d_j_gibbs

<p>That is correct. I run my projector film through the Cinemate machine and film it with my DV camcorder, then use the DVDirect to convert it to DVD. It's easier than doing it through a computer.</p>

<p>The machine I have is a Sony DVDirect. I payed $89.00 for it on EBAY, but it runs up to $250.00 elsewhere. I run the 8mm film through my Cinemate, record it on my DV camcorder, then run the camcorder through the DVDirect machine and it converts the video to DVD. This same unit also converts photos, VHS, and other media to DVD as well, but it DOES NOT convert 8mm to DVD directly.</p>

<p>No--we are talking about the old film that ran through a projector--8mm and super8. Through a projector--like this:<br>

http://www.bolexcollector.com/images/projectors/185_1.jpg<br>

There are several ways to transfer Hi-8. I have a Sony multi-function DVD recorder. I simply hook up the Hi-8 camcorder (or any other camcorder or camera) to it and play the tape I want recorded and the DVD recorder does the rest. This machine has made my business more money than anything else I've done so far because it is so easy and does such a great job. I use printable discs so I can print images onto the DVDs. The machine I use is this:<br>

http://dvdvideoburner.com/images/sony-vrdmc5-dvdirect-dvd-recorder.jpg</p>

 

<p>We're talking about 8mm FILM that runs through a projector. Not VHS tapes.</p>

<p>Go to <a href="http://www.moviestuff.tv">http://www.moviestuff.tv</a> They sell some fantastic equipment at reasonable prices. I bought their Cinemate. I've been extremely busy with other aspects of my business, but I will be adding 8mm and super8 transfers to DVD services by the end of the month to my DVD business. The Cinemate does both for me, and the results are "shake free" and quite clean and remarkable. I think that the Cinemate will give you the best bang for you buck--and you might even end up with a little "cottage business"on the side for extra money!</p>

That was a lot of fun to watch, Ken!! I don't understand how you did it, but it's very interesting. Are you saying that you scanned the film frame by frame, then used some sort of animation software to make it play again? Cool. I have a scanner that can do that, but it seems to me that it would be a very, very long process!

 

I started a VHS, slides, and photos to DVD business about 2 years ago. I'm constantly being asked if I put 8mm or Super 8 on DVD. (No one in my area does it, and, sorry, but people just don't want to send their films out by mail or carrier. Too many things can and have happened to them.)

 

As a result, I decided to bite the bullet and add that service. Since I've actually never done it (but have a lot of other experience with film and with transferring other things to DVD, I have been doing a lot of research on what method I should use, the costs, the ease of transfer, etc.

 

I've finally decided to go with one of the moviestuff's machine. I'll probably start with the less expensive and as my business grows, I'll upgrade as Eugene Gekhter, the originator of this thread, has done. The reason I've decided to go with moviestuff is because I've read a lot of forums with people talking to each other about the machines and I've never read or heard one negative thing about his machines (except that you have to wait a while to get one)... also, from what I read, he is very supportive and very nice--even walks people through repairs (his machines can be repaired with parts at radio shack) and helps people learn how to use the machines....I can use that sort of support starting out. I'm really excited about providing this service in my area and learning how to do this....and of course, my family has its own movies from the 60s that need to be saved, so my first "batch" while I learn will be ours....then for Christmas Gifts to everyone, I'll be making the DVDs!

 

I wouldn't recommend someone who is just going to DIY their own films to spend a lot of money on a moviestuff machine, because they are expensive, but I think that for a small business such as mine, they are an excellent product with excellent support...in any case after I get mine, I'll let you all know how it goes.