Transfer hi8 video to computer... options?

[Kris]

So I've got tons of hi8 video tapes, and would like to transfer them to my computer for basic editing, dvd authoring, etc. My camera has rca connectors.

What are some options?

Preferably inexpensive but good quality options... Also it would be nice if I could transfer onto my Dell laptop so that I can play with this stuff on the road...

Thanks in advance!

[jcschild]

Canopus ADVC 110!

[Kris]

That looks perfect! Thanks for the heads up. Now what about software to manipulate... any freeware type stuff that is worth a crap?

[Jay M]

Windows movie maker will get the job done. Then use nero or whatever came with your DVD burner to make the DVD. If you don't mind spending $100 then Vegas movie maker is really nice. The full Vegas Pro 8 would be a great addition to your studio.

~Jay

[Kris]

Thanks Jay, I'll check it out...

[jcschild]

another vote for Vegas, get the Movie studio + dvd platinum (like $119)
best sub $500 software period (well full Vegas is $489)

FYI if you are real concerned about color quality you may want to consider the canopus ADVC 300/500
they do some up sampling/color correction.

Scott
ADK

[Dysanfel]

+1 Vegas. It is the only app that keeps my PC around.

[macleodgrant]

elgato EyeTV would be able to do this too! it's a great item for like $130

[tnjazz]

For the price of the Canopus I woud probably try to track down a Sony Digital 8 camcorder instead. They come with 4 pin firewire and will do the conversion for you in the camera better than the Canopus box will.

This is the route I took to transfer my Hi8 tapes. I got my camera barely used on the local CList for about $120. It will still work with a Hi8 camera and the Canopus box, but the playback on a Hi8 is nowhere near as nice as it is on a Digital 8 so you're going to see a less crisp picture on the initial transfer.

FWIW, I also have a Canopus ADVC-100 and I use it primarily for old VHS transfers.

[Kris]

Thanks again...

Good point on the digital hi8... Still liking the canopus option... I've got lots of old, old vhs videos as well... And who knows, maybe I can make the investment back by picking up a few local transfer jobs...
Cheers,

[andygomez]

Originally Posted by tnjazz

For the price of the Canopus I woud probably try to track down a Sony Digital 8 camcorder instead. They come with 4 pin firewire and will do the conversion for you in the camera better than the Canopus box will.

This is the route I took to transfer my Hi8 tapes. I got my camera barely used on the local CList for about $120. It will still work with a Hi8 camera and the Canopus box, but the playback on a Hi8 is nowhere near as nice as it is on a Digital 8 so you're going to see a less crisp picture on the initial transfer.

FWIW, I also have a Canopus ADVC-100 and I use it primarily for old VHS transfers.

this route works great for me here as well thumbsup

[Kris]

What about something like this?

Sony DVDirect: A standalone DVD burner and video capture device

Maybe something that can also capture stereo audio to CDr to use for live show recording? Any thoughts/recomendations?

[tnjazz]

Personally I never found a stand alone recorder that gave me the quality I was looking for in a transfer. I tried dozens of capture cards an several stand alone units, but in the end the Canopus box was far and away the best picture for my VHS stuff.

Nowhere near as convenient, but the stuff I wanted to convert I wanted as pristine as possible so it was worth all the extra work (capturing in full AVI, rendering down to DVD, etc)

[Kris]

thanks tnjazz and the rest of you as well. Canopus it is.

p.s. tnjazz, I'm a big fan of your clients! Jeff Coffin sat in with my band a while back and it was a real musical highlight for me!

[tnjazz]

You definitely made a good choice with the Canopus. Assuming your Hi8 cam sends a decent signal out over the component outs, you should be very happy with the results.

Jeff's a great player and a nice guy. I've known him since his very early days with the Flecktones. Always puts on a great show. Sometimes when I'm watching him play I'm afraid his head's going to explode though!

That reminds me. I owe him some tracks!