What's the best way to capture an analogue Hi8 tape to a computer? computer, like, currently, through, pretty, computer, like, currently, through, pretty

andy

I have some pretty old video footage that I took with a Hi8 analogue camcorder many years ago.  I would like to transfer these to my computer into .avi format.  The way I currently do this is connecting my old camcorder through analogue composite cables to my video capture card and record it analogue.  Is there any way to do this digitally like the DV cameras do?  Is there such a device that exists that I can buy to transfer my analogue tapes digitally to my computer via a firewire or USB cable?  Please let me know thanks.

You're stuck with analog capture.
But it's not as bad as all that. Spend a bit of time reading guides, posts, stickies etc. amp; you get a *LOT* of info, tips, recomendations, amp; more then a few opinions. First thing to do is capture over s-vid cable -- if you can't, look into new capture hardware or cables for you camera or even a new camera (Hi-8 is cheap nowdays).

As for firewire, in your case you'd be moving your analog capture to a box connected to your PC via firewire. Differing opinions say this is best or not, but what you're really argueing is equipment amp; methods.

@Daft

Please follow forum rules, specifically, rule 12: Do not ask what's best. Thank you.

IIRC hi8 stores the picture as a composite signal, so going through composite leads isn't going to hurt it much.  just feed it to something with a half decent comb filter and you'll probably get away with it.  also, use DeDot on the captured file before any other filters (it needs to work on an interlaced image).

also, if the tapes are blurry enough, rainbowing will hardly ever appear (but then you've got a blurry tape...)

i'm not sure about this, but you might be able to play this tape on a digital8 camera and get firewire out like that.  though i doubt sony would be so thoughtful as to provide dual analog/digital support on the same tapes without you having to pay thousands (their goddamn broadcast decks aren't even multi-format.  you have to buy two to get PAL and NTSC, even when the machines are functionally and cosmetically identical.  they are dual analog/digital though).


Originally Posted by Mug Funky...i'm not sure about this, but you might be able to play this tape on a digital8 camera and get firewire out like that...

This is absolutely true. I have the Sony 230 and have done it.

This particular model also has analog quot;pass-throughquot; i.e. if you connect to its analog INPUTS you can get DV out of its firewire OUTPUT in real-time. So you can use it with other tape decks or laserdisc players for example.

Of course you would have to invest in a D8 camcorder, and only you can decide if it would be worth the investment to you Daft.


Originally Posted by Mug FunkyIIRC hi8 stores the picture as a composite signal, so going through composite leads isn't going to hurt it much.

FWIW, I have seen a difference capturing s-vid vs composite, but to each their own.

Originally Posted by Mug Funkyyou might be able to play this tape on a digital8 camera and get firewire out like that.Originally Posted by laserfanThis particular model also has analog quot;pass-throughquot; i.e. if you connect to its analog INPUTS you can get DV out of its firewire OUTPUT in real-time. So you can use it with other tape decks or laserdisc players for example.Originally Posted by micYou're stuck with analog capture... As for firewire, in your case you'd be moving your analog capture to a box connected to your PC via firewire.

Not to contradict, just pointing out that the analog/digital conversion has to happen somewhere.  You can buy a DV DA box, or you can use a DV camcorder with passthrough, or as mentioned, Digital8, amp; they'll do the conversion, compress the video to DV, then transfer the result. A lot of folks use separate DV boxes amp; swear by them, a bunch use their cameras, and of course you have large numbers using PC cards with options for hard and software compression as desired. A matter of opinions amp; workflows.  BTW, looking at capture options please don't ignore possible formats amp; disc space requirements.

Otherwise, don't feel too terribly pessimistic, expecting the worst from Hi-8. It worked for years along with S-VHS, and can actually look as nice or better then video recorded with some cheaper DV Cameras. (not talking formats, but results on TV )

Hey thanks for all the info.  I went into a Futureshop store here and they have a camera Sony DCR-TRV280 that plays Hi8 tapes and has a firewire output.  I just need to convert a few tapes and won't need Hi8 playback anymore.  I'm just going to buy this cam, use it to rip the videos to digital then return the camera to the store


Originally Posted by DaftHey thanks for all the info.  I went into a Futureshop store here and they have a camera Sony DCR-TRV280 that plays Hi8 tapes and has a firewire output.  I just need to convert a few tapes and won't need Hi8 playback anymore.  I'm just going to buy this cam, use it to rip the videos to digital then return the camera to the store

[In a whisper] PLEASE forget I'm saying this...
Retail returns are wonderful aren't they? On more then one ocassion I've had bad hardware -- bought new, exchanged box contents, returned, all in one day rather then wait weeks to send in for warranty replacement with reman.

And lest you think too little of yourself as some bad offender, I'd never do this or condone it, but you'd be surprised the number of people who return stuff like containers of detergent, replacing contents with water.