What to do about your 8mm and hi8 camcorder video tapes?
What to know
Connect the camcorder and a VCR/DVD player.
Connect the camcorder to an digital-to-analog converter and then connect it to a computer using a DVD drive.
Both the source and target media should be recorded.
This article will discuss two ways to transfer 8mm or Hi8 videotapes onto DVD or VHS.
How to convert camcorder tapes from VHS to DVD
Copying your camcorder tapes in a current format preserves your footage better and makes it easier to edit. For help with Hi8 to digital transfers head on over to Tapes to Digital.
You can plug the camcorder into the VCR/DVD recorder but not into the TV.
To get the signal from these inputs, use the input select button or front of your VCR/DVD Recorder remote to switch from the tuner back to the tuner.
Some VCRs have the ability to access the AV inputs. You can change the channel selection until you reach AV or line. If your VCR/DVD recorder includes video inputs, the back inputs will be line 1, Aux1, or video 1. The front inputs will be line 2, Aux2, or line 2.
The camcorder’s audio/video cable can be connected from the camcorder’s AV outputs to either the front or back side of the VCR/DVD recorder.
You can switch the VCR or DVD recorder from the input button on the remote or the recorder to AV/Line-in, Aux-in, or Aux-in (depending on brand).
The tape you want to copy to VHS/DVD should be placed in the Camcorder. You can also put a blank tape or a blank DVD into the VCR.
After pressing record, you can play the Camcorder or the VCR. This will allow to you to copy your tape.
It may take up to a few seconds before the VCR/DVD player starts recording. This is why you should press record first.
While your tape is being copied, you can also watch it on TV. Simply change the input channel or channel that you use when watching a DVD or videotape on TV.
After recording is finished, turn off the VCR/DVD recorder and the camcorder.
Once you confirm that the copy can be played back, make sure you set your TV to the channel or input on which you usually watch your VCR. Next, change your VCR’s tuner setting to record TV shows later.
Refer to your camcorder, VCR or DVD recorder guide for additional tips. The user guide should include information about copying tapes to a camcorder or copying from one VCR into another.
Use a Laptop or PC to copy Tapes to DVD
2016 saw the end of production of new VCRs. Also, DVD Recorders have become very rare. However, there may be some used or new DVD Recorders and/or DVD Recorder/VHS Combinations.
Another option is to burn your tapes onto DVD with a PC or laptop. This is accomplished by connecting the camcorder with an analog-to–digital converter which then connects to your computer (usually via USB).
What to do if you don’t have an 8mm camcorder or Hi8 camcorder?
You can’t purchase an adapter to allow you to play your Hi8 or 8mm tapes in a VCR. Instead, you can consider these options:
Option 1 – Borrow a Hi8/8mm camera from a friend or relative to temporarily use (Free if you have it).
Option 2: Buy an inexpensive Hi8 (or Digital8 camcorder with the ability to playback analog Hi8-8mm) tapes. You can find used units on Amazon or eBay.
Option 3 — Bring your tapes into a video duplicator. They will professionally transfer them to DVD. Prices can vary depending on how many tapes you have. Ask the service to make a DVD of one or two of your tapes. The service can make copies of all your tapes if it is compatible with your Blu-ray Disc, DVD or Blu-ray Disc players.
Options 1 and 2 are both the most practical options. At this point, you can transfer tapes from VHS to DVD. Both can be done if necessary. They can transfer them to DVD through a service. Then, they will test it on your DVD player to verify it plays. If all goes well you can then decide if you want to have the remaining tapes transferred this way.
How to Watch Your Tapes
Use an 8mm/Hi8 camcorder that is working. Connect the AV output cables to the TV inputs. Select the right input and hit play to activate your camcorder.