Skip to main content
J
Jay Knobbe
Participating Frequently
December 26, 2023
Answered

Convert VHS to .avi via Firewire with VCR and Sony D8 camcorder

  • December 26, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 1122 views

I am trying to convert VHS tapes to .avi using my VCR and my Sony TRV310 D8 camera and Firewire. I did this successfully a while back and am attempting it again but I am forgetting some key ingredient.

My Set up:

No Hi8 tape in the camera

VCR OUT connected via composite cables to the connections on the side of my camera.

Camera connected to PC via firewire. PC recognizes the Sony camera.

Camera switched to VTR mode (Playback)

Capturing with PPro 5.5

Hit play on the VCR, and PlAY on the camera and the PC capture screen is blank. Press record on the PPro capture screen, No capture.

I have tested all components and if I play theVHS tape I can see it on the camera screen unless the firewire is connected.

I can play a Hi8 tape and capture it just fine using PPro.

I just have a nagging feeling I'm forgetting something simple?

Thoughts?

TIA.

 

Text edited my mod: camera is a D8 not Hi8.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Ann Bens

    I looked through the manual and the in camera menu tree and I don't find anything that says "dv in / out in the menu or anything with similar terminology. 


    If you cannot find any setting alternative capture vhs to dv tape then capture the dv tape to computer.

    3 replies

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 27, 2023

    Legacy driver http://www.studio1productions.com/Articles/Firewire-1.htm

     

    Other programs to try

    I have NOT used either, but many say to try these for SD capture http://windv.mourek.cz/ or http://www.exsate.com/products/dvcapture/
    I HAVE used http://www.scenalyzer.com/ and it works well, do change the default Fat32 to NTFS setting
    -I have NOT used the scene detect function in scenalyzer, so don't know how well it works

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Peru BobCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 27, 2023

    Does the VCR play OK on a TV?

    J
    Jay KnobbeAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 27, 2023

    I no longer have anything with that type of connection but the VCR VHS tape does play audio and video on the Sony Hi8 camcorder screen just fine. And just for clarification, I can capture Hi8 tape via Firewire with no trouble so I'm pretty confident that part of the equation works well. Thanks for your help with this. 

    Ann Bens
    Community Expert
    Ann BensCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 27, 2023

    Camera is a Digital8 not Hi8. (a Hi8 camera does not have firewire).

    This camera is able to [playback Hi8 tapes.

    You are not converting the VHS tape but capturing. (digitizing).

    Sorry, but lingo is important.

    You need to set DV out in the camera itself.

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Peru BobCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 27, 2023

    Are you using the Legacy Firewire driver?

    What operating system?

    J
    Jay KnobbeAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 27, 2023

    Hello Bob,

    Windows 8.1, It's a firewire card I've used often in the past. I can capture Hi8 tape via firewire with no trouble.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices