SNIP > From: Thomas Baker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Hi-8 camcorder to Mac/iMovie to videotape? > > So now I've got this big > collection of Hi-8 videotapes of family and other events that I'd like to > get onto VHS videotapes, > My question: what equipment would I need to get these Hi-8 tapes (in analog > format I assume) into the Mac where I could edit it in iMovie, and then > send it back out to a VCR? >
Tom, I can tell you that I have gone through a similar version of this exercise. I just wanted to convert and edit Analog Video (when my daughters were small, consumer DV was not affordable yet). I have multitudes of Sony HI-8 video taken when my daughters were small, and developed a "process" to get the "pieces" I want for DVD compilations. I record segments in and then convert, edit, and compile them. If you have lots of time, it is relatively easy to do. The largest issue seems to be with audio during the conversion. It is the topic you will find covered most during discussions of the process. There is hardware to purchase. Another less time consuming (but more expensive) option is to have the Analog converted to DV by a professional service, and placed on DVD. You can then edit and compile what you choose, then copy it back to Analog with the hardware listed below. That way you would have the best of two worlds with achievable storage as well. To convert analog to DV, I used a DataVideo DAC-100 Analog to DV ( and vice versa) Bi Directional Converter. I found it to have the best performance for the price. Just "Google" Analog to DV and watch what comes up. These converters range in price from $100 to $5000 USD for professional models, with varying performance. The DataVideo model listed above is available for $125 to $200 USD depending on the source. They are available on eBay occasionally. This device is very easy to use, and very functional......HOWEVER, converting Analog to DV is VERY time consuming. To convert my first analog 120 minutes Hi-8 video to DV took almost 3.5 hours and about 40 Gb of space. You must record it "real time" directly onto your Hard Drive and then convert it ( Quick Time Pro does a great job). I had a very minor issue with Stereo Audio on some clips ( one "side" dropped off, I think the source was from a Mono Camcorder I used in the early days ) . Once converted and compressed it will shrink in size to about 6 Gb. You can then edit it with iMovie and record it to DVD with iDVD, or whatever software you deem appropriate ( I used the Apple software, because already I had it). After your edit, you would then need to reverse the connection of the DAC and connect directly to the VCR of your choice. Add additional time to "convert it "real time" back out to analog VHS. My "box" is a Digital Audio G4 upgraded to 933 MHz, 160 Gb of storage ( on two 7200 rpm 8 Mb cache Western Digital 80 Gb drives) with 1.25 Gb of RAM. I use one of the 80 Gb drives for a back up system, music, photo, and video storage. If you can afford it I would recommend that you have the conversion to DV done by someone else and placed on a digital medium that you can work from. Do your edits, create one or two "films" for distribution and copy/convert it back to analog. Just my .02 cents. Good Luck. Wade Perry -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
