8mm video tape to DVD conversion

I have a stack of old 8mm video tapes from 5-15 years ago that I wish to convert to DVD and eventually edit. Is there a device for converting these tapes? I do have a working 8mm camcorder that I borrowed from a friend that can play these tapes.

To record an analogue signal onto a (digital) PC/Mac calls for a player, a converter, a recorder and a re-purposer.
Ignoring the player (you're sorted there) conversion can be done either by using an external recorder (typically a digicam c/w analogue-in recording), an external converter (see pinnacle, canopus or miglia) or an internal converter (vince1327's idea of using the new generation TV devices is an inspired one).
You'll then need software to record the signal. Apple suggestions include QT-Pro, iMovie or Final Cut Express. Traditionally there was a challenge with dropped-frames and other failures so, especially if your using an external converter, use something simple to record with (QTP?) and something like Tiger Cache Cleaner (or OnyX) to keep the keep your machine "clean" throughout the process.
You'll need to re-puropse the result; this can be done in any of a number of ways depending upon whether DVD, PSP, iPod, etc will be the final viewing medium. QT-Pro/Flip4MacStudio and iDVD are all good, but in truth the world's not short of widgets, freeware, shareware and mainstream applications (for example the previously Popwire applications now at Flip4Mac/Telestream) for re-purposing results.
ffmpegX being a good, free choice.
Cheapest - borrowing a mate's digicam is free and the results are guarateed; Second cheapest? Try vince1327's idea TV idea; at least you'll be able to use that hardware after you're finished recording.
pBook 12/1.5mhz Mac OS X (10.4.7)

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I am attempting to convert 8mm video cassettes to dvd using a video cassette player, elgato video capture with rca/usb connections to the mac, editing in imovie and burning on idvd. The picture quality is awful. What can I do?????

I am attempting to convert 8mm video cassettes to dvd using a video cassette player, elgato video capture with rca/usb connections to the mac then editing in imovie and burning dvd-r using idvd. The picture quality is awful. What can I do??????

At what point is the video quality bad? Is it bad on capture? I would recommend using an s-video 1394 firewire converter instead. They capture the video at a higher bit rate. If you have a lot of 8mm tapes to capture, invest in a stand alone DVD recorder. They capture and compress in one shot. If you need to rip it back from the DVD into iMovie again, I would recommend using DVDxDV.

Converting old analog camcorder video tapes to DVD

After spending days scouring the web I still have the following question:
I have old small Video 8 camcorder tapes, a Mac with a SuperDrive and iMovie/iDVD, but no camera anymore to put the tapes in - what do I buy in order to convert my little tapes into DVDs?
I would appreciate any and all help!
-Joanna 39

Joanna,
As previously mentioned, one method is to buy a Digital8 camcorder by Sony which should be able to play older analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes. I do this all the time as I have a stack of old 8mm and Hi8 analog tapes I am slowly getting around to digitizing, importing to iMovie, light editing, archival copy back out to digital tape, and finally a copy on DVD to watch. I have a Sony Digital8 camcorder and all I do is simply hook up the camcorder to my eMac via a Firewire cable, pop in my old analog tapes, and start importing. The camcorder does the analog to digital conversion and passes that stream up to the Mac.
You can also buy MiniDV models of camcorder that support what is known as pass-thru where you patch your old analog camcorder into the MiniDV camcorder and then firewire to the Mac. The miniDV takes the analog coming in, digitizes it, then passes it thru to the Mac. But since you said you don't have any camcorder now, this would require you to buy two, so this option is kind of out.
Perhaps if you are not interested in investing in a new (or used) Digital8 camcorder, someone in your area (or out of your area if you are willing to ship) with the right equipment could do it for you. Depending on the number of tapes you are talking about, you could invest in a large capacity external Firewire drive which could then be given, along with your tapes, to the person who is going to do it for you. They would import the tapes into iMovie project folders onto your external hard drive. Once all in the hard drive, tapes and drive would be returned to you and you could access the projects on the hard drive by plugging it into your Mac. Tapes could then be safely tucked away for safekeeping. You may have to pay a fee for this, especially if someone is willing to put the wear and tear on their Digital8 camcorder or other tape device to transfer that footage. You may be able to get the person to do stuff like put copies onto digital tapes and/or make DVDs of the tapes, all of which take time of course.
Maybe you could post the area of the world you live in and see if anyone near you is interested.
Patrick

Converting 8mm movie tapes to dvd

I would like to convert some old 8mm home movies to DVD but not sure what file format would work best with iMovie HD 6.I have a Pioneer DVD/VCr recorder and have tried importing one of these DVD's into iMovie but it doesn't seem to work,it looks like it imports but the resulting file cannot be opened.

Basicall, iMovie works with miniDV tapes rather than straight from DVD. What you will need to do is convert the 8mm films to mini DV tape format or have them put on a VCR tape from which you can use your VCR to pass through a miniDV camcorder into iMovie in the miniDV format. So the simple answer to your question is convert your films to the mini DV format. Not knowing what other equipment you have, it's hard to give specific recommendations, but here is what I did with some of my father's films from the 1940's:
*Sent the films to a commercial company to convert to mini DV tape format.\
*used my DV camcorder to import into iMovie and edited to my heart's content.
I also converted some old video tapes by using my camcorder as a pass through device (basicially played the tapes from my VCR to my camcorder so that it would convert to the miniDV format and deliver to my Mac.) Others have used devices made by Canopus to do the same thing.
Hope this gives you a start.

I am looking to buy the least expensive high resolution digital video camera to convert/record 8mm video tapes.

Hi. Thanks for your help in advance.
I am looking to buy the least expensive digital video camera with the highest resolution I can find in order to use it to record 100s of old (1960s era ) reel to reel video tapes. I am told that in order to do that I must record the "old" video onto a new platform, which means I will set up an "old" projector and play the tapes and record the video on a digital camera. I only want to do this once so I want the highest resolution format I can find. Therefore, I am looking for a camera to purchase. Any help is appreciated.

Hello Lance,
Transferring film to digital video is a complex, challenging process. To cut to the chase, the best way to do this is to engage a firm that specializes in film-to-digital transfer services. There are quite a few around. Costs for 8mm transfer range anywhere from about $0.15 - $0.40 per foot and there are usually significant discounts for bulk projects. Plus, depending on the cost of the video camera you would otherwise consider buying, you may find it costs less overall to use a service than do it yourself.
You also mentioned that you "want the highest resolution format" ... Once you project 8mm/Super8 film onto a screen the effective resolution will not even be what we might consider "standard-def" in digital video. And the larger the projected image the lower & lower the effective resolution regardless of what kind of video camera you might use.
A transfer service, however, directly scans each frame to digitize them and depending on the math the resulting digital image may technically be as "good" as 720p ... but the overall image quality will still be limited by the quality of the original film ... and still probably not up the level of "standard-def" digital video ... but way better than anything you could obtain with a homebrew projector-screen-videocam setup.
Why DIY? Well, it sounds inexpensive and simple. But in reality it is a very time consuming way to get relatively low quality transfers no matter how high-end or expensive a video camera you use. I can share more details if necessary, but DIY film-to-video transfer is not the way to go if you are really interested in quality results.

Old VCR Video Tape to DVD

Is there a way of taking old VCR videos (home movies) and transferring them to DVD? Can this be done from VCR to Mac computer?

Hi -
The answer to your question is yes, but it is a multi-step process that you may or may not be interested in doing.
The basic workflow will be to connect the analog outputs of your VCR to a device (convertor) that will change the signals to a format that the Mac can ingest. You use iMovie software to ingest the material.
Once you have the material in your computer, you can (if you choose) edit and title it in iMovie. Then you can send it to iDVD to have the material converted (internally in the Mac) into a format that will create a standard DVD, and then burn that DVD.
The convertor you use to connect the VCR to the Mac can be a dedicated convertor like the ADVC300, or you can possibly use a Camcorder that has analog inputs and a DV output to do the job. There in no way to directly connect the VCR to the Mac without some kind of hardware interface.
In any case, you would use iMovie and iDVD,
If you are not planning on editing the material, but just want to convert the VHS tapes as they are to a DVD, and have lots of tapes to do, then you might want to consider a stand-alone DVD recorder. This will simplify everything as you simply connect the VHS machine to the DVD recorder and burn copies directly. Here is a link to an example of a DVD recorder:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMR-EZ28K-Recorder-1080p-Upconversion/dp/B0014F7 Z94/ref=sr12?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1267727255&sr=8-2
Hope this helps.

How do I transfer analog video tapes to dvd format using 10.6.8 iMac?

I've recently retired and now want to take on this project of transferring old analog video onto dvds. What do I need to get started?

I had the same question a couple of years ago and discovered a device called "Elgato Video Capture" that digitizes analog video as it plays on your VCR while transferring it to your computer. There may be newer devices/software available now, but the Elgato system works amazingly well. Here is the link to their website: https://www.elgato.com/en/video/video-capture. Happy transferring!

8mm Camcorder transfer to DVD using Roxio

Hello. I am looking for an economical way of moving 8mm Camcorder tapes to DVD.
From some research, it seems that the Roxio program, in conjunction with the DVD recorder in my iMac will do this. I would appreciate if anyone that has information on this could comment. Thank you.

I have done lots of this.
You don't need Roxio.
If your camcorder has Firewire, connect it to your Mac. If not look at the Grassvally ADVC300. Audio and Video go in, FireWire comes out. It also comes with a nice Macintosh application that works flawlessly with iMovie 06 and iDVD 08/09 (I have used it a few times with iMovie 09).
The program that comes with the ADVC300 has some nice filters that can improve video and audio of the source material. The ADVC300 will take Audio and Video from any source and convert it to FireWire (iMovie will treat it like a camera).
http://www.grassvalley.com/products/advc300
I would use iMovie 06 with iDVD 08/09, why?
iMovie 08/09 uses 'single field processing' meaning every other horizontal line of the video is thrown out, which reduces the sharpness of the footage. iMovie 06 uses ALL of the image to form the video.
Your primary workflow is editing DV clips and making DVDs, so iMovie '06 is better suited. Your movie will arrive at iDVD in DV format, which is an ideal match for making a DVD: same resolution, same pixels aspect ratio, and original quality. If you share your movie from iMovie '08 / 09, it gets re-rendered at 640x480 or less, and then iDVD upscales it back to 720x480. The end result is obviously not as good.
iMovie 06 and iDVD 09 is a "lossless" combination.

Copying video tapes

Hi Guys,
Here's a simple question.........
I've been using Garageband for a while to copy my records & tapes to my MacBook Pro &/or CDs. I would now like to do a similar thing with a few old VHS video tapes onto DVD.
I have QuickTime Pro installed. Is this the right app to use, or should I use iMovie or something else?
I don't really want/need hi-tech stuff, just something to copy the tapes across. Also, what sort of lead would I need, and where should I plug it into? The video recorder has Euro AV1 and Euro AV2 sockets (they look the same).
Cheers in advance.
Message was edited by: Old Baldrick

Hi
A. I would use iMovie HD 6 to do this. Better quality and control.
B. don't put a mini DVD into Your Mac unless it’s a trayloaded DVD.
C. Read what Karsten collected:
DVD back to iMovie:
.. and here the complete 'full 9 yards' ... :
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3822853&#3822853
DVDs are in a socalled delivery format (mpeg2), which isn't meant and
made for any processing as editing... or, as honorable forum member
QuicktimeKirk stated: I use the analogy of the old Polaroid
"instant" cameras. Push the button, wait for the print to develop and
show it off. ..
for using the iLife apps, you have to convert'em first, in
recommended order, choose one of the following tools/workarounds:
• DVDxDV (free trial, 25$, Pro: 90$)
• Apple mpeg2 plugin (19$) + Streamclip (free)
• VisualHub (23.32$)
• Cinematize >60$
• Mpeg2Works >25$ + Apple plug-in
• Toast 6/7/8 allows converting to dv/insert dvd, hit apple-k
• connect a miniDV Camcorder with analogue input to a DVD-player and transfer disk to tape/use as converter
• Drop2DV (free) a free tool claiming to convert DVDs into dv-stream...
• Use iSquint for your conversions : www.iSquint.org
from: Bobby Keene
none of these apps override copyprotection mechanisms as on commercial dvds...
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6010.shtml
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6018.shtml
be nice to copy rights ^-^
... and, next time, try the forum's search-feature...
from Beverly M.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42724
Yours Bengt W

Software for video transfers to DVDs

Hi, I was wondering if there is a simple software program available where I can transfer old VHS & 8 mm video tapes onto DVD? It would need to allow me to edit the material before putting it on the DVD. Please help me.
Thanks.
iMac Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Wellcome to the fprums !
About software, if you have iLife that's all you need: edit with iMovie and create your DVDs with iDVD. You can integrate iTunes audio and iPhoto pictures ealsily.
To capture analog video material (VHS & 8mm) you need some basic hardware, like Canopus ADVC-55:
http://canopus.com/products/ADVC55/index.php
You can capture then directly trhough your firewire port. Of course you'll find another similar products (do your own search in the internet!) but you'll find a lot of good references in these forums about Canopus transcoders. I personally have a ADVC-100 and works great.
This forums is about DVD Studio Pro part of the Final Cut pro Studio. Of course this software suite will give you more options during editing and authoring DVDs, but I think you will be more than happy with iMovie and iDVD results !
Hope it helps !
Alberto

The DVD function of 2007 MacBook Pro (10.7.5) no longer works. Apple does repair, but referred to buy an external DVD player. Purchased two, including the Apple, neither work on my model. Trying to burn DVD of 8MM video. Any suggestions?

I am trying to turn my Sony 8mm Handicam video into DVD through my MACBOOK PRO. Unfortunately my DVD function no longer works. Apple won't repair, no longer carries the parts. Referred to Apple repair shop. Gentleman there said it cost the same to purchase an external DVD player as repair the MACBOOK. So far, I have purchased two, including Apple's. Neither works with my MACBOOK. Any ideas or suggestions?

Hi rgneil:
Yeah, keeping an older machine running has it's challenges.
Have you tried one of the DVD burners from Other World Computing? Their sales support can probably guide you to one that should work. The OWC burner that I use with my 2009 17-inch MacBook Pro has FireWire and USB2 connectors.
Are you using iMovie/iDVD or Final Cut Pro/DVD Studio Pro? And, do you have Roxio Toast?
If all else fails, you could try a stand alone DVD-Recorder. You'd want to pick a model that supports external video input. I have a LiteON DVD-Recorder that I patch VHS, Regular8 and Hi8 decks to now and again just to get stuff off tape to DVD-R.
Report back on what works (or continues to not work) for you.
Burn on!
-Warren

From video tapes to canon MVX350i to iMovie to DVD.... which cable?

Hi,
We wish to transfer and edit our VHS tapes to a Canon MVX 350i, transfer it to iMovie and then burn DVDs.
We bought this Canon because we were told it would allow us to do as described. (Analogue Digital Converter).
However we do not have a cable to undertake this task... I believe it is a SCART in/out? Is this correct? What cable(s) do I need?
I don't mind paying for a decent cable and suggestions please?
Thanks,
George UK

George,
I have a Canon 530i and have transferred many VHS tapes to DVD.
Youir Canon should have come with a cable with 3 RCS connectors and a 1/8" plug to connect to your camera. Canon has a socket for that purpose and it is marked "AV" and is yellow.
You need to set your camera to "AV to DV out" which is in the stup section. That allows your camera to do the conversion from anologue to digital without actually recording anything.
There is another socket in your camers and that is for firewire. You will need to buy a firewire connector that can connect to your camera and your computer.
If your Vidoe player has RCA connectors which I presume it does, then connect the cable to your outlet sockets (red, white and yellow) into the yellow AV input socket on your camera. Connect your Firewire to your Mac and bingo, you're set up.
When you start up iMovie, you will need to click on the camera icon next to the scissors. Turn your camers to 'play', turn on your video recorder to play and then you will get the picture on your screen. It should download about 9 minutes per clip and will continue until the film runs out or you run out of disk space.
I suggest you download about 3 or 4 nine minute clips, the stop the downloading and save it for editing.
Good luck
Robert

Is it possible to copy 8mm video to DVD using my MacBook?

I want to copy 8mm vidoe to DVD using my MacBook. How can I tell if it is possible?

Do you mean 8mm film? Or "digital 8" video tape?
There are many services that can convert film to digital formats, but they're expensive. The most reasonably priced service I have found is called "Yesvideo". Google it.
If it's "digital 8" the way to do that is to import it from your "digital 8" camcorder using iMovie. Then you use iDVD to create a DVD.

Converting Sharp VL-AH30 8mm tapes to DVD.

Does anyone know how I can hook up the Sharp VL-AH30 Camcorder to my MacBook? It has a single audio/video output that splits into one audio jack and one video jack. I'm just trying to convert some old home videos (8mm) to dvds... so I really need to know the cheapest way... and easiest.
Thanks!

Basicall, iMovie works with miniDV tapes rather than straight from DVD. What you will need to do is convert the 8mm films to mini DV tape format or have them put on a VCR tape from which you can use your VCR to pass through a miniDV camcorder into iMovie in the miniDV format. So the simple answer to your question is convert your films to the mini DV format. Not knowing what other equipment you have, it's hard to give specific recommendations, but here is what I did with some of my father's films from the 1940's:
*Sent the films to a commercial company to convert to mini DV tape format.\
*used my DV camcorder to import into iMovie and edited to my heart's content.
I also converted some old video tapes by using my camcorder as a pass through device (basicially played the tapes from my VCR to my camcorder so that it would convert to the miniDV format and deliver to my Mac.) Others have used devices made by Canopus to do the same thing.
Hope this gives you a start.

Video/DVD conversion problems and questions

I have been using i-tunes for a couple years. The music libary and its functionality is superb however after getting an Iphone I have been trying to fully understand the concept of the required video/dvd conversion before itunes will accept them.
I have used a couple different programs to convert content into Mpeg-4 itunes acceptable format. However when attempt to snyc video to my iphone several issues arise. First I have had content in my movie/video libary that for whatever reason will not transfer to the phone. Sometimes itunes will transfer a specific video and then on a later snycing, it will leave that same content out. Bizarre. I had 4 videos loaded into itunes and at one point I had all of them on the phone. During my last snyc session although they were checked, in the movie libary, they were not transferred.
I have been using the itunes conversion option even after its been coverted into Mpeg-4, is this neccessary ? I have ripped a full length purchased dvd and loaded it onto Itunes, however it will not sync to the phone. Should I be able to load an entire movie if I have the available space or is there a capacity limit ?
Can someone describe a process from start to finish, that will decode/convert video/dvd's into Itunes acceptable format that will also allow snycing to my I-phone without all of these constant issues ?
Thanks !
S ~

Ok folks let's disengage the panic button. This is more of a means of sorting out a movie/video clip snync problem than trying to circumvent legalities and or discuss copyright violations none of which are present.
i/tunes seems to make up it's own mind regarding which vid clips are transferred to the iphone even when all selections are formatted and are checked. No error message, no indicators, some files move while others do not.
Any ideas ?

8mm video tape to DVD conversion

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