I've been browsing through the forum and looking around on the way to transfer my Hi8 tapes to digital files. I'm just now clear what the best way to do this is:
When reading, some say you can purchase a Digital8 camcorder and transfer the Hi8 tapes via Firewire. The problem, some argue, is that some not all Digital8 camcorders can do this. I've read that the first Digital8 camcorders could not read the Hi8 analog tapes. Instead, Digital8 camcorders could write to the Hi8 tapes in digital. Later, it seems that the Digital8 camcorders were then able to read Hi8 tapes, but not all.
Then there is the thing about 'pass thru' and line TBC's. It sounds like if you use Firewire to transfer Hi8 tapes, you are 'NOT' using the internal TBC's? Or, perhaps when transferring a Hi8 tape via Firewire with a Digital8 camcorder, the Digtial8 camcorder always uses the TBC's?
On the other hand, I believe I've read it correctly that some argue that transferring Hi8 via Firewire doesn't result in a good quality transfer? So some instead, prefer to transfer the Hi8 tape via an S-Video connector. However, I've read too that some Digital8 camcorders no longer have S-Video connectors in order to save money in building the camcorder?
My understand is that the 'pass thru' capability with a Digital8 camcorder is for those interested in passing VHS signals through the camcorder too to use the Line TBC inside the Camera, then use a external full frame TBC, to further clean up the signal, possibly a proc amp, then to the PC capture card?
So...would I need a camcorder with the 'pass thru' capability? Or?
As of right now, I no longer have my old Sony Hi8 camcorder. So I'm going to need to purchase a used camcorder to transfer the Hi8 tapes. I just am not sure what I should make sure the camcorder has before I get one (possibly on
ebay or otherwise).
Needless to say, I'm a bit confused on what's the best way to transfer Hi8 tapes.
Currently, I already own a full frame TBC (S-video connectors), proc amp, and ATI capture card if the S-Video approach is preferable. However, I like the sound of transferring via Firewire too ...but maybe the quality is not as good? So to me, it seems like the S-video way would result in a better quality transfer.
Since I'm getting a new camcorder to transfer my Hi8 tapes, I'm interested in how I can use the pass thru capability for my VHS tapes too. Or, perhaps I shouldn't bother worrying about it? Or?
How should I approach this? Perhaps someone also knows a current list of camcorders that would be good for Hi8 transfers?