Can I use my Sony DCRSR42 to convert hi-8 tapes to DVD?

Hi all,

I just bought a sony DCR-SR42 camcorder. I'm new to the camcorder world and am so glad I stumbled upon this forum. I'm not extremely technology savvy but am decent with my computer and softwares. I have two laptops, one with Windows XP and one with Vista.

My Dad has an older Sony Hi-8 camcorder and shot a lot of footage of my daughter on tape. My question is, can I use the DCR-SR42 to covert those hi-8 tapes to my computer and then ultimately burn them to DVDs?

I've read up some discussions but am just getting more confused. I know the Sony DCR-SR100 has Analog to Digital Pass Through capabilities. I don't think the DCR-SR42 does? I also read that Analog to Digital Pass Through is not the same as Analog to Digital Conversion? Since I already bought the SR42, I really want to avoid buying another DVDirect recorder or DVD recorder. Also, I don't really want to do any editing at this point (maybe later). I just want to preserve the videos and have it readily available for viewing on DVDs.
I don't really have that many tapes to convert either. Maybe less than 10 so I don't want to invest in another piece of equipment just for this purpose.

Can anyone shed some light on this and let me know if and how to convert hi-8 tapes using my SR42? Thanks so much!!

My question is, can I use the DCR-SR42 to covert those hi-8 tapes to my computer and then ultimately burn them to DVDs?



I also read that Analog to Digital Pass Through is not the same as Analog to Digital Conversion?

You can not use the DCR-SR42 to convert those hi-8 tapes to digital video. The SR42 does not have analog inputs.

Analog to Digital Pass Through and Analog to Digital Conversion are the same or are similar depending on the context it is said.





Rich

Oh no!! I'm so bummed! I bought this because my friend bought the SR100 and said it works. Of course, the SR100 is no longer being sold and when I researched the SR300 and SR200, I found that it had the same input/outputs as the SR42. I don't think their SR series have the Analog input anymore? Somehow I was hoping I could use it to convert my tapes.

That being said, what are my cheapest options in terms of converting my tapes? I would like to do some editing? I really don't want to spend a lot of money as I don't have that many tapes.

Thanks!

There are a variety of options for converting analog video such as VHS, VHS-C, 8mm tape or Hi8 to digital. You might carefully read through these threads which deals with analog to digital conversions: Hi8 Video Transfer (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=110863)
Best D8 camcorder for 8/Hi8 playback quality (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t123813.html)
Capturing Video8 and Hi8 - guides (http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=294775)
Best D8 camcorder for 8/Hi8 playback quality (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t123813.html)
Audio/Video Adapter (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t132314.html)
VHS-C to Computer Help (http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t134944.html)




Rich