What is the easiest and cheapest way to convert few VHS (Hi8) cassette content to DVD format in U.K.?

Question

I've got a recording DVD player, VHS player, but these Hi8 tapes are miniature ones and i haven't got a player for them...

Answer 1

You may use the best software I have seen AVS Video Tools. It can convert to/from all key format, upload video or DVD directly to key portables like iPod, Sony PSP, Archos, Zen Creative, and mobiles.

It can capture video from DV or webcams, TV tuners, DVB-T, DVB-S, transfer VHS tapes to DVD, remove commercials, edit video, copy and burn DVDs and video files: AVI (DivX, XviD, etc.), MP4, WMV, 3GP, 3G2, QuickTime (MOV, QT), SWF, DVD, VOB, VRO, MPEG 1,2,4, MPG, DAT, VCD, SVCD, ASF, H.263, H.264, RM, DVR-MS.

There is the free download link:

http://www.dvdtoipod.us/dvdvideoconverte...

Answer 2

If you haven't got a Hi8 camcorder then you may need to take it to a store to get it converted. Otherwise if you do have a Hi8 camcorder you could connect it to a VHS converter that then connects to a computer via USB. Have a look at it here:

http://www.vhsconverter.co.uk

This may be a good option if you have a few to do rather than just one tape, as giving loads of tapes to a store could be more expensive.

Answer 3

HI, check around the people you know - you'd be amazed how many use/have a camcorder hidden away and many of these are capable of playing Hi8 tapes (including some that play Digital8 tapes - size is the same but format is not quite the same ... don't worry the camcorder will either play them or it won't. It doesn't damage either the camcorder or the tapes even if it won't play them).

Another alternative is to post a "Wanted" ad on Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) and ask if someone is getting rid of a camcorder that will play them - you'd be surprised what people GIVE AWAY!

Once you've located a camcorder use the 3.5mm output socket and the phono connectors on the DVD recorder; sleect the channel (AV1, AV2 etc) and record away

Hope this helps

Tony

Answer 4

Find a Digital8 camcorder.  Digital8 cameras can read your Hi-8 cassettes.  Sony still makes them, and you can purchase one for a very economical price from places like Amazon.  If you can also borrow one from someone.

Connect the Digital8 camera from the Firewire (or i.Link) port on the camera to the computer the same way you connect miniDV camcorders.  You can then use Windows Movie Maker in Windows or iMovie in iLife on a Mac to capture and edit your Hi-8 video.

You will probably need to add an external hard drive if you do not have at least 320gb of free space.  We recommend getting a 500gb USB hard drive (for $100 USD) or larger.

Answer 5

link VHS player output to DVD recorder input, play VHS, record DVD