In a fix at DVinfo.net

Kevin Ryan · January 26th, 2015, 09:42 PM

I no longer have my A1U (long story) but have about 75 tapes shot with it over several years that I need to transfer to my computer. Can I use any HD mini-dv camcorder or deck to transfer the video, or should it be another A1U, or at least another Sony HD camcorder?

Chris Hurd · January 26th, 2015, 10:31 PM

Any Sony or Canon HDV camcorder should do the job. Hope this helps,

Jeff Pulera · January 27th, 2015, 08:40 AM

Chris is correct - IF the tapes were shot as 1080i HDV. If using 30p or 24p HDV modes, then there can be compatibility issues. For instance, my Sony FX7 only shoots 1080i and will NOT play 24p HDV tapes shot with other HDV cameras.

An inexpensive "player" camera for 1080i HDV tapes would be a Canon Vixia HV20, HV30, or HV40. They are on Ebay every day for $150-250. I have an HV20 that has been a real workhorse for many years.

I'm assuming your tapes are HDV. If shot as DV (standard def) then most any miniDV camcorder should play the tapes. Whatever you get, I would run a head cleaning tape prior to playing your tapes, as you don't know what brand of tape was used by previous owner and I've had first-hand experience that mixing tape brands can cause head clog issues.

Thanks

Kevin Ryan · January 27th, 2015, 04:49 PM

Gentlemen, thanks very much for the replies. Yes, shot only on Sony HDV tapes in 1080i. Thanks for the Canon and head cleaner recommendations, I'll head to eBay and get this project going. Really appreciate the advice!

January 26th, 2015, 09:42 PM	#1
Kevin Ryan New Boot Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 8	In a fix I no longer have my A1U (long story) but have about 75 tapes shot with it over several years that I need to transfer to my computer. Can I use any HD mini-dv camcorder or deck to transfer the video, or should it be another A1U, or at least another Sony HD camcorder?

January 26th, 2015, 10:31 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Re: In a fix Any Sony or Canon HDV camcorder should do the job. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

January 27th, 2015, 08:40 AM	#3
Jeff Pulera Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 691	Re: In a fix Chris is correct - IF the tapes were shot as 1080i HDV. If using 30p or 24p HDV modes, then there can be compatibility issues. For instance, my Sony FX7 only shoots 1080i and will NOT play 24p HDV tapes shot with other HDV cameras. An inexpensive "player" camera for 1080i HDV tapes would be a Canon Vixia HV20, HV30, or HV40. They are on Ebay every day for $150-250. I have an HV20 that has been a real workhorse for many years. I'm assuming your tapes are HDV. If shot as DV (standard def) then most any miniDV camcorder should play the tapes. Whatever you get, I would run a head cleaning tape prior to playing your tapes, as you don't know what brand of tape was used by previous owner and I've had first-hand experience that mixing tape brands can cause head clog issues. Thanks __________________ Jeff Pulera Safe Harbor Computers

January 27th, 2015, 04:49 PM	#4
Kevin Ryan New Boot Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 8	Re: In a fix Gentlemen, thanks very much for the replies. Yes, shot only on Sony HDV tapes in 1080i. Thanks for the Canon and head cleaner recommendations, I'll head to eBay and get this project going. Really appreciate the advice!