If the 8mm movies are film then leave it to a pro. There's no way to get hi quality from a home set-up. The most common home transfer method is to take a picture of a picture....not good.
I agree with buying a mini-dv deck or camcorder in order to accomodate hi-8. Most Hi-8 camcorders have a firewire connector. Some sound cards and video cards have built-in conectors. ATI All-in-Wonder and Soundblaster Audigy come to mind. (I guess because I have both
)
You'll have other features to play with when done as well....like TV on the PC.
ATI All-IN-WONDER
Highlights:
TV + FM PVR on Your PC
Pause, rewind, replay, skip the commercials and record live TV and FM radio. Enjoy the free interactive program guide and never miss your favorite shows again.
Cinematic Game Play
Experience high speed action optimized for the hottest game titles.
Video Editing on your PC
Easily add titles and dramatic effects to homemade productions
Connect a variety of video sources such as your camcorder, DVD player or VCR to your All-in-Wonder 2006 PCI Express and capture content digitally onto your computer
Total Multimedia Experience
Create and share multimedia content with friends and family
Add cool functionality to your PC
Valuable Software Included
Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0
Gemstar GUIDE Plus+®