Video8 tape failing at DVinfo.net

Are Knudsen · January 20th, 2007, 06:37 PM

Hello:

Have sucessfully converted several Video8 tapes to DV (using Sony Digital8
camcorder). One tape fails me though: after two min of normal recording (9 years old recording) the signal flickers than fails. Viewing the tape in the original Video8 camcorder that captured the tape, shows a black line running about centre of a grey-tv noise. Can the images on this tape be salvaged -- is it tracking problem (probably not because the first 2 min shows up both in the Video8 camcorder and the Sony Digital8)?? Could a specialist "peer" into the tape and salvage its content (probably up to 50 min recording originally).
The tape has hardly been played since it was recorded 9 years ago -- I remebember looking at its content perhaps 5 years ago. All the other tapes from the same period are OK. Solutions anyone??

- Are

J. Stephen McDonald · January 22nd, 2007, 03:28 AM

Did this recording play back properly when the tape was new? If so, then perhaps the tape has been exposed to some magnetic fields that erased the recording, although the first two minutes that play, makes this seem unlikely. Does the recording show a picture when you put it into onscreen fast-forward? If it does, then there might be a tracking problem with the playback camcorders. If you have a video duplication company in your city, take the tape to them and see if they can find a recorder that will play it. If they can't get any good results, they probably wouldn't charge you for it. Good Luck.

Are Knudsen · January 24th, 2007, 03:31 PM

Thanks for the fast-forward suggestion will give it a try!

Best,

Are

Pete Bauer · January 24th, 2007, 05:07 PM

I don't know if this will help or not, but I'm capturing a bunch of old Hi8 tapes right now using a Sony GV-D200 Digital8 deck, kindly loaned to me by a really great friend.

The deck was set by default to auto-detect Hi8 vs 8mm tapes and seems to frequently lose tracking or cause varying video noise that isn't actually recorded on the tape in this auto-detect mode. This generally occurred at gaps or breaks in recording. When changed in the menu to the appropriate tape, eg Hi8, the problems completely went away. If your digital8 gear has such an option, try changing it from auto-detect.

January 20th, 2007, 06:37 PM	#1
Are Knudsen New Boot Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 9	Video8 tape failing Hello: Have sucessfully converted several Video8 tapes to DV (using Sony Digital8 camcorder). One tape fails me though: after two min of normal recording (9 years old recording) the signal flickers than fails. Viewing the tape in the original Video8 camcorder that captured the tape, shows a black line running about centre of a grey-tv noise. Can the images on this tape be salvaged -- is it tracking problem (probably not because the first 2 min shows up both in the Video8 camcorder and the Sony Digital8)?? Could a specialist "peer" into the tape and salvage its content (probably up to 50 min recording originally). The tape has hardly been played since it was recorded 9 years ago -- I remebember looking at its content perhaps 5 years ago. All the other tapes from the same period are OK. Solutions anyone?? - Are

January 22nd, 2007, 03:28 AM	#2
J. Stephen McDonald Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 909	Did this recording play back properly when the tape was new? If so, then perhaps the tape has been exposed to some magnetic fields that erased the recording, although the first two minutes that play, makes this seem unlikely. Does the recording show a picture when you put it into onscreen fast-forward? If it does, then there might be a tracking problem with the playback camcorders. If you have a video duplication company in your city, take the tape to them and see if they can find a recorder that will play it. If they can't get any good results, they probably wouldn't charge you for it. Good Luck. __________________ Steve McDonald https://onedrive.com/?cid=229807ce52dd4fe0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/22121562@N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos

January 24th, 2007, 03:31 PM	#3
Are Knudsen New Boot Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 9	Re Video8 failing Thanks for the fast-forward suggestion will give it a try! Best, Are

January 24th, 2007, 05:07 PM	#4
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	I don't know if this will help or not, but I'm capturing a bunch of old Hi8 tapes right now using a Sony GV-D200 Digital8 deck, kindly loaned to me by a really great friend. The deck was set by default to auto-detect Hi8 vs 8mm tapes and seems to frequently lose tracking or cause varying video noise that isn't actually recorded on the tape in this auto-detect mode. This generally occurred at gaps or breaks in recording. When changed in the menu to the appropriate tape, eg Hi8, the problems completely went away. If your digital8 gear has such an option, try changing it from auto-detect. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!