Though Mini DV tapes were once considered supreme, it is common knowledge that these tapes are now outdated; this causes the significant difference between camera and camcorder, and that's why camcorders face a drop in production. But, what if you want to revive those beautiful old memories from your old DV tapes? Is there any possibility? Yes, you can also watch the tapes with an adapter, a camera, or with a VHS deck. The camcorder is the easiest way to watch them, but they are no more used, as mentioned earlier. In this case, saving the videos to digital format is the best approach. In this article, I will explain how to play mini DV tapes without a camcorder. Keep reading.
Related Post: If incase you shoot videos in low light, then check out the low light HD camcorders list here.
WAYS To Play Mini DV Tapes Without A Camcorder
USING A MINI DV DECK
The Mini DV editing deck is a VHS(Video Home System) tape that comes with an adapter slot for the Mini DV. They were developed and sold only for professional use, but now you might find their older models online, and even a person with some tech knowledge can handle this DV deck.
I have included this as my first option to play Mini DV tapes because using a
video editing deck (mini DV deck) is the easiest way of all four ways possible. However, you need a working VHS player and either a TV with appropriate SD analog video inputs or a PC with a FireWire port to proceed with.
As mentioned earlier said earlier VHS players are not that commonly available these days. Also, most modern televisions do not come with a VHS system. So, I would suggest you go with this method only if you have a working VHS player and need to view the tapes temporarily. However, if you want to preserve the videos, converting them to digital format will be more viable. You will find these methods explained below.
- But if you have the prerequisites and just want to watch the videos, follow these steps.
1. Open the slot and insert the Mini DV.
2. Close the door and insert the VHS tape into a player that is connected to your TV.
3. Now, You can play, fast-forward or rewind the videos through the VHS player.
DIGITAL TRANSFER SERVICE
This is an alternate method that you can use when you don’t have a camcorder. You can transfer the videos into a digital format by yourself, but using a service is more efficient and reasonably priced.
- These services can also transfer all your old VHS, Betamax, Digital 8, and DV sizes to digital format. You can search for local service options or check online for mail-in services.
- After getting it done, you can easily watch them using your laptop/TV. And most importantly, the videos get preserved as most digital transfer services provide a way to store them in your Google Cloud accounts / hard disk.
DIGITIZING YOUR VIDEOS ON YOUR OWN
USING A DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERTER
- To digitalize your camcorder tapes on your own, you need a camcorder and a converter device(computer or digital video converter) to record and digitalize your mini DV tape.
- Though the title says without a camcorder here, you will need one for digitizing process. Once you get the files in the new format, you no longer the camcorder to view videos.
- What we are going to do here is we are going to use a USB connection /AV cable to connect the PC and camcorder. I prefer a USB connection to an AV cable.
- Now that you've connected your computer and camcorder install PlayMemories software on your PC. This software will convert the analog videos in your camcorder to digitized files.
- After getting that done, save the files to your hard disk, google cloud, or on a memory stick.
- Remove the USB or AV cable. The files are now available for viewing.
- Note: Please test every video file that you copied to make sure it functions properly.
CONVERT MINI DV TO DVD, BLU-RAY AND DIGITAL FILES
- This adds to the second method where I had discussed converting files using Digital transfer services. One such ideal platform is the Current Pixel, a video transfer service. The professionals here help you convert your Mini DV tapes to DVD without a camcorder.
- They convert your Mini DV tapes to other formats like digital files to allow for easy sharing, editing, and backup.
Since Mini DV tapes are outdated and the cameras are no longer being produced, converting those tapes to a digital format can be your best bet. As you can view, share, or edit the files easily. Storage of the files also becomes more manageable.
CONCLUSION
So these are the different ways by which you can play mini DV tapes without a camcorder. I hope you find this article useful and interesting. Share it with your friends who are in need of a piece of advice on how to play mini DV tapes without a camcorder. Cheers!
