How to copy a mini-DV to a DVD

People will learn how to copy the content of a mini-DV tape to a DVD disc.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Videocamera or digital playback deck
• DVD recorder

1. The easiest way to convert the content of a mini-DV tape to DVD is a direct transfer from the source machine (video camera) to a DVD recorder. The first step is to connect the two machines, using the connector cable that came with the video camera (if you can't locate the cable, you can buy one on line or possibly a specialty store like Radio Shack.

2. Step 1 assumes you have both a video camera and a DVD recorder. DVD recorders can be purchased for around $300-$500 and, like all other technology-driven equipment, the price consistently decreases.

3. Run the connector cable from the "A/V out" slot of your video camera to "A/V in" input for your DVD recorder. NOTE: A/V stands for Audio/Video. The "A/V in" for your DVD recorder will be one of three types: composite (three connectors: yellow, red, and white connector), I-EEE connector (also known as firewire), or S-video.

4. Follow the instructions for formatting a blank DVD and then insert the blank DVD into the DVD recorder. Before you can record, you will likely need to give the DVD a name and adjust the machine's settings. While tedious, this is a necessary step.

5. Rewind the source tape on your video camera. Hit RECORD on the DVD recorder and wait for the machine to begin recording (a few seconds). Then hit PLAY from your video camera.

6. When the mini-DV finishes, hit END RECORD (STOP RECORD, etc.) on the DVD Recorder. A message will flash onto the screen indicating the machine is writing the data to the disc.

7. When the writing is complete (usually less than a minute), you need to FINALIZE the disc. If you fail to do this, you will lose the entire transfer.

Tips & Warnings

• Blank DVDs come in several formats (DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, etc.). My experience tells me DVD-R is the most compatible with the standard DVD recorders.
• I am not typically brand-loyal; however the Verbatim brand DVDs seem to work the best.
• The most difficult parts of the copying are hooking up the cable and getting the DVD recorder to do what it is supposed to do. Thick manuals will accompany your product and may not be easy to plod through.
• Professional videographers (like myself) can copy mini-DVs, VHS tapes, or 8mm film to DVD quite easily and at very affordable rates. We can also produce customized labels and DVD cases (in case you want to give as a gift or archive the DVDs). In the short run, you will spend a lot less money by paying the copying fee to a videography company. Additional questions can be sent to my email address [e-mail]

[shell62]

on 8/12/2009 So what do you suggest I do if my camcorder is broken and way too expensive to repair. I bought a new one but it's digital. I have quite a few mini dv's with no way of transferring them.

[counselor40]

on 7/24/2009 good detailed steps. I like DVD-R better. Yes, Ceile, firewire is a must.

[freddyth]

on 6/11/2009 [How to in Indonesian]
Transfer MiniDV/VCD/DVD/CD AUDIO/KASET/COPY CD/COPY DVD/DUPLIKAT
Transfer video hasil Handycam anda ke VCD/DVD
Format kaset yang kami terima adalah MiniDV (PAL,NTSC), seperti pada gambar disamping.

Media VCD Menggunakan CD SONY berteknologi SUPREMAS (Super, Precise, Mastering and Stamping)
http://www.sony.com.au/category.jsp?id=30334

Media DVD Menggunakan DVD SONY berteknologi AccuCORE (Accurate Compatibility & Reliability)
http://www.sony.com.au/category.jsp?id=30330

Harga/Tarif/Biaya transfer dari MiniDV ke VCD Rp.70.000

Transfer ke DVD Rp.120.000 (sudah termasuk kotak dan cover)
Transfer dari DVD/VCD ke MiniDV: Rp.225.000
Transfer dari DVD/VCD ke CD AUDIO: Rp.70.000
Transfer dari Kaset Tape (CASSETTE) ke CD AUDIO: Rp.70.000
Transfer dari FOTO DIGITAL ke DVD: Rp.120.000

Copy VCD ke VCD: Rp.15.000/disk
Copy DVD ke DVD: Rp.30.000/disk

Hubungi kami un...

[Ceile]

on 12/19/2007 Ah, I see...thank you! Great information!

[fredford]

on 12/18/2007 Ceile; the firewire is merely another type of cable that enables transfer of audio/video data from one source to another (camera to record, for instance). The firewire (a.k.a. I-EEE wire) does not make the downloading or copying process any quicker. It allows for digital transfer (which is a higher quality transfer than composite or S-Video) and it allows for transfer of all digital and audio in one connection (as compared to composite, wherein the white, red, and yellow connection cables are used).