Convert Hi8
& save your memories

Table of contents

Have Hi8 converted or convert to digital by yourself?

How can I convert Hi8 recordings by myself?

What does it cost to convert Hi8 to digital by myself?

Can I convert Hi8 without a camcorder?

How much storage space do I need to convert Hi8?

Where can I have Hi8 tapes converted?

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Have Hi8 converted or convert to digital by yourself?

This decision you will have to make. Converting Hi8 to DVD or transferring them to your computer is expensive in money and time. The more cassettes you have, the more it makes sense to buy the required equipment. But also you will be busy even longer with converting, since it is done in real time. If you decide to have your Hi8 converted at a professional digitizing provider, you don’t have to deal with all the technical issues and will save much time.

How can I convert Hi8 recordings by myself?

In order to transfer Hi8 videos to your computer, you need hard- and software:

• Camcorder or a playback device for Hi8 cassettes
• PC with USB connection (2.0 or higher)
• USB video grabber incl. software
• Enough storage space (internal or external, 15GB/h)
• Free video editing software
• Time (converting is done in real time)

If you don’t have a functioning camcorder, you have two options:

1. Buy a used camcorder, e.g. on eBay
2. Have Hi8 converted at a professional provider

Instruction: Transfer Hi8 to a hard disk easily

1. Install a video grabber software.
2. Connect the video grabber to your computer via USB.
3. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
4. Connect your S-Video or Cinch cable to your camcorder.
5. Insert the Hi8 cassette into the camcorder and rewind the tape.
6. Start up the video grabber software at first and then turn on the camcorder.
7. If the Hi8 video is at its end, stop the recording and save the converted video as MP4, AVI or MOV file.
8. With a video editing program you can edit the file or even export single sequences from a cassette.

Which file format do I need for Hi8 digitization?

The file format depends on your needs concerning the converted Hi8 recordings:

Convert Hi8 to digital by yourself: The expense

Converting Hi8 by yourself is expensive in time and patience

If you intend to transfer Hi8 to your hard disk, you should not only consider the financial aspect, but also the expense in time. Hi8 tapes are digitized in real time. This means that the recordings are converted in a normal playback speed. If you have a large amount of Hi8 tapes, the digitization process will require a lot of time.

Don’t also forget about post-processing. Installing and setting up editing software can result in a big challenge, especially for beginners. Every converted Hi8 video has to be cut, renamed correctly and saved appropriate. If you want to transfer Hi8 to DVD, you will also have to keep this step in mind.

Can I convert Hi8 without a camcorder?

Yes. There are Hi8 recorders that can play and digitize Hi8 tapes without a camcorder. Unfortunately these gadgets are only available from Sony in a used condition for about €400.00. A purchase will not really be worth it, since used camcorders are less expensive. The Hi8 digitization process with such a recorder and a camcorder is identical. For this a video grabber is required as well in order to transfer your Hi8 tapes to a hard disk. To wrap things up, converting Hi8 without a camcorder is possible, but not practical.

How much storage space do I need to convert Hi8?

For a duration of an hour you should calculate on 15 storage space.

Where can I have Hi8 tapes converted?

You can convert Hi8 to digital at MEDIAFIX. We professionally convert your Hi8 starting at €11.49/tape to DVD or hard disk. In this way you can save valuable free time and also the expense for a camcorder and further accessories.

Just drop your Hi8 tapes by in person at one of our many Access points or send them to us by post.

Convert Hi8 tapes to digital: This is how it works

1. Start a request, print your order form and sign it
2. Pack up your Hi8 tapes and the order form and bring the package to the post
3. Lean back
4. Get back converted Hi8 on DVD or hard disk
5. Invite family and friends to a movie night
6. Enjoy

Over 213 million digitized memories and more than 1,500 positive customer reviews put in a good word for our service. Plenty satisfied customers send a clear signal. Join all these customers and have your Hi8 tapes converted to digital.

Do you have any questions? Our customer service will gladly give you advice. Just call us at our phone number +49 221 / 67 78 69 34.

Our phone hours:

Mon-Thu 9-18 o’clock
Fri 9-17 o’clock

Convert Hi8 now!

Image source video grabber: Quelle neurolle – Rolf / pixelio.de