HDV conversion hardware recommendations?

[Kurgan]

Good Day All,

I'm nearing the end of a large archiving project and unfortunately need to replace and/or upgrade some equipment to handle what's left. My requirements are:

1. A device that will play *HDV* Mini-DV tapes and allow capture via Firewire.

2. A device with camcorder pass-through, that will allow me to digitize the few remaining VHS tapes I have.

Ideally, killing two birds with one stone would be my preference and I don't need Rolls Royce options. I just want this done.

Previously, I used a Sony PC-109 camcorder, which worked great for standard (not HDV) Mini-DV tapes and also for VHS captures, since it has the pass-through feature. Unfortunately, it is no longer working.

Any recommendations? I need to put this to bed, so any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[latreche34]

Yes you can do all with one device, I've done it personally with Sony HVR-M15AU, However the price and availability may be an obstacle, and the passthrough feature although it did help me for the tapes I needed, But I cannot compare it to say an ES10/15 from Panasonic since I don't have one, but I though it did a great job, Here is a thread I started with some samples in the first post.

[lordsmurf]

latreche34, in order to remove the riff-raff noise, can you perhaps quote the salient nuggets of info, here? I would appreciate it.

Since your attachments are too large, just refer to that first post, and others need to stop reading beyond that point, as it does derail quickly. (It's unfortunate how VH attracted so many trolls during the pandemic, and how some are only now finally getting the boot for their antics and ignorance.)

[latreche34]

I edited the post, I also would like to add that there is a NTSC US model only M15U which is available and cheaper.

[Kurgan]

Thanks, latreche34....definitely helpful!

Am I reading you right in thinking you mean either of the Sony models or the Panasonic one will do pass-through? Sorry to bypass Google and go straight to you, but real-world experience means more to me.

Thanks again.

[latreche34]

I tried analog to analog pass-through, Didn't try analog to firewire but it should work as well.