Video 8 and the higher performance version Hi8, were much the most popular
type of camcorder sold right the way through the 1990's and are still sold
today. Picture and sound quality is very good, and at best can be
outstanding. Since the 8mm tape is completely different to VHS, no Video8
or Hi8 to VHS adaptor could ever exist, we need to play these tapes on the
appropriate equipment.
You have come to the right place for your Video8 and Hi8 to DVD
transfers, video99 has simply the best 8mm video equipment. I
can transfer your camcorder tapes to DVD with brilliant pictures and sound,
using my semi-professional Hi8 edit equipment costing well over £1000.
The signals are processed through a Digital Timebase Corrector to remove any
flutter and wobble, and get the benefit of a digital dropout compensator in my
player. Then the video signals are handled in S-Video form for the
ultimate in colour performance, to my DVD recorder or computer system where it is recorded
to DVD with outstanding picture and HiFi stereo sound. I can also deal
with PCM digital audio recording tracks (most people can't do this). What all this means is that the
results will be much better than you can get by just playing the tape in a
camcorder. I've had cases of customers coming to me after other video
transfer companies were unable to handle LP recordings and international
recordings, but video99.co.uk won't
let you down.
Hi8 camcorders from 1998 onwards may include Hi8-XR (Extended Resolution)
technology with suitable XR tapes. If your tapes are recorded with this
feature, let me know since I will make a point of selecting appropriate
equipment to get the very best from your recordings.
One of three identical Semi-professional Video 8 / Hi8 edit decks used for copying camcorder tapes to
DVD.
Basic Menu, £12: Up to 2:30 hours on one DVD, but most camcorder
tapes are only 90 minutes which fits nicely. The menus
are limited to just a title, but you get a chapter point every 5 minutes so it
is easy to move around the DVD. Extra copies of these DVDs cost just
£3.50 each and are recommended.
Deluxe Menu £18: Up to 1:30 hours on one DVD, so most camcorder
tapes fit in one go. Nice menu icons showing what is on that part of the
recording, and if you email me with titles I will put them on the DVD for you
too. I place the chapter breaks at points of interest or new
recordings. These menus look like professionally recorded DVD films.
Extra copies are very cheap, just £2.50 each, and well worth taking.
Tape type
Running times (maximum)
Video 8 or Hi8 MP90, ME90
90 minutes SP or 180 minutes LP
Video 8 or Hi8 MP120, ME120
2 hours SP or 4 hours LP
Digital8 on MP90 tape
60 minutes SP or 90 minutes LP
In the last few years a new variant of 8mm video recording
has arrived, called Digital8, marketed by Sony and Hitachi. Camcorders of
this type use standard Hi8 video cassettes, or Digital8 cassettes which are
essentially the same, to record digital signals of the same type as other
digital camcorders. The quality is excellent and with suitable equipment,
it is possible to transfer these recordings to DVD in a completely digital way,
retaining outstanding performance.
Hitachi Digital8 camcorder.
You can't tell by looking at an 8mm video cassette whether it has an
analogue Video8 / Hi8 recording on it, or a Digital8 recording. A clue may be in
the vintage, recordings prior to year 2000 will be analogue, and later than that
could be either. If you have
only a Video8 or Hi8 camcorder or player, and get a Digital8 tape to play, you
see a grey screen full of speckles and the
sound will just be a loud buzz. Since I can transfer all of
Video8, Hi8 and Digital8, there will be no problems with any of them. Some
transfer outfits will get caught out by Digital8 recordings as they cannot run
them. Furthermore I can handle recordings made on equipment from around
the world, at no extra expense.
Basic Menu, £12: Up to 2:30 hours on one DVD, but most camcorder
tapes are only 60-90 minutes which fits nicely. The menus
are limited to just a title, but you get a chapter point every 5 minutes so it
is easy to move around the DVD. Extra copies of these DVDs cost just
£3.50 each and are recommended.
Deluxe Menu £18: Up to 1:30 hours on one DVD, so camcorder
tapes usually fit in one go. Nice menu icons showing what is on that part of the
recording, and if you email me with titles I will put them on the DVD for you
too. I place the chapter breaks at points of interest or new
recordings. These menus look like professionally recorded DVD films.
Extra copies are very cheap, just £2.50 each, and well worth taking.
Also available, Video8/Hi8/Digital8 to MPEG or AVI(DV) files for your own computer
editing. The price is small quantities is the same as Deluxe Menu.
For larger quantities of tapes there are good discounts possible. In
particular, if you would like to transfer Video8, Hi8 or Digital8 to hard disk, the price can be
as low as £7 per hour and then we also have the option of using the even
higher quality AVI DV file format. Just email
me for details.
There is a limitation of the Digital8 format: Hi8 or Video8 90 minute tapes record for 60 minutes with the Digital8
format unless LP (long play) is used to extend this to 90 minutes. If LP (long play) mode has been
used using a cheaper Video8 tape, it is possible that the recordings may not
play so well, occasional blocks and patterns are possible. So far I've
never experienced this effect on my equipment.
* Note about NTSC recordings (USA television standard): Other companies
in the UK may say they can run these, but most will get stuck if your recording
is in Long Play. We have imported Hi8 NTSC equipment from USA for this
reason and so won't let you down. However such Long Play NTSC recordings
may not have stereo sound available.
How
to request a Video 8 to DVD transfer, Hi8 to DVD or Digital8 to DVD transfer.
We have a new and
easy order page, just select what kind of tapes you have and supply your
details.
If for any reason you get stuck filling out the form, just email me and I'll
help you personally. It's a personal service I offer, not like some
of the big video editing houses. I understand that in many cases you will not be
able to tell how much material is on the original recordings.In which case, assume that the tapes are fairly full and send payment
accordingly, I will refund any surplus by means of a cheque sent with your
finished recordings.
If you want your tapes back after you have
the DVD copies (recommended):
Not everyone
needs their tapes returned once they have the DVDs, but if you do, please remember to include postage costs. For a single video tape in the UK, this is just
£1.50 For larger quantities, and tapes from outside the UK, I will let you know.
Ideally can you ensure you send the tapes in a package which is sufficiently large and robust for me to use to send back your original tapes. Usually I will send the DVDs to you ahead of returning your tapes, then when you've confirmed you are happy with the DVDs, I will return your tapes. This way I can help you further if necessary - for example you can now see you want a different part of a tape transferred on its own or you want extra copies.
When you receive your tapes back, you may notice that the record tabs have been
switched to safe. The first thing I do with a tape is make sure that it cannot be recorded on, so protecting your important recordings.
Some previous testimonials for www.video99.co.uk
Video8, Hi8 and Digital8 video transfers
"“I shopped around online for ages, looking for someone to convert
a load of video8 tapes to DVD. The prices being quoted were crazy. Then I
discovered video99 and was amazed by how cheap they were – but then
worried about what the quality would be like. I needn’t have worried. I
have to say that this company is one of the few these days to offer
brilliant customer service, excellent quality output and at incredibly cheap
prices. Can’t rate them highly enough and will certainly use them again
when I have more tapes. Sue" Quantity of Video8 tapes transferred
to DVD. 14.01.10
"Dear Colin I would like to thank you for the recent transfer video99
did for me of my old Video8's to DVD. These tapes held many precious
memories and I am so glad I entrusted your company with carrying this out.
Not only were the transfers done quickly, very efficiently and at an
extremely good price, the customer service I received throughout the process
was second to none. The added extras such as the pictures on the covers was
a real bonus. I would not hesitate to recommend video99 to all! Kind regards
Tom, Bedford" 11 Video8 tapes run to DVDs with colour printed
boxes, urgent job done in time for Christmas. 16.12.09
"The DVD's have arrived and all is well. I've not seen this footage
since the children were tiny, it's lovely to look at it again. By way of
testimonial, I would wholeheartedly recommend you to friends and family.
I've really appreciated your prompt service, technical know-how and
awareness of how precious the contents of the videos are. best wishes
Andrew" Several Video8 tapes run to DVD-Rom in MPEG4 format for
editing on a Mac. 11.12.09
"Video99 is highly recommended, they were really helpful, did exactly
what they promised far faster than I expected. The result was excellent and
if I have any more tapes they'll be straight down to them. Paul" Video8
tapes to DVD. 24.11.09
"Hello I have now had a chance to look at all of my DVDs. I am
delighted with the results. The quality is very good and it has taken me
back twenty years to see all of those moments after such a long time with no
working video camera to view the originals. I would recommend your work to
anyone looking to re-live all of those holidays and memorable events that we
had stored on tape. I wonder why I waited so long! I’m going to look
around to see if I have any more tapes hidden anywhere! Regards
Roger" Quantity of Video8 tapes to DVD with editing and Deluxe
Menus. 24.11.09
"I would highly recommend Video99 for speed and quaility of service
for copying my Video 8 tapes to dvd and avi files. I had been looking on
ebay for a suitable replacement for my ailing camcorder, one such camcorder
went for over £75.00. Then if I had bought it. There is still how do you
get it onto the computer. So was glad when I found Video99. As it was money
well spent. Thanks again. Your sincerely Geoff" Quantity of
Video8 tapes to hard disk in DV-AVI files. 20.11.09
"Colin A belated thanks for the DVD's received. I have been away for
a few days. We are very pleased with the results especially as the family
had forgotten about the original films. Very nice to be able to revisit old
memories. Very pleased with the service which we will be happy to recommend.
Best regards Neil" 11 Video8 tapes to DVDs with colour printed
boxes. 12.10.09
"I took my Video 8 tapes for DVD transfer to a high street shop in
Coventry – simply to save the trouble of posting them. Big mistake! When
the discs came back they were on totally the wrong format, unplayable on my
very common DVD player, and, it turned out, over-compressed. Colin at Video
99 quickly identified the problems, kept in touch with me personally to
discuss issues in the transfer process. In short, he did a thoroughly
professional job. He was fast, efficient, courteous and much cheaper than
the high street rates. You may think you’ll save time and effort by
dropping your tapes off at a photo shop – but mine fell into the hands of
total amateurs; I ended up disappointed and out of pocket. I’ll certainly
use Colin’s services next time – he knows his stuff and he cares about
the quality of his work. Thanks again! Peter" Customer had some
DVD+RW disks supplied by the shop be mentions. Put them across to much
more playable DVD-R disks. Also ran some Video8 tapes to DVD for him,
with much better quality than the ones from the shop. 10.09.09.
"Hi Colin the dvds are fantastic thanks very much for doing this!!!!!
Steve." Mixed Video8 and miniDV tapes to DVD. 31.08.09
"Many thanks for a efficient and terrific service. Kind regards
Linda" VHS and Video8 tapes run to DV-AVI files on hard disk,
24.08.09
"Hi Colin Just to say that I'm very impressed and pleased by your
speedy turnaround time bearing in mind the number of videos and camera
cassettes that I have sent in total. I have already spread the word and
recommend you whenever I can! Thanks very much indeed Lesley" VHS
and Hi8 tapes to DVD. 20.08.09
"Hi Colin, Thanks for the discs that arrived today. I have checked
them and they all seem fine to me and look very professional. Overall, we
have been very impressed with your efficient and speedy service, thank you.
I shall hopefully be in touch next week. Kind regards Elizabeth"
Interesting job this, a batch of tapes from a training event, the customer
believed were Hi8, needed to be edited so that each participant had all
their appearances put onto their own DVDs. All to be completed against
a very tight deadline. The tapes were actually Digital8, but no
problem for us. Whole job completed a day ahead of schedule and on
budget (discounted rate despite being urgent). 05.08.09
"Hi Colin Thanks for the DVD’s, they work fine in my DVD player. I’ve
seen video footage that I hadn’t ever seen before from about 15 years ago!
It’s an eye-opener. I’m happy to give you a testimonial, I think the
service you have given me has been second-to-none, super fast and efficient.
I’m really pleased with the results too, thank you so much. Regards
Vicky" Video8 tapes to DVD, 22.06.09
"Colin dealt with my enquiry and then the transfer of video 8 tapes
to DVD in an excellent manner. Quick, helpful and most importantly the end
product wastop quality. Highly recommended – have already passed his name
on to a friend. David." !2 Video8 tapes to DVD.
28.05.09
"Thank you very much for all your help, I couldn't have asked for
better service and I'm very pleased with everything that you have done for
me. I shall certainly pass on your details should anyone I know need such
services. Regards Alan" 7 Video8 tapes initially put to Deluxe
Menu DVD, but then also taken on hard disk as DV-AVI files. 30.04.09
"Contacted Colin with just a week to go to my husbands birthday. I
sent him masses of tapes for transfer and Colin was able to meet my tight
time schedule. The finished product is fantastic, the professional covers a
much appreciated extra and we now have all our precious memories safely
stored. Thanks Colin for a brilliant job. Would recommend you to any one who
is looking for a great finished product and excellent customer service.
Thanks again Lynda 21/3/09" VHS, VHS-C and Video8 to DVD, urgent job.
"Colin DVDs arrived today, and they are excellent, beyond my
expectations, thank you very much indeed. I really did not think that what
you did was possible. I have found clips of film that I didn’t know I had
and they have brought back loads of memories. Your service is exactly as
described on your website Thanks again for a wonderful, courteous and
efficient service. Best Regards Fred PS There is no point sending back the
original tapes, please dispose of them and if you have charged for postage
already just keep the money, you deserve it. PPS I have already passed your
details onto 2 other friends, hope they get in touch with you."
Video8 tapes to Deluxe Menu DVDs. 12.02.09.
"Many thanks for your fast, friendly and above all, helpful service.
I will be engrosed in memories for many hours to come. Thanks again
Denise" VHS and Video8 tapes to DVD. 28.01.09
"Colin You have done a truly superb job on the tape. Clearly 25 years
old and suffering it has been brought back to life. You have done a very
good job with the sound track as well. The first section is some footage of
my late father which I am very happy to be able to see. The remainder is my
cousin's footage of a reunion of old friends which he hopes to be able to
show to them at the next reunion this summer. Thank you again for a very
prompt and professional service." NTSC Video8 tape put to PAL
DVD. The audio level was very low on this tape but I was able to boost
it enough to make it audible. 21.01.09
"colin ,many thanks for your service,1st class,dvd's play great,so if
you could dispose of the old tapes i would be greatfull" Video8 tapes
to DVD. 07.11.08
"Yes the dvd worked really good Thanks again Billy". NTSC
Long Play Hi8 tape run to PAL DVD. Other companies may say they can
run NTSC tapes, but will get stuck on Long Play recordings. At video99
we have imported real NTSC equipment for just this purpose. 25.10.08
"Hi Colin My apologies for not contacting you sooner. The DVD's
arrived safe and sound and I have gone through them. Thanks for a great job.
I will certainly recommend you for a very quick and efficient service. Now I
can share the memories with my family once more. If I come across any more
cassettes I had forgotten about, I will contact you. Thanks again
Anne" Number of Video8 tapes to DVD. 10/10/08.
"Thank you very much for your prompt service, to send 12 tapes and
receive high quality DVDs within a week is indeed superb service and at a
very reasonable price. Having had 12 tapes which we could no longer play,
spanning the last twenty years - we can now relive all those memories from
the past on DVD. Thank you very much for you helpfulness and communications
I would certainly recommend VIDEO99 to others. Many thanks Mike"
03.08.08
"Dear Colin The DVD arrived this morning and we have just spent the
last hour reliving our 1996 Holiday in Spain. Everything has turned out fine
and your service has exceeded our expections. Thank you so much for your
help. It will be in order to return the original tape in the next day or so.
Best wishes Roy" 12/06/08, Video8 to DVD.
"Hi Colin, The DVD’s have arrived and I could not be more
delighted. You have made a great job of them. I will not hesitate to
recommend your excellent service to anyone needing your specialised
expertise. Thank you so much for your helpful advice and complete
co-operation, and I wish you every success for the future. I take it that as
I am very pleased with the results you will forward the tapes to me at your
convenience. All the very best, and again, many thanks, Ron"
Video8 tapes to DVD. 12.06.08
"Dear Colin Just to let you know that I have received the DVDs and
they are great. The service was incredibly quick and they arrived on Friday.
I had previously recorded my video8 tapes onto VHS video but these were
grainy and the deficiencies were even more apparent when we got a modern
large screen TV. The quality of the new DVDs is amazing. The grain has gone
and the pictures are really sharp. I would recommend this service to anyone
to help preserve treasured memories. Kind regards Andrew" Two
Video8 tapes to DVD. 09.06.08
"Excellent communication and service. Very flexible and quick with
transfer. Transfer at very high quality. Definitely recommended. Thanks,
Tom" Video8 tapes to hard disk in DV-AVI file format.
25.05.08.
"Colin DVDs received, and very pleased we are with your work. At all
stages you have been quick to respond to queries, and the finished articles
are well worth the money. We will definitely be recommending you to friends
and family, as it is clear you strive to provide a friendly, professional
service. If you could return the tapes at your earliest convenience, it
would be appreciated - I'm off to rake around in my old videos to see if I
need anything else transferred! Thanks Steve" Digital8 tapes to
DVD. 24.05.08
"Hi, i received the dvd's today... their absolutely
wonderful!! thanks very much... good quality i will definately leave you a
testimonial... thanks again for a really good service > >
Jacquie" That's all the testimonial required. Several Video
8 tapes to DVD. 12.05.08
"Colin I have now had time to play the tapes on both DVD player and
my computer.They are superb in both picture and sound quality.The titles are
also well worth having and as you say give a very proffesional look. Your
suggestion to put the wedding/cine on an extra disc was inspired. You have
saved some special memories for me and my family. In conclusion many thanks
for a great service Kind Regards Peter" 23.04.08, Video8 tapes to
DVD with Deluxe Menu and editing.
"Hi, Received dvds this morning and just watched it. Very impressed
with the menu and chapter selection. Thank you so much we are very happy
with the outcome. Best Wishes Michael and Claire" Wedding video
edited and put to Deluxe menu DVD. 17.03.08.
"What an "eye-opener". My wife and I are, how can I put it,
ecstatic, delighted, amazed. We could fill this page with adjectives without
running out of them. The clarity and resolution are absolutely superb. Thank
you SO MUCH for doing such a wonderful job with our precious memories. Can't
wait to get the time to sit down and watch all eleven films.
Derek" 11 Digital8 tapes copied to DVD. 07.02.08
Can I play Video8 or Hi8 tapes on my Digital8 camcorder?
Which Digital8 camcorders support analogue Video8 or Hi8 playback?
I've been asked which Digital8 camcorders play Video8 or Hi8 tapes.
Most, but not all, Sony Digital8 camcorders can also play older analogue Video8
or Hi8 recordings.
Here is a list I have put together from information collated from user manuals. It is supplied as-is with no responsibility for errors.
Camcorder Model (Sony
unless stated)
Hi8/Video8 playback?
DCR-TV110E
yes
DCR-TV120E
yes
DCR-TV125E
yes
DCR-TV130E
no
DCR-TV140E
no
DCR-TV145E
no
DCR-TV147E
no
DCR-TV210E
yes
DCR-TV230E
yes
DCR-TV235E
yes
DCR-TV238E
yes
DCR-TV239E
yes
DCR-TV240E
yes
DCR-TV241E
yes
DCR-TV245E
no
DCR-TV250E
no
DCR-TV255E
no
DCR-TV265E
no
DCR-TV270E
no
DCR-TV285E
no
DCR-TV310E
yes
DCR-TV325E
yes
DCR-TV330E
yes
DCR-TV340E
yes
DCR-TV341E
yes
DCR-TV345E
yes
DCR-TV355E
yes
DCR-TV356E
yes
DCR-TV410E
yes
DCR-TV420E
yes
DCR-TV430E
yes
DCR-TV460E
yes
DCR-TV461E
yes
DCR-TV480E
yes
DCR-TV510E
yes
DCR-TV520E
yes
DCR-TV530E
yes
DCR-TV620E
yes
DCR-TV720E
yes
DCR-TV725E
yes
DCR-TV730E
yes
DCR-TV738E
yes
DCR-TV740E
yes
DCR-TV820E
yes
DCR-TV828E
yes
DCR-TV830E
yes
DCR-T7000E
yes
DCR-T7100E
yes
DCR-T8000E
yes
DCR-T8100E
yes
Hitachi VM-D865LE
yes
Hitachi VM-D875LE
yes
Hitachi VM-D975LE
yes
Copyright:
video99.co.uk
If you are interested in Video8 or Hi8 video recorders, join the free Yahoo
group.
If you have any questions, just email
me and I'll reply promptly. Also see the video99.co.uk Questions
and Answers (FAQ) All material on
this web site is copyright www.video99.co.uk
and www.colin99.co.uk though trade
marks remain with the manufacturers.