How Do I Convert Video from a Regular VHS Tape to
a MiniDV Tape?
These instructions are divided into two parts, one
relating to the Panasonic cameras, and the other relating to the Canon
Cameras. The instructions (and cameras) are similar, but have significant
differences. Please use the instructions intended for the specific
camera you are using.
Recording from VHS to Mini-DV-Canon
ZR50MC
To digitize video from a regular VHS video tape to mini-DV tape (so
that it can be easily piped into an iBook for editing), you will need
the following items:
- Canon ZR50MC camera.
- AV cable (included with camera & made for this camera).
- Power supply for the camera (included in camera bag).
- Canon remote control (included in the camera bag).
- Panasonic VCR/TV cart from CMC (this is the one that has a separate
TV & VCR).
- Video tape you wish to use as a source.
- Mini-DV tape onto which you want to record (destination).
To record from a VHS ("regular videotape"), please follow
the following instructions:
- Connect the AV cable to the yellow AV port under the plastic door
on the side of the camera, just under the hand strap.
- Connect the other end of the AV cable (which has three plugs-one
yellow for video, one red for right audio channel, and one white
for left audio channel) to the back of the JVC VCR. The VCR is NOT
a stereo VCR, so only connect the yellow and white plugs. (The connections
are color-coded on the VCR.)
- Plug the Canon power supply (refer to the diagram in the bag if
you don't know what this is) into the side of the camera, under
the small plastic door under the hand strap. (It's labeled "DC
IN 9.5V".)
- Connect the cord that goes from the power supply (the big plastic
chunky part) to the wall to the power supply, and the other end
into a wall outlet.
- Turn on the VCR and camera, and place a tape into each (the camera
should be switched to 'PLAY(VCR)'). Also turn on the TV, which should
be set to channel 3.
- Locate the portion of video on the VHS tape that you'd like to
digitize, and stop the tape a few seconds before the beginning of
the clip.
- If there's anything on the Mini-DV tape you need to keep, stop
the tape a few seconds AFTER the portion that you want to save.
- Using the camera's remote control, press the REC Pause button
(outlined in red). This will get the camera ready to record as soon
as you press the Pause button.
- Press Play on the VCR, and then press the Pause button the camera's
remote control. The video from the VHS tape should be displayed
on the TV and the camera's screen. The camera should now say 'REC'
in the upper right of the screen (where it used to say 'Pause').
- When the video has all been recorded, just press stop on the camera
and VCR, turn all devices off, and return all cables and accessories
to the camera bag.
Recording from VHS to Mini-DV-Newer Panasonic
Cameras
(Models PV-DV801 and 851)
To digitize video from a regular VHS video tape to mini-DV tape (so
that it can be easily piped into an iBook for editing), you will need
the following items:
- Panasonic PV-DV801 or PV-DV851 camera.
- AV cable (included with camera & made for this camera).
- Power supply for the camera (included in camera bag).
- JVC/Panasonic VCR/TV cart from CMC (this is the one that has a
separate Panasonic TV & JVC VCR).
- Video tape you wish to use as a source.
- Mini-DV tape onto which you want to record (destination).
To record from a VHS ("regular videotape"), please follow
the following instructions:
- Connect the AV cable to the AV port under the plastic door on
the side of the camera, just under the hand strap. (It's labeled
'AV IN/OUT Phones'.)
- Connect the other end of the AV cable (which has three plugs-one
yellow for video, one red for right audio channel, and one white
for left audio channel) to the back of the JVC VCR. The VCR is NOT
a stereo VCR, so only connect the yellow and white plugs. (The connections
are color-coded on the VCR.)
- Slide the Panasonic "dummy" battery (looks like a battery,
but has a cable sticking out of it) into the camera where the battery
usually goes.
- Connect the free end of the cable coming out of the dummy battery
into the power supply (the big plastic chunky thing that's used
to recharge the batteries).
- Connect the cord that goes from the power supply (the big plastic
chunky part) to the wall into the power supply, and the other end
into a wall outlet.
- Turn on the VCR and camera, and place a tape into each (the camera
should be switched to 'VCR' by pushing the switch upward toward
the word "mode" until the VCR light on the side of the
camera lights up). Also turn on the TV, which should be set to channel
3.
- Locate the portion of video on the VHS tape that you'd like to
digitize, and stop the tape a few seconds before the beginning of
the clip.
- If there's anything on the Mini-DV tape you need to keep, stop
the tape a few seconds AFTER the portion that you want to save.
(Otherwise, just rewind it.)
- Press Play on the VCR, and then press the REC and Play buttons
on the camera's remote. The video from the VHS tape should be displayed
on the TV and the camera's screen. The camera should now say 'REC'
in the upper right of the screen.
- When the video has all been recorded, just press stop on the camera
and VCR, turn all devices off, and return all cables and accessories
to the camera bag.
Recording from VHS to Mini-DV-Panasonic PV-DV601
(Red Kit)
To digitize video from a regular VHS video tape to mini-DV tape (so
that it can be easily piped into an iBook for editing), you will need
the following items:
1. Panasonic PV-DV601 camera.
2. AV cable (included with camera & made for this camera).
3. Power supply for the camera (included in camera bag).
4. JVC/Panasonic VCR/TV cart from CMC (this is the one that has a
separate Panasonic TV & JVC VCR).
5. Video tape you wish to use as a source.
6. Mini-DV tape onto which you want to record (destination).
To record from a VHS ("regular videotape"), please follow
the following instructions:
1. Connect the AV cable to the yellow AV port under the plastic door
on the side of the camera, just under the hand strap.
2. Connect the other end of the AV cable (which has three plugs-one
yellow for video, one red for right audio channel, and one white for
left audio channel) to the back of the JVC VCR. The VCR is NOT a stereo
VCR, so only connect the yellow and white plugs. (The connections
are color-coded on the VCR.)
3. Plug the Panasonic power supply (refer to the diagram in the bag
if you don't know what this is) into the back of the camera. The port
for this plug is on the right edge, inside the indentation where the
battery usually goes.
4. Connect the cord that goes from the power supply (the big plastic
chunky part) to the wall into the power supply, and the other end
into a wall outlet.
5. Turn on the VCR and camera, and place a tape into each (the camera
should be switched to 'VCR'). Also turn on the TV, which should be
set to channel 3.
6. Locate the portion of video on the VHS tape that you'd like to
digitize, and stop the tape a few seconds before the beginning of
the clip.
7. If there's anything on the Mini-DV tape you need to keep, stop
the tape a few seconds AFTER the portion that you want to save. (Otherwise,
just rewind it.)
8. Press Play on the VCR, and then press the REC and Play buttons
on the camera, just above the LCD screen on the side. The video from
the VHS tape should be displayed on the TV and the camera's screen.
The camera should now say 'REC' in the upper right of the screen.
9. When the video has all been recorded, just press stop on the camera
and VCR, turn all devices off, and return all cables and accessories
to the camera bag.
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