Canopus" box to convert VHS tapes for years, but Adobe stopped recognizing firewire a few versions ago....

[@KylesTechChannel01]

I have an S-VHS deck running through a digital 8 camcorder and into a 2006 Mac Pro with Final Cut Pro 7. Can either deinterlace to 29.97p or use QTGMC to create a 59.94p file (similar motion to watching on a CRT)

[@KylesTechChannel01]

@@TinLeadHammer Main reason for 30p is for file size, especially when I'm transferring some random home movies for a family member.

[@singertriboscience716]

Thanks for suggesting Windows Movie Maker. I have both Power Directors 15 and 20, and Adobe Premiere Elements 18. None is able to capture Video 8 from my TRV840, but the free WMM did!

[@databits]

I LOVE the simplicity of Movie Maker. It still handles modern video from my iPhone 14. My only complaint is if your computer gets "busy" doing other stuff while you're rendering a final copy, you'll get jitter in the finished product.

[@jeffa847]

My laptop doesn't have firewire. I see a converter online but then a lot of other people say that firewire can't generally be converted to USB (??)

[@databits]

That is correct.

[@timacrow]

The Sony D8 camcorders were great. I currently have two of them, as well as a Panasonic MiniDV. Also a Sony PMW-EX3 with 1394 and SDI outputs. Sure, your phone can take higher res videos, but these camcorders have many great features (Sony Night Shot!) I don't have a laptop with a 1394 port, but I found a Pinnacle Studio Moviebox Ultimate interface that has Firewire, S Video, and composite inputs and outputs to USB 2.0. I have not been able to get this hardware to work with Win11, even though Qin11 does see it plugged in, but I have an old laptop I put Win7 on.

[@johnt1832]

I have never been able to download video from my D8 tapes successfully. It seems to be working but the finished product looks like its playing in fast forward mode. Any suggestions?

[@born_again_torinos]

I would dearly love a video from you showing the easiest way to convert my beta tapes to my imac. Thanks buddy.

[@databits]

I no longer have a beta player. Guess I need to buy one!

[@born_again_torinos]

@@databits I sell them on ebay and have a couple in my private collection.

[@manucohen16]

There is an option to do that with a new laptop? I don't have dv on it.

[@ulecha4]

Thank you for your help but link doesn’t work (the first one from Amazon )

[@laserfilmlab]

Do the large files play on phones?

[@Raptor50aus]

I still have a Firewire card in my PC and use Video Studio software.

[@Blue_Dun]

Raptor...with windows 10? It appears windows essentials is no longer available so I'm looking for a good alternative to convert 8mm to digital file through firewire

[@LINDAOZAG]

You are lucky!!!!! That's all you need.

[@obsoletebutneat]

This setup is using the mini-Firewire plugs at both ends-- a lot of desktops will have full-size FW plugs on their end, so a cable with both is necessary. I used to use the double-mini cable to dub my mini-DV tapes off to a DVD recorder set-top box. Virtually lossless transfer.

[@alfredmoranti5971]

Would a firewire to USB cable work for a laptop without a FW port?

[@HonestFred]

Great video

[@aliceyoung5672]

Hi. I am having difficulty transferring a tape using a Sony DCR-TRV/460 I don't know how to tune the camera on to VTR mode Can you help!

[@alanvanallen7762]

You should see a switch somewhere,usually on the righthand side as you look through the viewfinder,the switch will give you the choice of camera or VTR,the red record button is often near this switch

[@LINDAOZAG]

Good luck with finding the answer. I can not figure out what items I need. The Sony agents are not specific enough to tell you what you will need. I spent over 4 hours today trying to get the items needed to transfer from this same model video camera to my computer. Without a firewire installed in your computer, what other way to do the transfer is a mystery. Very frustrated. I have over 50 tapes to work on. This shouldn't be this big problem.

[@Ichicard]

5:53 this is a ExpressCard slot

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

One *REALLY* big note - _not all Digital8 camcorders can play back analog VIdeo8 or Hi8 tapes to their FireWire port!_ While _most_ Digital8 can play back Hi8. The overwhelming majority can play back Video8. But not all can record in the analog formats, and less than half (from my searching) can output the analog tapes to FireWire. If you pick a wrong camcorder, you won't see any output of analog tapes over FireWire, only over analog video outputs. (They all output Digital8 content over FireWire, though.) Fun part? When I bought my first MiniDV camcorder in 1999, I started recording in widescreen! So my home movies from Y2K are in modern aspect ratio! Edit: someone found a Digital8 that can’t even play back any of the analog formats, so edited to note that.

[@losless2877]

Do you know where i can check if my camera outputs all formats digitally?

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

@@losless2877 If you have the manual, it should say inside somewhere. If you can't find it, look up its model number online for reviews of it from when it came out, they'll probably mention it. If it isn't mentioned, assume it doesn't.

[@losless2877]

@@AnonymousFreakYT thank you. I already checked it on the internet.

[@SettimaLegione]

From the video, we know TRV730 and TRV510 works for sure with all formats. From a user comment, probably the TRV280 is ok. May be you can add some other model, tested succesfully by you?

[@niknikktm]

I have a TRV280 and I'm positive it CANNOT play back Hi8 tapes.

[@aaronfitzgerald9109]

When I import my tapes to the computer, the audio goes out of alignment at the end of the tape, can't work out why however...

[@firecharge6488]

I have Sony DCR-HC23e MiniDV camcorder and i tried anything to transfer tape. First i tried USB (this camera has one), but windows 10 doesn't find driver for the device, but partially recognize it, so it doesn't work. Then i bought pci Firewire 400 card. Computer recognizes card, but when i plug camera nothing changes. Then i bought 1394 to 1394 cable instead of Firewire 400 to 1394 and it slightly changed, because on camera's screen i can se i-link mark, but I still couldn't capture. I tried many programs like OBS, WinDV, Movie Maker and nothing. Then tried to instal MPEG-2 Codec, still nothing. I found original Sony PicturePackage software, but its too old to be able to install on win10. Maybe i should install windows 7? Im doing it on old computer from around 2010 (i3 1st generation). I think the main issue is that computer doesn't cominicate with camcorder, in device manager i can't find it. Can you help me solving this problem? Sorry for bad english

[@joemcnealy8099]

Hello, thanks for the video. I have a DCR TRV103. It has Svideo and RCA cable outputs only. Is there a method to use this camera to playback for transfer to a MacBook with iMovie? I tried the Roxio converter (VHS to DVD). I could not detect my camera on the MacBooks.

[@tchpowdog]

Can you do this from D/V to USC-C port on PC

[@Raptor50aus]

Great video, I have alot of working Sony Video walkmans (I have restored) like the GV-9, GV-100 ,GV-200 and ,GV-500 and alot of original movies on video 8 :) I have the TRV-110E Digital 8 handycam too.

[@graywolf1911]

Excellent demo, great speaking voice, slow, clear, and demonstrations are great. I have a problem however with my setup. I have a Sony TRV17, sony digital video cassette, DVM60. I am using the iLink port out of the camera. I have selected DV ON in the menu, select switch to VCR, hit Play, the viewing screen is open the tape is replaying fine, and when I connect the 1394 cable (4 pin) to the PC (running win10), I hear the sound that it has detected something new connected. But, when I open my latest version of Adobe Premier, and select get file from camera, it cannot see it. What am I missing? My home made PC that I built did not have 1394 chip or port, so I bought a card and mounted it in my open expansion slow at rear, and it gives me 1 1394a port, and 2 1394b ports, I am using the 1394a port because that is the firewire cable that I have ( iLink at camera, and 1394a type at the other end.

[@bsanchez3563]

I found out the hdrcx240 does not have any potential for supporting a standard dvd player comoatible format even though it is possible to put on a dvd amatuer stunts and stuff.

[@GaetanoMintaka12]

Good morning . I have a little used cassette video camera at home. My problem is that I can't find a 7.4 transformer to charge the battery. Is there a possibility to charge it or make it work even without a battery with some cables? Thank you

[@databits]

I recommend purchasing an external battery charger. They make universal battery chargers.

[@cw5721]

I'm not sure if this will help. But, with our Sony mini-DV camcorder, I have not used it for over 10 years. The battery was dead. I plugged in the camcorder with the battery attached and I thought it would probably not charge. The battery was solidly dead. I kept checking on it now and then and saw nothing. I think after about 5 hours of looking totally dead, I saw that the battery indicator showed up on the camcorder and then started charging. The battery fully charged and so far has kept the charge. So, a camcorder battery might charge after over 10 years. But, I would keep an eye on it for safety. I often looked at it and even checked for unusual smells. It took a long time, but it charged.

[@GaetanoMintaka12]

Buongiorno . Io ho a casa una videocamera usata poco a cassette . IL mio problema e che non riesco a trovare un trasformatore 7,4 per caricare la batteria . C'e' un possibilita' di caricarla oppure farla funzionare anche senza batteria con qualche cavo ? Grazie

[@databits]

Purchase a universal external battery charger.

[@paulallenMacca]

I have the Sony TRV33E which is still going well but im having problems getting my Footage onto my Late 2015 iMac i did have the Apple Lightning to Firewire 800 Adopter but it didn't record the sound yet the original has sound.

[@alexandrebenois7962]

I transfered a video from my DCR-PC1 using firewire card. The image quality is very poor. Any solution?

[@aaronfitzgerald9109]

I miss digital8 I wish they made a HD, 3CCD version

[@camman945]

I have the dcr-hc26, but the slide that lets you put the tapes in is broken. Can't put my tape in. Any advice?

[@mrleancosa]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have a question; I have some videos recorded using Sony DCR-TRV520 in PAL. If I have a camera under NTSC system, would be possible to transfer via firewire to my PC?

[@ginger4368]

This software is no longer available to download. I loved the video though! I had to purchase some new connectors and osb software to be able to convert my hi8 to computer.

[@Blue_Dun]

Just saw this video and looked up Windows Essentials, but it's no longer available for download. Can I use any other video capture/ editing program with firewire connection?

[@databits]

I used ULEAD/Corel VideoStudio also. Don't know if the current version supports Firewire but its free to try. CNET has Windows Essentials, just beware of any freeware bundled with it. download.cnet.com/Windows-Live-Essentials-2012/3000-20418_4-10805747.html

[@Blue_Dun]

@@databits thanks for the help and quick reply!

[@Clay3613]

How does this compare to a professional DV deck/player?

[@markf13579]

Hi, I see the exact digital distortion on the bottom as with my video8 tapes. I've tried both the Sony DCR-TR7100E and the Sony DCR-TR8000E but that same distortion happens with all the video8 tapes. I bought another FireWire cable to no avail. Anyone knows how to remedy it? BTW, I'm using WinDV-1.2.3 to capture the video.

[@MrRustyjackson]

Good evening, You have a very interesting KZbin channel. I am trying to convert VHS tapes to .avi using my VCR and my Sony TRV310 Hi8 camera and Firewire. I thought I did this successfully a while back and am attempting it again but I am forgetting some key ingredient. My Set up: No Hi8 tape in the TRV310 camera VCR connected via composite cables to the connections on the side of my camera. Camera connected to PC via firewire. PC recognizes the Sony camera. Camera switched to VTR mode (Playback) Capturing with DVMP Pro ( a universal software to capture in an .avi format) or Adobe Premiere Pro Hit play on the VCR, counter begins and Play on the camera and the screen is blank. Press record on the PPro capture screen, No capture. I have tested all components and if I play theVHS tape I can see it on the camera screen unless the firewire is connected. I can play a Hi8 tape and capture it just fine using my capture software. I just have a nagging feeling I'm forgetting something simple? Thoughts? TIA.

[@cooliofoolio]

another name for the card slot is expresscard

[@callumswan4376]

Will a FireWire to USB cable work too?

[@alanvanallen7762]

Sorry,no,a question that often pops up

[@gloriaaadeosun]

where can i buy digital8 tapes?

[@5roundsrapid263]

Oddity Archive uses a setup similar to this. He still has his parents’ old Digital8 camcorder and runs it to a MacBook.

[@jeffa847]

My Sony DCR-TRV240 came with a USB cable that has USB A (I think - it is the broader flat 4 pin) to a smaller input that also has the USB symbol on it but when I plug it into the computer it will not recognize the camcorder. Anyone have suggestions? Does the USB cable work to transfer video? I bought my camcorder in 2002

[@databits]

It does not. It allows (allowed) the camera to be used as a webcam.

[@berlindabahnam6044]

Can a IEEE aka Firewire to USB cable work to transfer data?

[@alanvanallen7762]

Yes ,but you need several Apple adapters and a PC with a Thunderbolt port

[@LINDAOZAG]

Only if you have fire wire in your computer.

[@vasch88]

Hello to everyone! Does anybody knows if there is any difference in result quality between recording image stored at 8mm tape from Hi8 camera thrue S-video signal and recording the same image from the same 8mm tape from Digital8 (compatible with 8mm/hi8) thrue 1394 port? I mean does output digitised analogue signal quality from Digital8 camera(1394) better than clear analogue one from Hi8(S-video)?

[@databits]

The result will be only slightly better via 1394 since the output is digitized by the camera.

[@hds1699]

Hey that was the exact question I wanted to ask. I was told that it would be better to use svideo out because the color would be better over the digital. That was specifically playing my old video 8/8mm/ hi 8 in the Digital 8 camcorder and using Firewire to transfer to DVD/PC. So to take it one step further... would using the Sony Digital8 as a pass-through device be of any consequence to the overall quality? What about TBC? Utilizing the the original camcorder as player S vid out and into the Digital 8 then out to DVD recorder or PC via Firewire? Not necessary? Just curious. I also thought about recording my 8mm tapes to the Sony memory card as a back up using the Digital8. Anyone had any experience with any of these options?

[@BushidoBrownSama]

Should depend on the quality of the video ADC used in the camera vs the circuitry used to take analog hi8 video & display it through the s-video

[@ChrisDoyle2112]

My HandyCam plays the larger 8 cassettes, but I need an adapter to play and/or transfer DV tapes that are much smaller!

[@alanvanallen7762]

I don't think such adapter exists,8mm tape is very different to miniDV

[@63mrl]

Wow, the late but graceful Princess Diana. 19:01

[@MgisPk]

Hi. first of all thank you for this video. While viewing your this video, I would like to know that is it possible for me to download 8mm videos tapes to my windows 10pro. Is there any specific software available to download my videos? I would sincerely appreciate if you or anyone help me in this regard? For the record, I have SONY Digital Handycam DCR-TRV140E with Serial No: 341164. Thanking you in anticipation.

[@databits]

FireWire is no longer a good option. I suggest finding a standalone video capture solution such as the HDML unit I review on my channel. Any unit that captures to an SD card should work.

[@swashyhimself]

“File size is gigantic” how big????

[@Peter_Yachymczyk]

Did anyone make a home deck? I weary of buying a used camcorder as you never know what it had done to it (a day at the beach or pool anyone?) I have a 8MM camcorder and a PCIe HVR-1250 and the HVR-2250 (one and 2 tuner versions) however I can't get the picture to stop jumping around "Jump Jump you should know better" sorry I'll see my backward pants self out the left stage! Oh I do have one older PC with Firewire! I have not seen a new one with this is firewire gone?

[@ladymunch0]

I'm pretty sure I saw somewhere FireWire isn't around anymore.

[@5roundsrapid263]

There aren’t new systems with it, but I see older systems with it in thrift stores all the time, along with cables.

[@Predators--cz2fb]

I am trying to pull old camera footage from 2004 on area from a Sony digital 8 so hopefully this will help. Cheers.

[@bknight407]

Per Microsoft, Movie Maker is no longer available for download.

[@databits]

CNET still has it.

[@mervynjack4108]

Unfortunately Windows Essentials 2012 is no longer available from Microsoft.

[@singertriboscience716]

I just downloaded it today (9/2\30/22) from the link below the video.

[@bluedoggum8373]

Thx but if I had all that I would not need vid. The hard part is finding a computer with 1394

[@solarr2]

👍👍🇵🇱👍

[@alphabeets]

I suggest cropping out that irritating head switching noise at the bottom of the video.

[@BushidoBrownSama]

Oh who lives in a pineapple under the sea

[@flashg30]

The video8 video the one was funny is the headache guy i laugh alot

[@grigoremuntean]

its not dv its minidv different beast

[@databits]

I’m using DV as a generic term, digital video.