DVD Recorders...

[Bonibelle]

I want to transfer my VCR tapes and 8mm tapes to DVD's. I am usually able to understand new technology but I feel in a bit of a fog with all the different formats?
I installed a DVD burner in my computer and a new PCI card with firewire input but I made the lethal mistake of installing Nero 6. Apparently it conflicts with Roxio CD burning software. Things have never been the same with my computer, so I have decided to just buy a DVD recorder and go through my VCR or Digital camcorder.
Has anyone bought one of these recently? thanks

[svspa]

Hello BoniBelle,

I recently purchased the Sony VRD-VC20, converted about 100 hours of video with it. Works like a charm.

Added benefit is it can be used as a DVD burner for your computer as well as record from any video source (VCR, etc.) standalone. By standalone I mean you just hook it up to your video source and hit record, no computer or computer software needed.

The one major limitation is that it only accepts stereo audio input, no multi-channel sound. But for video tapes that shouldn't be a problem.

You might want to check it out.

Steve.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=cpu_Sony_PCAccessories_CD%2fDVDBurn_DVDirect&ProductSKU=VRDVC20&INT=sstyle-cpu_dvdcdburners-catpfeature-VRDVC20

[Bonibelle]

Thanks Steve, I will check it out. I have two friends who will buy what ever I do, as they want to do the same thing with old VHS tapes. I need to be sure I give them good advice, so I appreciate your help!

[Gomboman]

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=cpu_Sony_PCAccessories_CD%2fDVDBurn_DVDirect&ProductSKU=VRDVC20&INT=sstyle-cpu_dvdcdburners-catpfeature-VRDVC20

[Snowbird]

Okay all you super smart high tech types....

I have Super 8 movies (film) from my Navy time (1967 to 1971 USS Hancock CVA-19) and I would like to transfer them to DVD.  They are rotting away in a box someplace.

If I bought this Sony gizmo, how would I connect my movie projector to it?

???:-/??????

[Bonibelle]

Were you in Vietnam Snowbird? I also have super 8's from when I was a child. I know my Mother had one batch put on VHS for my sister and me. I think Walmart can do it, but it may be expensive and I would worry if they lost your originals. I will investigate this too and I am glad you brought this up because I have some very old reels from the 50's and I forgot about them.

[svspa]

BoniBelle and Snowbird,

I couldn't find anything through an internet search that looked like it would help you transfer old super 8 film.

I did transfer my wedding video, that was on super 8 film, by setting up a video camera to record the movie as it was projected on a projection screen. The quality is really not that bad.

It's worth a try if you still have your old projector. One thing to note is you would want to experiment with the size of the image projected on the screen, a smaller image should focus more of the light from the projector so the image doesn't look washed out on the video.

Otherwise the professional route is probably the only alternative.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Bonibelle]

Thanks Steve, I think I can still find my Dad's old projector. My sister claims that some the family borrowed many of our old movies. I hope she is wrong. My mother just passed away a few months ago and we have so much to look through. I would love to preserve those old pictures. My father always had the newest technology and I still remember how excited he was when the movie cameras with sound came out. I appreciate your help and the old projector screen is still in my Mom's basement, so I may just give it a try!

[Snowbird]

Were you in Vietnam Snowbird?

Yeah, but I'm no hero or anything like that.  No one ever shot a me.  The ground troops have all my respect.  I did three 9 month tours in the Tonkin Gulf launching air strikes off the carrier.  I was a quartermaster (navigation, not supply).

I have great movies of launches and landings and all the countries we visited.  i have a movie of a Skyhawk landing with gear up into a net.  Awesome.

I took them between 1968 and 1971.  Be a shame for them to deteriorate and be lost forever.

[Snowbird]

BoniBelle and Snowbird,

I couldn't find anything through an internet search that looked like it would help you transfer old super 8 film.

I did transfer my wedding video, that was on super 8 film, by setting up a video camera to record the movie as it was projected on a projection screen. The quality is really not that bad.

It's worth a try if you still have your old projector. One thing to note is you would want to experiment with the size of the image projected on the screen, a smaller image should focus more of the light from the projector so the image doesn't look washed out on the video.

Otherwise the professional route is probably the only alternative.

Good Luck!

Steve

Thank Steve.  I think you are right and it might be best to let a pro do it if the price is reasonable.

BoniBelle,  Let me know how it works for you.