![\"Hi8-Tapes](\"https:\/\/scancafe.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Hi8-Tapes-2400x1300.jpeg\")
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Wondering how you can watch your Hi8 tapes on your TV? Read on to learn. <\/span><\/p>\n In the mid-1980s, Sony introduced its first Handycam Video8 camcorder as a smaller alternative to VHS and Betamax. These camcorders used 8mm tape (e.g. Hi-8) and were considered state of the art. Of course, technology is ever-evolving, making once<\/span> high-tech video tapes<\/span><\/a> and gadgets irrelevant and outdated. <\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps you have stacks of these compact tapes gathering dust in the dark corner of a closet. If so, you\u2019re probably wondering<\/span> what to do with these old tapes<\/span><\/a> or if it\u2019s even possible to watch them since your camcorder is long gone. Although<\/span> watching old 8mm movie reels<\/span><\/a> without a projector or <\/span>VHS tapes without a VCR<\/span><\/a> is easier, it\u2019s possible to watch Hi8 videos without a camcorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you still own a working camcorder, can borrow one from a friend, or found a compatible one on the secondary market, you\u2019re in luck. Simply plug the camcorder\u2019s AV output connections into the corresponding inputs on your TV. Then select the correct TV input, press play on your camcorder, and sit back and watch your long-forgotten videos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For a brief period, Goldstar (now LG) and Sony (PAL version only) manufactured decks that featured both an 8mm player and VHS VCR built into the same cabinet. This <\/span>Hi8 tape player<\/span> is similar to modern-day DVD\/VHS combo units. Instead of having a DVD player on one side, they include an 8mm player along with a separate section for recording and playing back VHS. You may be able to find a secondhand one, but be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars and make sure the model is compatible with Hi8 cassettes. The best bet is to look for a Sony Digital8\/Hi8 VCR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the type of camcorder and video capturing software on your PC determine the exact method for uploading, editing, and saving digital video files, these are the basic steps:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hi8 tape is rather delicate and subject to deterioration. The tape is coated with metal-oxide particles that can become brittle and loose. Exposure to extreme temperature changes can cause the oxide and tape backing to contract and expand by differing amounts. This can damage large portions of your old-school tapes and render them unwatchable. Cassettes should be stored upright in a vertical position and completely rewound with the full reel side on the bottom. If you stored tapes properly, they may still be in good condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regardless, it\u2019s best to get these tapes converted as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. If you have the right equipment to watch them, you can likely convert Hi8 tapes yourself. Online tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on how to do this but keep in mind this takes patience and may come with some<\/span> trial and error<\/span><\/a>. Amazon sells a <\/span>Hi8 tape converter<\/span> that plugs into a camcorder to enable converting various video tape formats into digital with the touch of a button. <\/span><\/p>\nHow to Watch Hi8 Tapes on TV<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
8mm\/VHS Combo VCRs\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Transferring Hi8 Tapes to Your Computer to Watch<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Why Digitizing Hi8 Tapes is The Best Option<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n