How to convert Hi 8 tapes to DVD or digital

[winr]

How to convert Hi 8 tapes to DVD or digital

The camera does not work anymore, I have been googling stuff for an hour but a bit confused on what to use

I found some stand alone convertors but thought I would ask here first before purchasing anything

The tapes have Grandma and Grandpa on them and they both passed


Ricky.

 

[TheELF]

I found some stand alone convertors but thought I would ask here first before purchasing anything

Link, so we know what you have in mind.
If it has a hi8 player in it it can't be cheap.

Options I see.
1. Find a hi8 player on ebay that still works and get a video grabber for PC.
2. Start phoning every videographer in your era and ask them if they still have hi8 equipment or know anybody that does.

 

[sdifox]

How many hours are we talking about? May just be easier to hire a service.

 

[Steltek]

If these are really important family films, I agree with @sdifox that hiring a service to do it might be best.

Format conversion is only half the battle - a pro service can probably do a quality restoration that looks far better than anything you would be able to do yourself.

My cousin's now ex-wife used Southtree on some of her family films several years ago. She always said she was satisfied with what they sent her back. However, I've never seen the films myself, so I can't vouch in any way, shape, or form for the quality.

I know Costco used to do it, but they terminated that service a couple of months ago. Don't know if Walgreens or Walmart still do it; however, I suspect what you'd get is a straight conversion and whatever flaws the original had would still be flaws in whatever they sent you back.

 

[shortylickens]

There are services which do this for you. Cheaper than buying professional equipment.
You send an email or fill out a web form, mail in your tapes, they do the work, they send back the videos. Also usually the tapes but sometimes you have to pay extra to get em back.
And I have no idea what their privacy policy is, or how reliable they are. So, good luck. Please try it and let us know.