Convert old real to real movies

[snidy1]

I have a bunch of old home movies that I want to convert to digital to put on DVD. What kind of equipment do I need?

 

[DarkAmeba]

If you mean VHS to DVD you just need a DVD burner, video capture card, and a VHS player. Not sure I understand the question though.

 

[snidy1]

I mean the old real to real 8mm movies

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: snidy1
Convert old real to real movies

that's reel-to-reel

and its a PITA (i know 'cause i did HOURS of it; came out GREAT)

the EASIEST way is to simply PROJECT your film on a premium screen (about 18-22" diagonal image ), slow it down or speed it up to get rid of 'flicker' and FILM it with your DVC.

Then use firewire/software (as usual) to d/l and edit your digital capture on your computer. 😉

There are expensive "boxes" or professional services that will make it easier (if expensive). 😉

 

[DarkAmeba]

oh wow... well if you have a player that outputs the 8mm video in a format a video capture card can read (usually RCA/Svideo/Coax), then you can no problem. Just plug your player into the video capture card and record it to mpeg then convert and burn onto a dvd. Remember though, an analog recording will always look analog, so unless you're trying to get rid of the 8mm videos theres no reason to convert.

EDIT: read above, he actually has experience with what you're doing 😉

 

[snidy1]

I don't have a projector, are they still around to buy?

 

[apoppin]

i guess so . . . do a google search.

i know places still rent them . . . .

if you live in So Cal, you could buy mine. 😉
(regular 8 projector works great from the '50s - weight a ton; my super 8 proj is 'iffy')

🙂

 

[snidy1]

Does anyone know of any links that will help me learn how to do this?

 

[snidy1]

Anyone?

 

[robisc]

I too have been looking into this, and there was a pretty good read in last months PCworld or PCmag, I can't rememebr which, I saved the article just not the mag, I will find it later and try and find a link for ya.

 

[tart666]

Originally posted by: snidy1
Does anyone know of any links that will help me learn how to do this?

link

 

[robisc]

That's the story, I too just found the link, my problem is I need to find an old 8mm reel to reel projector.

 

[snidy1]

Thank's for the link, now I have to find a projector.

 

[snidy1]

Are there projectors that have outputs that I can plug directly into my digital camcorder? It would make it a lot easier.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: snidy1
Are there projectors that have outputs that I can plug directly into my digital camcorder? It would make it a lot easier.

That's the "box" - hundreds of dollars - that'll simplify life for you.

Do a Google Search . . . i found everything for my project that way . . . i'd be glad to link you but it's LOST in the archives.

Other then that eXperiment . . . it costs NOTHING; try every variable you can think of . . . just get a GOOD projector with a strong bulb and rent or buy a good screen. Try moving the DVC closer and farther from the screen; use it's oiptical zoom; move the projector further from the screen . . . then closer (i found a 22" diagonal picture was best for my Panasonic DVC). You're gonna NEED variable projector speed to minimize flicker.

FINALLY - when you get what LOOKS best to you, film it review it and film it again if necessary.

Once you get the hang of it, it's really simple - but's lots of trial and error to get it "perfect".