Playing MiniDV tapes

TerranRich · Sun 23/05/2004 09:03:46

This is for any videophiles and vide buffs out there. Does anyone know how I can play MiniDV tapes without having a MiniDV Handycam...er...handy? Like I've heard of ways to convert MiniDV to a computer file. Is there a way to play it on a regular VHS VCR? Or is there machinery to play it? Or convert it to computer files? Basically, any way of playing a MiniDV tape without a camcorder would be most helpful.

Thanks.

LGM · Sun 23/05/2004 14:20:34

I don't think they have adapters for it.. Seeing as MiniDV tapes are actually digital, and not analog.. So you'd need a spiffy VCR to do that.

You could rent a DV Cam.. lol

EDIT:
This may help - http://hometheater.about.com/cs/vcrs/a/aa8mmtovhsa.htm

TerranRich · Sun 23/05/2004 15:55:07

Rent a DV Cam. I never really thought of that. Then I could use RCA cables to convert it to VHS, like the About web site said. See, I searched for a long time for some info but forgot about the goodness that is About.com.

Now is there a big difference between Hi8 and MiniDV? I'm getting a free Hi8 Handycam (I guess those things really do work). Would those play MiniDV's?

Ben · Sun 23/05/2004 18:42:05

I think you can get an adapter.. It looks like a VHS tape, but you put a mini DV tape inside it, and it will play in a VCR.

LGM · Sun 23/05/2004 18:43:18

Hi8 is still analog.. But it's the same tape size and quality of Sony's Digital 8.. the only difference is the lines of resolution, I beleive... And maybe some other minor things.. It's really the CCD and lens that make the image.

But I still don't think a hi8 camera can play miniDV.. I'm sure your college has a miniDV camera they can check out to you for a nominal fee.. Ask your professor.

TerranRich · Mon 24/05/2004 05:56:38

Ben, follow LGM's link and you'll see that such an adapter does not exist. It only exists for VHS-C -- VHS Compact -- formats.

But yeah, I'll ask someone at New England Tech.

Robert Eric · Mon 24/05/2004 12:36:45

If you have a Digital Video Camera, then It most likely came with the appropriate A/V cables needed to plug it into the TV so you can watch it via the camera.

TerranRich · Mon 24/05/2004 16:57:47

RE: yeah I know that, I've done it before. But I need a way to play the damn tape, and renting a camera is the only way right now.

LGM · Tue 25/05/2004 19:58:24

Just thought I'd add that Brum's trying to watch a homebrewed pr0n tape ;-p

TerranRich · Tue 25/05/2004 20:26:31

But it's not mine...

Er...

Shut up!