Need AV help - is there a way to convert a ...

cantdrv55 · 05-20-2009, 04:35 PM

movie on a mini-DV tape into a DVD-R? My camcorder is about 6 years old and is a mini-DV type. I'd like to burn the movies onto a DVD-R but the camcorder only has a 9 pin serial port, no USB. My computer has a DVD burner but is only USB. Is there such a thing as a serial to USB converter? Is there an easier, more straightforward way to accomplish this?

Amail · 05-20-2009, 05:05 PM

I recently spent time trying to hook up my old parallel printer to a new USB only computer. There are parallel to USB adapters, but I read some pretty poor comments on them so didn't try it. Ended up getting a new printer.

The moral is there is probably a serial to USB adapter, but I can't begin to tell you if it would work. Check Fry's or some such?

slodave · slodave's Garage

Here's a link a an example:
http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Serial.html

I have used Parallel to USB a few times and have yet to have a problem. Also with PS2 to USB. I find them at FRY'S.

Unless it is homemade porn, I'd consider having a shop convert it for you. It would be better quality than the serial would provide.

TimT · 05-20-2009, 05:11 PM

Serial to USB adapters work 9 out of 10 times...

Im surprise the Mini DV camcorder has a serial connection though... I have a Sony Mini DV which is probably 10 years old and has a Firewire out, and another out with a mini jack and cable..

cantdrv55 · 05-20-2009, 07:00 PM

That's exactly what I have, a Sony mini DV but I thought the mini jack was a serial port. So is there a firewire to USB adapter? My computers don't have a firewire input.

campbellcj · 05-20-2009, 09:08 PM

I'd be shocked if a DV camcorder did not have a Firewire output. If it does then you can add a firewire card to your PC pretty inexpensively, and then it's a piece of cake to grab the video, edit it if you'd like, and burn it to DVD. There is basic software included with Windows and (I think) MacOS that can do this.

Or, if you're lucky maybe a friend or family member already has a Firewire-ready machine and would do it for you.

cantdrv55 · 05-20-2009, 09:20 PM

See, this is why PPOT is so cool. Yes, the camcorder does have a firewire output. Looks like I'll be stopping by Frys Electronics on the way home tomorrow to pick up a firewire card for my laptop. Thanks guys!

LeeH · 05-20-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

See, this is why PPOT is so cool. Yes, the camcorder does have a firewire output. Looks like I'll be stopping by Frys Electronics on the way home tomorrow to pick up a firewire card for my laptop. Thanks guys!

Video takes up huge amounts of hard drive space. We've been trying to figure out the best way to convert our old 8mm to some other format. After finding certain models of camcorders will play regular 8mm tapes through a DV output we started putting them on my wife's external drive. It filled up very quickly. I tripped across a $20 DVD recorder at a garage sale last week and we're just going to burn them directly. We really don't need to edit, mix, etc. Our main concern is that the tapes are getting elderly.

trekkor · 05-20-2009, 11:44 PM

On a related note:

What's the best way to capture VHS tape content to digital format?
Maybe a wire from VHS player to my camcorder or directly to the computer?

I have some old a/x footage.

KT

slodave · slodave's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkor

On a related note:

What's the best way to capture VHS tape content to digital format?
Maybe a wire from VHS player to my camcorder or directly to the computer?

I have some old a/x footage.

KT

My camcorder has a cable that allows for RCA inputs. So I could record from a VCR to the cam. You can also get a capture card for the PC that has RCA inputs as well.

trekkor · 05-20-2009, 11:52 PM

Any other inputs I could look for? ( on the cam )

KT

slodave · slodave's Garage

What is the make/model?

trekkor · 05-21-2009, 12:06 AM

JVC GR-D870U.

thanks.

KT

trekkor · 05-21-2009, 12:07 AM

I also have an older JVC GR-D72U that may still work?

KT

slodave · slodave's Garage

I'm starting to get in over my head. I have a Sony, that when switched into VCR mode, allows me to connect any RCA device via the RCA to mini jack connector. I also have S-video, Firewire and USB, but have never tried to put video onto the camera with these - although I know that I could via Firewire.

Looks like your second camcorder will work. It has composite in/out, s-video in/out..
http://www.easycamcorders.com/specs/JVC--GR-D72.htm

trekkor · 05-21-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

s-video in/out..

Yes, it does.

So, I just need to see if I have s-video out on the VHS, and that's it?
That would be slick.

If I do not have s-video out on the VHS, do I still have options?

KT

slodave · slodave's Garage

It says composite in and out as well. Isn't there a cable that allows you to plug in RCA adapters? Either way, you will still need a capture card for the PC as well.

Or, a firewire port on the PC.

trekkor · 05-21-2009, 12:45 AM

I have a Firewire card installed.

There is a outlet jack on both cameras that allow viewing on a TV with RCA's.
That's output only, I'm assuming.

KT

slodave · slodave's Garage

The second cam has a FW port, connect it to the FW card in the PC.... Use the second cam, it should work for you.

trekkor · 05-21-2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slodave

The second cam has a FW port, connect it to the FW card in the PC.... Use the second cam, it should work for you.

I'm sorry. I don't follow. ( getting tired )
How do I connect from the VHS, now?

KT