How can I view JVC Mini DV tapes through an old VCR?

Question

I know how to hook up to the TV and view them through the camcorder, but it really eats up battery time, and I am concerned it will wear out the battery pretty fast. I remember those adapter tapes others used, where you could place a small tape cassette inside it and view through your VCR, but I never had occasion to buy or use one myself. What were they called? Can you use them to view Mini DV tapes? Thanks in advance for serious answers.

Answer 1

no, your VHS tape VCR does not understand digital video. the converter you remember is for VHS-C (camcorder tape). VHS-C is identical tape and recording format to regular VHS, all the adaptor does is fit the smaller shell in place. Even if you could get the miniDV shell in the VCR, VHS tape is 12.5 mm wide and miniDV is 6 mm wide. tape formulation is different, VHS is oxide, miniDV is metal evaporate. Audio is linear on VHS, and imbeded in the digital stream on miniDV. The video head turns 1800 rpm on VHS, and miniDV is 9000 rpm. And there is the obvious digital vs analog data format difference. even the tape speed is not the same