QuestionThe only thing I want to know is if you can tell me how to take an 8mm tape from my camcorder, hook it up to my VCR and record on a VHS tape. If you don't know, that's ok. I just couldn't find amyone else on here to ask.
Thanks a bunch!
AnswerDear Cheryl,
Sorry, but yeah, I've noticed also that the number of "experts" in this category has been dwindling. Can't say exactly why.
Your camcorder should have three outputs: composite video (yellow) and left and right channel stereo audio (white and red respectively). (You may have only one output, which is a combination of video and audio; these are generally S-video connections, which require a special cable--but that should have come with your camcorder. If not, you can get one at Radio Shack. If you don't know what you've got, give me the brand and model number of your camcorder, and I'll look it up on the net.) Presuming that your VCR is installed in a tape loop on your receiver (that is, both its inputs and outputs are connected--enabling it to both record and play back), you need to plug the outputs from your camcorder to inputs on your receiver. These will generally be labeled "VIDEO 1", "VIDEO 2", etc. with the three connections (yellow, white, and red) for the video and audio. Once you've got that going, check your receiver's instructions for designating the source for VCR taping.
If your VCR's "LINE IN" connections are not connected to a "TAPE OUT" connection on your receiver, you need to do that. That will carry the signal from your camcorder to the VCR.
This last step is important because VCRs are designed to work directly from an antenna/cable/satellite coaxial input. You put the signal feed into the "Antenna In" connection on the VCR and connect the VCR's "Antenna Out" to your TV. That way if you want to record something off the air (or cable/satellite), all you do is press "RECORD" on the VCR, and you're in business.
Recording from another input simply requires that you tell the VCR to "look" at another source instead of the antenna (cable/satellite) input. That's why it's important to make sure that the "TAPE OUT" on the receiver is connected to the "LINE IN" on the VCR. (BTW, it's confusing, but always keep in mind that the inputs and outputs between a recording device and a receiver are always opposites: the OUTPUT of the receiver goes to the INPUT of the tape recorder and vice-versa. Sorta makes sense when you think about it...)
Once you've designated the sources, hit "PLAY" on the camcorder and "RECORD" on the VCR. That should do the trick. If not, write back, tell me what happened, and we'll muddle through. I'll also need to know the make and model of your receiver, how the VCR is connected to your television, and how the video output from your receiver is connected to your television.
Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!
Kindest regards,
Kevin
