Audible noise while recording from analog source

[Theodores]

Hi:

This is the first time I tried to transfer some of my old Hi8 tapes to DV and to my computer using HV20. In both the tape recording and in pass through mode HV20 records loud buzzing noise that makes the original sound almost inaudible. The noise is constant and sounds like some interference. I am using my old SONY Digital 8 camcorder (its FW output doesn't work anymore). The original tapes are OK. The noise is generated by HV20. Any ideas?

[Janke]

Check your cabling. You may have a "ground loop" or ground connection failure.

[ejolson]

The noise is constant and sounds like some interference.

Make sure you are using the original AV cable for the HV20 in the HV20.

Do the 8mm tapes contain a Digital 8 recordings? If this is the case, you'll get a much better image if you capture direct through firewire. Most Digital 8 camcorders had pretty good imagers.

[Theodores]

The cable connection between the two camcorders is indeed complicated. On the Sony end I am using two cables one for audio (mini plug + female RCA), and one for video (S video converted to female RCA). On the HV20 end I am using Canon's AV cable with mini plug and male RCAs that are connected to female RCAs coming from the Sony.

I didn't mention that the noise is audible from HV20 even during recording not only during playback.

Finally, my tapes are digital 8, but, as I mentioned, my Sony's iLink (firewire) does not work - hence the complicated setup.

[ejolson]

Finally, my tapes are digital 8, but, as I mentioned, my Sony's iLink (firewire) does not work.

Rent or borrow a digital 8 capture deck or camcorder, capture your old tapes direct through firewire and don't record any new digital 8 tapes.