Here at Legacybox, we digitize lots of different forms of media - from print photos to film reels, videotapes, and more. We specialize in the digitization of many analog media formats so that our customers can rely on us for all their conversion needs. One lesser-known and used format that we digitize is the Digital8 videotape.
Digital8 tapes and recorders were released in 1999, and they combine the cassette tape format of prior recorders (like the Hi8 recorder), but the resulting video content is encoded digitally. The Digital8 recorder was the last of the video recorders produced and marketed to utilize 8mm video format.
If you have Digital8 tapes that you would like to save to your computer in a digital format or on DVD, you’re in luck.
Due to their digital encoding, converting Digital8 tapes to digital video on a computer can be accomplished using a digitizing service like Legacybox or at home if you have the right equipment, time, and patience. In this article, we’ll explain the process of at-home Digital8 digitization and compare the results between hiring a digitizing service and DIY digitization.
How to Digitize Digital8 Tapes At Home
At-home digitization of Digital8 tapes requires some form of a converter, whether that be a conversion device or specialized cables to hook up your Digital8 recorder to your computer.
First, check your computer and recorder for:
- A/V inputs (red, white, and yellow inputs on your computer)
- USB inputs
- FireWire inputs
If both your computer and Digital8camcorder have these inputs, you’re in luck! You won’t have to purchase any additional conversion equipment and should be able to connect your camcorder directly to your computer to begin the digitization process. You may also be able to use a Thunderbolt-to-FireWire adapter for newer Macs if you don’t have a FireWire port.
If you don’t have any of these inputs as an option, never fear. You can purchase conversion hardware that attaches to the USB port of your computer and has all the necessary composite inputs to connect your Digital8 camcorder to your computer. These capture devices have prices ranging from $30 to more than $100 on websites like Amazon and eBay. However, not every device supports Digital8 tapes, so double-check the product’s capabilities before purchasing.
An additional purchase you will need to make is video-capture software. Video-capture software on your computer will record the videos from your Digital8 tapes as they play through - this is how the digitization process works. Video capture software is typically priced at $50 and up. Make sure that you purchase software that is compatible with your Mac or Windows computer, as not all software will work with all computer operating systems.
Option 1: Steps for Digitizing Camcorder Tapes Using Firewire
1. Plug the FireWire cable into your camcorder’s DV port and the other end into your computer (via FireWire port or adapter).
2. Turn on your camcorder and set it to Playback (VCR/Player) mode.
3. Launch your chosen video capture software and select the camcorder as the input source.
4. Press Play on the camcorder and Record/Capture in the software to begin digitizing.
Option 2: Steps For Using USB (If FireWire Isn’t Available)
1. Connect the camcorder to your computer via USB cable.
2. Install any drivers or software provided by the camcorder manufacturer.
3. Use video capture software to detect and record the tape playback.
Option 3: Steps For Using a Video Capture Device (For Analog Outputs)
1. Connect the camcorder’s RCA or S-Video outputs to the capture device.
2. Connect the capture device’s USB to your computer.
3. Use compatible capture software to record the tape’s playback.
Transfer Your Digital8 Tapes with Legacybox
While the DIY digitization process is totally doable, if you have to purchase conversion equipment and software to transfer video, the price can add up fast. Legacybox offers Digital8 tape digitization packages starting at just $40, which is cheaper than most video capture software! Plus, Legacybox takes care of all the work for you.
When digitization is complete, we send your newly digitized files and your originals right to your doorstep. Overall, it is more affordable and more convenient to hire a digitization service to convert your Digital8 tapes for you.
Let the professional digitization technicians at Legacybox take care of your conversion needs for you so that you can save time, energy, and money!
