(25) 25 product ratings - Sony CCD-TRV85 Hi8 8mm, Video 8 Camera Handycam, X Ray. MADE IN JAPAN, Mar. I have a 10 year old Sony Handycam Video 8mm - Model #CCD-TR91 that has served us well. The unit is on it's 4th battery, but still works, kind of. I suspect the trouble is with tape alignment/tracking since some previously recorded events and sometimes new events as well do not display properly.
EDIT: Another detail to mention is that when ever I put the battery in and switch to camera mode, the screen turns on (same blank white picture) for a second then turns off with a click sound.
I tried leaving the tape holder open last night (attempting to remove any condensation that may have occurred while it was being delivered), but I'm still facing the same problem.
I've assumed it's down to the tape being faulty, as the camera came with three separate batteries, none of which have helped the camera to work, but I'd like to know for sure what the issue is before purchasing another one (though it's fair to say that it's most likely due to my incompetence with old tech). I'd really appreciate any feedback/help, thanks.
Updated 24.11.2020
The best way to convert 8mm tapes to DVD is by playing them back from your Video8 or Hi-8 camcorder to your digital video capture device.
If you have a Digital8 camcorder you could connect it directly to your computer if it has a Firewire port (IEEE 1394).
What if your camcorder isn’t functioning?
You may have left your camcorder unused for a very long time so much so the heads have got dirty and show no improvement despite cleaning it. And you could not get the head replaced.
Yes, you could and should use an 8mm video tape to digital video transfer service if one is available in your neighborhood.
That’s fine if you have a tape or two to convert to a digital video format.
What if you have dozens of tapes accumulated over the years?
It wouldn’t be economical to convert your 8mm video to a digital video format.
That said, there’s only one way to convert 8mm tapes to digital without a camcorder.
Contents
- 1 8mm Tape Player to Your Rescue
- 4 8mm Video Cassette Players on Amazon
- 6 Hi-8 Tape Players
- 9 Digital8 Tape Players
- 9.1 SONY GV-D200 Digital8 Hi8 Video8 8mm NTSC Player Recorder
8mm Tape Player to Your Rescue
It’s through an 8mm tape player.
This player is very much like a VHS player, but reads only 8mm video tape(s).
Why Buy an 8mm Tape Player?
It’s easy to shoot video with your camcorder. However, it’s neither easy nor convenient when it comes to playing back, rewinding or fastforwarding your tape.
Most camcorders come with almost-flat, small buttons to go with their compact designs. As such they aren’t finger-friendly.
Of course, there’s the remote. However, it’s not easy to operate either. You’ve got to correctly point it at your camcorder to get it working.
Compare this to an 8mm tape player with large, visible, finger-friendly buttons. You would be encouraged to use the player more often than you would a camcorder.
Some even come with a Jog Shuttle which makes it super easy for you to play, stop, rewind and fastforward your tapes. You know how convenient this feature is if you’ve used it on a VHS VCR.
8mm tape players are robust machines designed for long hours of tape playback compared to camcorders designed with shooting video in mind.
8mm tape players cost more than 8mm camcorders. However, it’s a worthwhile investment. You can conveniently sit back and watch your dozens of ‘priceless memories’ tapes with your family. They make excellent 8mm video cassette viewers.
It’s also ideal for converting 8mm tapes to digital as it’s easier to operate compared to a camcorder. You’ll find yourself converting more tapes than you would with a camcorder.
Solution to DVD rot
If you’ve converted your 8mm tapes to DVD years back and your discs have become unwatchable because of DVD rot, you can use an 8mm player to watch those videos that you’ve lost.
Sourcing for an 8mm Tape Player
No brand new 8mm tape players are available in the market. The 8mm video format fell out of popularity especially after the emergence of the mini-DV format and also DVD camcorders.
You would have to shop for a used 8mm tape player over eBay or Amazon to get your 8mm video tapes converted to digital.
The good news is, depending on the models you choose, they support the playback of Video8, Hi-8 and Digital8 tapes.
Here is a list of 8mm video tape players you can find over eBay or Amazon .
Most these models are NTSC types. They’re the perfect solution to transfer 8mm tapes to digital without a camcorder.
There are three types of 8mm tape players – Video8, Hi-8 and Digital8.
8mm Video Cassette Players on Amazon
Used and reburbished 8mm video cassette players are available over Amazon.
They’re sold mostly by companies specializing in repairing, overhauling and refurbishing 8mm tape players.
Feel free to read the reviews before committing to a purchase.
Video8 Tape Players
SONY EV-A50 ( EV-C3 ) Video8 VCR 8mm Tape Player
If you’re having only Video8 cassette tapes to be converted to digital, then you could opt for this player.
This 8mm tape player will not play Hi8 or Digital8 tapes.
You transfer video from your Video8 tape via the composite or RCA outputs at the rear end of the player.
You’ve one video and one audio output. So, basically it outputs mono sound and not stereo.
Sony Handycam Ccdtr82 Stereo 8mm Video 8 Camcorder Battery Replacement
Check out the Sony EV-C3 Compact Video 8 VCR.
SONY EV-A50 Main Features
Here are the main features of the SONY EV-A50 Compact 8mm VCR
It’s a 4-Head compact 8mm VCR which comes with a Flying Erase Head and Auto Tracking function.
There’s also the Syncro Edit facility.
If you wish to record TV programs there’s a built-in Tuner, not to mention the Voice Boost Pause.
Like most VHS VCRs there’s also a Jog Shuttle and the unit comes with a
Remote (RMT-V124a).
On the rear panel you have:
- Control L
- Control S
- Line In
- Line Out
- RF In RF Out
Check out this video to get a feel of the Sony EV-A50 8mm player.
To purchase this 8mm video cassette deck, head to Amazon
Sony EV-C20 Video8 HiFi Stereo VCR 8mm Tape Player
This Video8 8mm tape player boasts a compact, slim design.
It supports the NTSC format for Video8 playback and recording.
One attractive feature of the model is it automatically rewinds the tape when it reaches the end. This is certainly a handy feature.
It also has a built-in auto head cleaner and a flying erase head feature.
Made in Japan, its width is 17 inches, height 2 3/8 inches and the depth is 10 3/8 inches.
Check out the video below for details.
Check out this Sony EV-C20 Video8 8mm video cassette player at Amazon.
Hi-8 Tape Players
Sony EVO-220 NTSC Hi8 Video8 8mm Tape Player Recorder
If you’ve the budget, go for this Sony Video Walkman which was released around year 2000.
This Hi-8 video player will not play Digital8 tapes and supports only Hi8 and Video8 playback.
So, if you have both Hi8 and Video8 tapes to convert to a digital video format, check out this model.
This 8mm tape player has full composite outputs – one for video and two for audio,
Go for this model if sound is a concern when converting Video8 tapes.
Check out the Sony EVO-220 user manual for the full specs and if you wish to explore this model further.
Sony EV-C200 Hi8 Video 8 8mm Player Recorder VCR Deck
Sony EV-C200 doesn’t look like an 8mm player at all. It looks more like a VHS VCR. So, if you’ve a DVD player or a VHS VCR, you can place this model on top of them, without being noticed.
This model is a Hi-8 VCR, which means it can also play Video8 tapes.
This Hi-8 tape deck comes with S-Video and composite (RCA) connectivity.
Weighing about 5.8 pounds, it is equipped with an IR Remote Control
Watch this video for a good look at this 8mm tape player and recorder.
Sony GV-A500 Hi8 NTSC Stereo Video Walkman
If portability is what you’re looking for in a Hi-8 8mm video cassette player, this model may suit your taste.
This made-in-Japan unit when released had an MSRP of $1500.
As you may already be aware, it will play and record in the Hi8 and Video8 formats.
In case you don’t want to connect this 8mm video walkman to a TV, you can make use of its 4-inch color LCD screen.
This 8mm video cassette deck is powered by a 5-head system and outputs sound in Hi-Fi stereo. It is equipped with an audio monitor selector.
In case you you want to use the 8mm video tape player to dub tapes, there’s the flying erase head feature.
For high-quality video playback there’s the S-Video connection.
You can switch between 16:9 aspect ration and 4:3 with this Hi-8 VCR.
Playback and Recording can be carried out in the SP and LP modes.
The other notable features are time base corrector and Dolby noise reduction which can be turned on or off.
Check out the Sony GV-A500 Hi8 NTSC Stereo Video Walkman.
Digital8 Tape Players
SONY GV-D200 Digital8 Hi8 Video8 8mm NTSC Player Recorder
This compact 8mm video player-recorder will handle the playback of all three 8mm formats Video8, Hi8 and Digital8 formats.
Get this player if you’ve a mix of Video8, Hi8 and Digital8 8mm video cassettes.
The 2-head 8mm video walkman records and plays back 8mm tapes in LP (Long Play) and SP (Standard Play) modes.
AV Connections
Sony Hi8 Camcorder 8mm
Analog and digital connections are available. The unit comes with a Firewire port (IEEE 1394 /i.LINK), S-Video in/out, Composite (RCA) in/out and there’s support for headphones.
What steals the show is IEEE1394 or Firewire output.
If you computer comes with a Firewire port then you would not have to go through the hassle of buying a video capture card.
You could connect a Firewire cable directly from the player to your computer and import the contents of your 8mm video tape into your computer via your video editing program.
Once the video is in your computer in the digital form, you may proceed to edit it and even burn it to a DVD.
Audio and Other Features
Sound is output in stereo mode with PCM audio available in 12bit (32KHz / 2 channels), 16bit (48KHz / 2 channels).
Other notable features include time stamp, onscreen menu, time base correction (TBC) and video noise reduction.
Sony Handycam Ccdtr82 Stereo 8mm Video 8 Camcorder Battery Charger
You can also use this Digital8 Video Walkman outdoors without AC supply, powering it with an InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) which is an optional purchase.
GV-D200 Digital8 tape player recorder measures 5.8 inches in width and 5.3 inches in depth and 2 inches in height. It weighs 23.28oz (0.7kg).
To explore the player’s specs further, download the Sony GV D200 user manual.
Also check out a review of SONY GV-D200
To purchase the SONY GV-D200 Digital8 Hi8 Video8 8mm NTSC Player Recorder, head to Amazon.
Sony GV-D200E PAL Digital 8 Video Walkman VCR
Note that this 8mm PAL Digital8 video walkman doesn’t support the playback of 8mm tapes recorded in the NTSC format.
It has the same features as the NTSC model discussed above.
Units of this PAL Digital 8 is available for purchase at Amazon.
Sony GV-D800 Digital 8mm Video Walkman
The shape and the size of the Sony GV-D800 keeps true to the spirit of a walkman. If you carry it around, nobody will suspect that you’re carrying a powerful 8mm cassette viewer cum recorder.
It measures 5,87 inches in width, 2.62 inches in height and the depth is 5.38 inches. It weighs 2 pounds (0.9 kg).
This is an ideal portable 8mm video viewer if you would like to take your favourite 8mm tapes on the go.
You can power it with an InfoLITHIUM L Series battery pack. There’s also a Sony DC Adapter/Charger to use it with your car battery.
If you’ve recorded your Digital8 video in the 16:9 aspect ratio, this 8mm video walkman allows you to play it back in that format.
The unit comes with S-Video and AV ports, not to mention Firewire in the form of i.LINK.
You can easily send 8mm video to USB digital video converters through these ports.
You can also record video to 8mm tape from a VHS VCR or other sources through the S-Video and AV in ports.
GV-D800 also allows you to watch your videos with special effects through its menu button. You get to watch your videos in sepia, monochrome (black and white), negative art and solarize modes.
Take look at the operation manual to learn more.
Check out the video below to get up close and personal with this 8mm video walkman.
Also check out the avilability of Sony GV-D800 (NTSC) and Sony GV-D800E (PAL)
A Case for 8mm Tape Players
8mm video players may have steep prices owing to scarcity. However, if you wish to easily convert your 8mm tapes to digital without a camcorder and preserve precious memories, price shouldn’t be an issue.
Also think of the convenience of having a 8mm cassette viewer. You get to directly play your 8mm tapes to TV just like you would with a VHS VCR.
Not to mention the ease of converting 8mm tapes to digital without a camcorder.