Question: Can I copy video from my Camcorder to a DVD Recorder?

Answer: To transfer your 8mm/Hi8/miniDV/Digital8 tape to a DVD Recorder, just follow the following steps if using either standard Composite or S-video connections on your camcorder and DVD recorder.

1. Make sure you plug the camcorder directly into the DVD Recorder and NOT the TV. In addition, you have to make sure that your switch your DVD Recorder from its tuner to its AV inputs in order get the signal from those inputs to record on DVD.

This is done with either an input select button on the DVD Recorder's remote or front of the DVD recorder. If your DVD Recorder has both video inputs on the front and back, the back inputs are usually labeled Line 1, AV1, Aux1, or Video 1 and the front inputs may be labeled Line 2, AV2, Aux2, or Video 2.

2. Plug the Audio/Video cables supplied with the camcorder to the AV outputs of the Camcorder, and the other ends to the AV inputs on either front or back of the DVD Recorder. Switch the DVD recorder to AV-in, Line-in, or Aux in (depends of brand).

3. Put the tape to be copied in the Camcorder, and also put a blank DVD in your DVD recorder (make sure the DVD is formatted or initialized - depends on format used).

4. Press play on the Camcorder, then press record on the DVD Recorder and you will be able to copy your tape.

5. When your recording is done, press record stop the DVD recorder and stop on the camcorder. Depending on what format of disc you use in the DVD recorder, you may need to go through a finalization step before removing the DVD from the DVD recorder.

If you need to finalize your DVD, this step takes several minutes. On formats that require finalization, this process allows the finished DVD to be playable on most standard DVD players.

ADDITIONAL NOTE #1: On a miniDV or Digital8 camcorder you also have the option to use the iLink interface to copy your video to a DVD recorder, provided the DVD recorder also has an iLink input. Most DVD recorders have this input on the front panel, but some DVD recorders do not have an iLink interface. If you have this option available, however, this method is preferable for copying miniDV or Digital8 camcorder video to DVD. You need a 4-pin to 4-pin iLink cable (also referred to as Firewire or IEEE1394) to connect the miniDV or Digital8 camcorder to the DVD recorder.

ADDITIONAL NOTE #2: If you have a DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combo unit, you also have the option of transferring your camcorder video to the hard drive first, make any changes that you may need, depending on the capabilities of the hard drive's firmware, then copy your completed video to DVD at a later time. This method also allows you to make multiple DVD copies (one-at-a-time) of your camcorder video using the same source (the video stored on the DVD recorder hard drive). This insures the same quality on each DVD copy, which is great for distributing DVDs to friends and family.

More DVD Recorder FAQS

What is a DVD recorder and what is a DVD burner?

Can I copy VHS videos and DVDs on a DVD recorder?

Can DVD recorders connect to an Antenna, Cable, or Satellite Box?

Can I watch one TV program while recording another with a DVD recorder?

Can I make a copy of a Cable/Satellite DVR or DVD recording that I made from HBO?

What are the recordable DVD formats? - Can I play my DVD recordings in other DVD players?

Is there a DVD recorder that records in all formats?

How much time can I record on a DVD?

Can I create chapters and menus on the DVDs that I make using a DVD Recorder?

How does DVD recorder video quality compare to a VCR or DVD player?

Can DVDs I record be played anywhere in the World?

Are there DVD Recorder/VHS VCR or Hard Disk/DVD recorder combos?

Can a DVD recorder record Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS surround sound?

Can DVD recorders record audio-only DVDs?

Can I record a DVD in Progressive Scan?

Can I record HDTV on a DVD recorder?

Can a DVD recorder with no RF input record off a cable directly from the wall?

What about blank DVD discs?

Are DVD recorders also good DVD players?

How do I hook up a DVD recorder to my TV or home theater system?

Do DVD recorders also have region code lock, like DVD players?

Is it worth buying a DVD recorder now?

Also, for answers to questions regarding topics related to DVD players, be sure to also check out my DVD Basics FAQ

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