Does a Hi8-to-VHS tape converter exist?

[IEC]

Okay, so my family has an old camcorder that uses the Hi8 format and uses those small tapes... the problem is that that camcorder is pretty much dead and won't display anything but garbled images when you try to playback any tapes... So my father wants to be able to watch/copy old tapes... is there any way to do this using some type of cartridge? Or would I have to buy a new camcorder of some sort?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MrChad]

Sony used to have a Hi8 VCR deck, the EV-C100. I don't think they're made anymore, but you can find them on eBay.

 

[LED]

Was in the same boat and found none 🙁...ended up borrowing a Camera and moved most everything to VHS.

 

[IEC]

Thanks for the responses guys, don't know what to do yet... we'll see.

 

[IEC]

Considering that that Sony 8mm VCR looks pricey, would I be better off buying a camcorder like this one?

Edit: Seriously considering just getting this, or maybe just finding someone's old Hi8 camcorder to borrow... lol.

 

[SkyBum]

I've got that sony evc-100 hi-8 deck. Nice little unit. Should be able to get one at a decent price on ebay......

EDIT: Why transfer to VHS? You'll lose video quality in the transfer and on top of that the tapes will continue to degrade even further over time. Why not capture to digital format and burn to DVD? You''ll then have something that will last damn near forever and will be much easier to watch. just a thought.....

 

[Ken90630]

Borrowing one (assuming you can) and transferring everything over to DVD would be my recommendation.

If you can't borrow a Hi-8 machine, you might consider one of these places that does "video transfers." There are places that advertise "transfer your old films and memories to DVD" and such. I think they're like the Photomat places, or maybe even a "one hour photo" type place in the mall or a shopping center could handle it. I know some places do this sort of thing 'cuz I've seen ads in the yellow pages and also had flyers left on my car windshield.

I'd guess it's not cheap, but may not be as expensive as buying that Samsung Hi-8 recorder. Prolly depends on how much video you need to transfer.

This is all assuming, of course, that the material you need to transfer is not of the Paris Hilton or Tommy/Pamela Lee variety. :evil: In such a case, a commercial transfer service would obviously not be a real good idea (unless you want it all over the Internet).

Oh, and not to insult your intelligence, but did you try cleaning the heads and tape path on the old Hi-8 machine you have? (And maybe just getting it fixed could be cheaper than buying a new one.)