Camcorder to DVD w/o using computer?

[WoodiE]

My father is in the need for some kind of solution that will put his recordings from his Hi-8 camcorder onto a DVD without the use of a computer. My parents don't even have a computer let alone know how to use one.

Will a stand alone, home theater type, dvd recorder allow him to do this? Anyone have any suggestions?



-Michael

 

[devinbrown07]

a lot of the dvd recorders that are 2 in one...( vcr and dvd) can do it...atleast the one my cousin does and he didnt buy a high dollar one either

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Well for about the same price that you'll pay for the DVD recorder, you could probably buy him a newer camera that will record straight to DVD without having to transfer stuff. With all the automatic modes available now, it shouldn't be any harder to use than his old camera. However, if he's wanting to convert old VHS tapes onto a disc, this wouldn't be much help. Just an idea though.

 

[HeartBreak]

If the camera can output to an RCA Video/Audio setup, all you need is a set top DVD Recorder and a TV to see what its' doing. I got mine at walmart for about $50. Stay away from the SV2000; get the Magnavox or even the Emerson versions of it. It's a different faceplate, and the power regulators are beefed up (that, and the SV2000 only records to +R.. The Magnavox/Emerson can do both).

 

[WoodiE]

Well for about the same price that you'll pay for the DVD recorder, you could probably buy him a newer camera that will record straight to DVD without having to transfer stuff. With all the automatic modes available now, it shouldn't be any harder to use than his old camera. However, if he's wanting to convert old VHS tapes onto a disc, this wouldn't be much help. Just an idea though.

Hi-8 isn't VHS, the tapes are about a 1/3rd the size of VHS. This was the last type of camera that came out before mini-dvd recorders came out.

If the camera can output to an RCA Video/Audio setup, all you need is a set top DVD Recorder and a TV to see what its' doing. I got mine at walmart for about $50. Stay away from the SV2000; get the Magnavox or even the Emerson versions of it. It's a different faceplate, and the power regulators are beefed up (that, and the SV2000 only records to +R.. The Magnavox/Emerson can do both).

So if he was to get a DVD recorder and hook it up to that he could record to DVD as well? I'll have to run by best buy today take a look at what they have.



-Michael

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Oh yeah, I know what tapes you're talking about now. I just assumed after someone said something about a VCR that they were VHS. Can't you put them in an adapter so that they will play and record on regular size VHS tapes? If so, a standalone VCR and DVD recorder all in one unit would probably work good, and be quite easy to operate.

 

[Rolex]

DVD recorders with built in VHS players are fairly common, and not too expensive.
If he goes this route, he will need the adapter Charlie mentioned. It's a separate unit that the Hi-8 cassette goes into, allowing the drives and contacts from the VHS adapter to operate and read the tape.

 

[HeartBreak]

So if he was to get a DVD recorder and hook it up to that he could record to DVD as well? I'll have to run by best buy today take a look at what they have.



-Michael

Yup, it'd be like the old days of copying VHS tapes (legally, of course!!). The only difference is the camera would become the player and the DVD recorder the recorder. Plug the video/audio outputs into the TV (the DVD Recorders I mentioned also have a TV Tuner in it, so he can record with it, exactly like a VCR; timers and all).

Here is the exact model I have:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9203048

I paid closer to $50 in store for it. There is an Emerson version that looks almost exactly like it, except it has an lcd readout on the faceplate.

It has a rather basic editing ability too; you can record up to 6 hours on a DVD (at a reduced quality), or 2 hours at perfect quality. And you can break up the recording into seperate titles, with chapters, even put custom titles and screen shots.

It also records to +/-RW as well.