T1B

Ok, so I got a Sony Digital 8 camcorder for my wedding 4 years ago. I'm pretty sure it was a 2001 model. Anyhow, it has the iLink connection to USB, but when I plug it to my computer, I can't get my computer to even recognize it.

My manual says it works with a Sony VAIO which I do not have nor plan on getting. However, I do have an external Sony DVD burner.

I am wanting to get my Digital 8 tapes onto DVD. I really don't want to give them to some company to convert. Is there a way I can do this that any of you know of? Is there any kind of hardware that does this?

Yep. You need a PCI (or USB) "capture card".

ATI has these "all-in-wonder" cards that double as video cards/capture cards. When purchasing the hardware new, it usually comes bundled with software.

Basically, you play the digital8 tapes in "real time" while the cam is hooked up to the capture card, and the software is running.

I got links to good software and inexpensive hardware if you want to pursue this.

Well, I said "fuck it." I bought a dvd recorder off of ebay. I will just hook my dig 8 cam up to it and record to DVDRW and copy it over so I can send to my folks.

They are dying to see some footage from my little guy.

ILink is firewire if memory serves correctly, in which case all you should have needed was a PCI firewire card, which costs about 20 bucks and the drivers.

thanks. i may still do that too.

got one off ebay for 9.94 shipped. thanks again.