I cannot thank you enough for this video! I have been trying for many years to transfer some old mini discs to my Mac and have never been able to find a way to do it. I purchased the DVD drive you recommended and watched the video and had the discs converted and saved to my Mac in no time. My precious memories are now saved! Finally! Brilliant! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! ❤
Hello!! I have been searching for years as well! I had a Sony handycam and all of my daughters baby everything is on those !!! It was a 2002-3 model I have the discs but not the camera and has no clue what to do!! Although I have no idea If we finalized each disc. 😩😩😩 bc we didn’t know that would be important at the time !! I’m hoping this will work! Last time I searched I was pretty much told I would need the actual camera and buy on eBay or somewhere to do it !!!
I really appreciate you posting this video, I purchased the LG DVD Writer because of it. I was then able to finally get some of my recently deceased Grandmothers mini DVD's converted to MP4 so my entire family could enjoy them. So Thank You so very. much!!!!
So I open source and select the file of where to video is recorded. And once I press open it scans and then the device ejects itself. Any idea why this might be happening?
Using Handbrake to convert my Sony miniDVDs, I’m having the issue that 1) it doesn’t transfer over all of the video on the disk, and 2) it transfers it all into one file instead of separating out the videos as it is on the mini DVD. Do you have a way to fix this? Thank you!
@@erasertech16After talking to my parents. They confirm when my uncle first record. He used a new disc. And nobody rewrites or touch it. I know nothing else. Sadly my uncle passed away.
Sorry to hear that. I'm about to attempt this with old mini dvds I have of my daughter when she was a baby.... I don't recall if I "finalized" them, I'll give it a shot regardless. Hope you can find a cheap camcorder to fix yours.
This video halped me out so much Thank You! Just curious do videos encode quicker if your using a dvd writer? I uploaded my videos using just the handycam and it took about thirty minutes.
Try connecting the camcorder to the power when finalizing. I think the finalization process uses a lot of power so some camcorders require them to be plugged in.
I clicked on the link above for the portable DVD writer. Many Amazon customers asked if it was compatible with the Mini DVDs and most people had no idea. It doesn't seem to be. Is there something else needed to make this work?
I bought the necessary externals in the link and am trying the minidiscs but the message keeps saying that they are empty. I have a choice to choose Ignore or OK. Asking for any help I can get. Thanks.
I have the exact same camcorder as you and the exact same dvd writer, I’ve used multiple discs and every single one has shown up as being a blank disc even though I have content on them, what am I doing wrong?
It's hard to tell which models of writers work with mini DVDs since they don't really mention it in the product description. The only way to know is through product reviews.
I'm having a problem, only some of my footage converted even though I had all the files selected exactly as you did in the video, do you know what I could've possibly done wrong? I only got the last 10 mins of footage but nothing before that.
It could have been a glitch with the ripping software. If you're using Handbrake, make sure you're selecting all the available video chapters. Also, try ripping it again. Sometimes the software is a bit glitchy.
Hi brother, I need your help please because I formatted some of my Rw DVDs and i can’t recover them back, is there any ways I could do this please. It’s precious memories 😢
Do I need a disc drive? Can I use my camcorder as the drive? My computer recognizes the camcorder when I plug it in and I’m able to watch my footage. Just never tried ripping the Mini dvd
Yes you could do that if you have the right cables and port in your computer. Are you using a firewire cable to connect to the computer? You might be able to use Quicktime to directly record from the camcorder if that's the case. Most people don't have a computer with a firewire port so that's why I recommend ripping from the disc instead.
Hi! Can you tell me some other compatible portable dvd writers? The exact one you have isn't actually available in my country (italy). Thank you so much
Hello!! I can buy this drive and the adapter and convert my dvd-r mini from my old home videos (taken on a 2003-3 handheld camcorder ) allll of my daughter’s baby life is on these !! And I’ve been searching for somewhere that can do it. But it’s safe to do myself with the LG and the adapter. ?
Thank you this was so helpful but on 4 of my discs when I load the disc into the LG slim dvd writer I get this message: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GP60NB50 Media with the word Uninitialized below it so I can't open this source? Can you help with this
My mom passed away at the end of August and I have found some discs of hers. When I try putting them in no files are found. Is this because they weren’t finalized on the camcorder? Can this be fixed? Please help, my mom is gone I cannot loose these memories too. 😢💔
Sorry about your mom :( Do you still have the original DVD camcorder? If you do, you can put the disc in it and see if you can play the videos in the camcorder. If you can then you probably just need to finalize the disc.
@@erasertech16 I’m not sure but I let my step dad know so we can both be on the lookout for the camera as we go through my mom’s stuff. I’m hoping we can find it!!!!
I JUST DID ALL THIS BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM. The mp4 file is "... could not e opened. The file isn't compatible with QuickTime Player." If it's an mp4, it should be. I used all the same settings you did 480p30, etc. ADVICE?
Is it that the disc wasn't "Finalized"? This could be a deal breaker as I'm not sure I even have the camcorder any more. Back in the days I was using it, I finalized some but not all. If I cannot find the camcorder in a drawer or box somewhere, is there a workaround? Thanks!
Did you try opening the mp4 file with a different program? Try downloading and using VLC instead of Quicktime. If VLC can't open it then it must be an issue with the file itself.
@@erasertech16 Hi there. I did something else, which was to try one of my mini-DVDs that I marked "F" for finalized. And bingo, it worked! So now I will look for that old camcorder. It was a nice technology and better in many ways than iPhone. But time marches on. If I can't get my hands on a camcorder I will try your suggestion. THANKS!
@@helenfromsun2009that’s what I’m thinking too! I finally found this video and got so excited but I remember that finalized function. And I’m not sure we did on every one bc if there was time left we could still use it for another video (save money right ?? Lol) so eBay does have some for sale. If you can find your model or any model that plays them with all working parts then you’ll have to buy that and put the discs in and see. I think I’m going to have to do that
@@JuliePlank-0815 I DID find the old camcorder and it works great! All my mini-DVD's are now converted. Thanks again to the author of this tutorial! If you don't have the camera maybe you can find one to borrow?
My Hitachi DZ-MV100A DVD Cam won't allow me to finalize in the menu on the cam and so when I try to read it with a DVD driver, it's just empty of video files....uhhhhh
That's unfortunate. The disc needs to be finalized to be able to rip it. Can you at least play the videos using the camcorder? You can always try to capture the video using the a/v port and a video capture device.
@@erasertech16 Yes I can and have captured video using the a/v port in the past. I have a Mini 4 Pin USB 2.0 Cable on order to see if the more direct PC connection will yield a cleaner result...Thanks
So the cable came in and it fits, but I don't see the camera on my Qucktime new movie display. Do I need some special software to read this? Also nowhere in the manual (which you can download) does it say I need to finalize the disk to read it in a pc. It says the following if you don't mind reading it. I need help. Cautions: Only IBM PC/AT compatible PC’s with Window98 installed can be used with the PC Connection Software. Read following ”Condition in which PC connection software can be used” carefully. When this DVD camcorder is connected in the USB terminal of PC, it will be recognized as an external DVD-RAM drive of PC. Data will be writable and readable on this DVD camcorder as an external DVD-RAM drive, but Hitachi does not guarantee these operations. PC’s with DVD-RAM drive, DVD-ROM drive If PCs are provided with DVD-RAM/ROM drive that conforms to 4.7 GB DVD-RAM disc and 8-cm disc and with the UDF2.Ol compatible file system preinstalled, the data recorded on this DVD camcorder can be read on such PCs, by inserting the disc removed from cartridge into the drive.
Try playing with the settings on Handbrake. Make sure all the chapters are selected for the export. Also try doing it again with the same settings. Handbrake can be a little glitchy sometimes. Good luck!
This is so useful I’ve been quoted £20 per mini disk to transfer them to usb! One question, some of the disks aren’t finalised do you know what I will need to do? We’ve no longer got the camcorder ..
Thanks. I'm afraid you will need to find a functioning camcorder to finalize the discs. I'm not aware of a way of transferring the files to a computer without finalizing the disc.
@@TerrydeAlaskaso you put the disc in rhe camcorder and at least with the model I had , on the LED screen i think I remember it would ask to finalize or it was on the buttons beside the screen. You finalize meaning you can’t record anymore on that disc. That’s the issue I have is I have no idea if we finalized them back then bc we didn’t know any better. So I may have to look for and buy a camcorder on eBay. Also, who quoted you the price bc I can’t find anyone who can do it that’s like a reputable company. It’s always just a person and I don’t trust that
It always amazes me how people have such a hard time moving DVD files to a PC. It literally takes 10 seconds. Just put the DVD in, wait till it pops up as a new drive, then you can open it just like you would open to explore any drive, and all the files can be copied.
Hello!! I can buy this drive and the adapter and convert my dvd-r mini from my old home videos (taken on a 2003-3 handheld camcorder ) allll of my daughter’s baby life is on these !! And I’ve been searching for somewhere that can do it. But it’s safe to do myself with the LG and the adapter. ?
I cannot thank you enough for this video! I have been trying for many years to transfer some old mini discs to my Mac and have never been able to find a way to do it. I purchased the DVD drive you recommended and watched the video and had the discs converted and saved to my Mac in no time. My precious memories are now saved! Finally! Brilliant! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! ❤
Glad I could help!
Hello!! I have been searching for years as well! I had a Sony handycam and all of my daughters baby everything is on those !!! It was a 2002-3 model I have the discs but not the camera and has no clue what to do!! Although I have no idea If we finalized each disc. 😩😩😩 bc we didn’t know that would be important at the time !! I’m hoping this will work! Last time I searched I was pretty much told I would need the actual camera and buy on eBay or somewhere to do it !!!
I really appreciate you posting this video, I purchased the LG DVD Writer because of it. I was then able to finally get some of my recently deceased Grandmothers mini DVD's converted to MP4 so my entire family could enjoy them. So Thank You so very. much!!!!
Love to hear this. Glad it helped.
How did you convert?
This worked perfectly! I am so happy to have my videos saved on my computer now. Thanks!
You're welcome. Glad it helped.
Thank you very much. I spent a lots of time looking for a solution to save my family movie. It works ❤
Great to hear!
Thank you!! Very helpful and straight to the point
Thank you for this information a true life saver!
You're welcome!
Thank You My Friend
So I open source and select the file of where to video is recorded. And once I press open it scans and then the device ejects itself. Any idea why this might be happening?
Not sure, but you may want to make sure the disc is finalized first in the camera.
@@erasertech16 I figured it out, I tried it on my Windows PC and it didn't work. Then tried it on my MacBook and it worked perfectly
Using Handbrake to convert my Sony miniDVDs, I’m having the issue that 1) it doesn’t transfer over all of the video on the disk, and 2) it transfers it all into one file instead of separating out the videos as it is on the mini DVD.
Do you have a way to fix this? Thank you!
My first birthday was recorded on mini dvd. I was so hype to finally able to see it!. But the disc was empty.
That's too bad. Do you know if the disc was finalized in the camcorder before checking if it had any footage?
@@erasertech16After talking to my parents. They confirm when my uncle first record. He used a new disc. And nobody rewrites or touch it. I know nothing else. Sadly my uncle passed away.
After I did more research. Look like I need a camcorder. What a pain in the ass.
Sorry to hear that. I'm about to attempt this with old mini dvds I have of my daughter when she was a baby.... I don't recall if I "finalized" them, I'll give it a shot regardless.
Hope you can find a cheap camcorder to fix yours.
Great video - helped me so much! Thank ya
You're welcome!
I have a dvd-r 1.4 gb disc. Looks like yours in the video but when I insert it, it says I’ve inserted a blank DVD.
This happend to me to
Did you finalize the disc in the camcorder before inserting it in the drive?
@@erasertech16how do you do that?
Thanks so much!! I now need to transfer the file onto a cd so my son can watch hockey games of his brother that we taped…
You're welcome!
Do I need MacBook to do this? my Chromebook won’t read the disc and I can’t get the file in my drive
I know it works with PC and Mac because it says so in the box but I'm not sure about Chromebooks.
This video halped me out so much Thank You! Just curious do videos encode quicker if your using a dvd writer? I uploaded my videos using just the handycam and it took about thirty minutes.
I'm not sure how you can upload the videos using the handycam instead of the DVD writer but I assume it would be quicker with the writer.
Big thank's from France dude
You're welcome
hello can you show us how to plug everything in when finalizing. i think im connecting things incorrectly bc it keeps saying connect to adapter
Try connecting the camcorder to the power when finalizing. I think the finalization process uses a lot of power so some camcorders require them to be plugged in.
@@erasertech16 do you mind making a short video on how to plug it up. please and thank you
Do you need to finalize the mini dvd/disc on the camcorder before you digitize it on a computer/laptop?
Yes, the disc needs to be finalized first.
I clicked on the link above for the portable DVD writer. Many Amazon customers asked if it was compatible with the Mini DVDs and most people had no idea. It doesn't seem to be. Is there something else needed to make this work?
The DVD drive from the link should work right off the box. I tried it with a Mac but it should work with PC as well.
Thank you@@erasertech16 . Does it require an adapter to work with the mini dvds?
It jeeps saying its unreadable, im unsure whether to format it or not, specifically says the directory name is in valid
Finalize your disc in the camcorder first
I bought the necessary externals in the link and am trying the minidiscs but the message keeps saying that they are empty. I have a choice to choose Ignore or OK. Asking for any help I can get. Thanks.
Did you finalize the disc in the camcorder already?
@@erasertech16 sorry I did and it worked. Thank you.!!!!
I have the exact same camcorder as you and the exact same dvd writer, I’ve used multiple discs and every single one has shown up as being a blank disc even though I have content on them, what am I doing wrong?
That's strange. Has the disc been finalized in the camcorder?
should the process work with every external dvd-driver or exclusively with your's from the link? thx
It's hard to tell which models of writers work with mini DVDs since they don't really mention it in the product description. The only way to know is through product reviews.
I'm having a problem, only some of my footage converted even though I had all the files selected exactly as you did in the video, do you know what I could've possibly done wrong? I only got the last 10 mins of footage but nothing before that.
It could have been a glitch with the ripping software. If you're using Handbrake, make sure you're selecting all the available video chapters. Also, try ripping it again. Sometimes the software is a bit glitchy.
Hi brother, I need your help please because I formatted some of my Rw DVDs and i can’t recover them back, is there any ways I could do this please. It’s precious memories 😢
I'm sorry I don't think you can recover the data after formatting it.
thanks mate I appreciate it
Can any external dvd drive use to copy footage?
Not all DVD drives will read mini DVDs. It's hard to tell which ones do because they don't really mention it in their listings.
Do I need a disc drive? Can I use my camcorder as the drive? My computer recognizes the camcorder when I plug it in and I’m able to watch my footage. Just never tried ripping the Mini dvd
Yes you could do that if you have the right cables and port in your computer. Are you using a firewire cable to connect to the computer? You might be able to use Quicktime to directly record from the camcorder if that's the case. Most people don't have a computer with a firewire port so that's why I recommend ripping from the disc instead.
@@erasertech16 I just connect my camcorder to my laptop using a mini usb cable
Hi! Can you tell me some other compatible portable dvd writers? The exact one you have isn't actually available in my country (italy). Thank you so much
Unfortunately that is the only one that I know that works with mini DVDs. There might be others but I don't know for sure.
Hello!! I can buy this drive and the adapter and convert my dvd-r mini from my old home videos (taken on a 2003-3 handheld camcorder ) allll of my daughter’s baby life is on these !! And I’ve been searching for somewhere that can do it. But it’s safe to do myself with the LG and the adapter. ?
You should be able to rip the mini-DVD as long as the disc has been finalized in the camcorder.
Thank you this was so helpful but on 4 of my discs when I load the disc into the LG slim dvd writer I get this message: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GP60NB50 Media with the word Uninitialized below it so I can't open this source? Can you help with this
I'm not sure. But did you finalize the discs in the recorder already?
I don’t have to have the actual camcorder ??
The disc has to be finalized in the camcorder before ripping it using the DVD drive.
why did it save as document? and then I open it and its a bunch of random letters
Does anyone know if this player is VR compatible? In terms of using a DVD-RW and using VR mode instead of video…
what adapter cable do you need?
It's covered in the video. If your computer has only USB-c inputs you will need a USB-A adapter.
My mom passed away at the end of August and I have found some discs of hers. When I try putting them in no files are found. Is this because they weren’t finalized on the camcorder? Can this be fixed? Please help, my mom is gone I cannot loose these memories too. 😢💔
Sorry about your mom :( Do you still have the original DVD camcorder? If you do, you can put the disc in it and see if you can play the videos in the camcorder. If you can then you probably just need to finalize the disc.
@@erasertech16 I’m not sure but I let my step dad know so we can both be on the lookout for the camera as we go through my mom’s stuff. I’m hoping we can find it!!!!
exactly how long does it take to encode....ive been stuck at "preparing to encode" for what feels like 20 minutes
It shouldn't take that long. These DVD camcorders can't record videos for too long anyways.
I JUST DID ALL THIS BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM. The mp4 file is "... could not e opened. The file isn't compatible with QuickTime Player." If it's an mp4, it should be. I used all the same settings you did 480p30, etc. ADVICE?
Is it that the disc wasn't "Finalized"? This could be a deal breaker as I'm not sure I even have the camcorder any more. Back in the days I was using it, I finalized some but not all. If I cannot find the camcorder in a drawer or box somewhere, is there a workaround? Thanks!
Did you try opening the mp4 file with a different program? Try downloading and using VLC instead of Quicktime. If VLC can't open it then it must be an issue with the file itself.
@@erasertech16 Hi there. I did something else, which was to try one of my mini-DVDs that I marked "F" for finalized. And bingo, it worked! So now I will look for that old camcorder. It was a nice technology and better in many ways than iPhone. But time marches on. If I can't get my hands on a camcorder I will try your suggestion. THANKS!
@@helenfromsun2009that’s what I’m thinking too! I finally found this video and got so excited but I remember that finalized function. And I’m not sure we did on every one bc if there was time left we could still use it for another video (save money right ?? Lol) so eBay does have some for sale. If you can find your model or any model that plays them with all working parts then you’ll have to buy that and put the discs in and see. I think I’m going to have to do that
@@JuliePlank-0815 I DID find the old camcorder and it works great! All my mini-DVD's are now converted. Thanks again to the author of this tutorial! If you don't have the camera maybe you can find one to borrow?
Will this end up clearing the discs?
No, if the disc has been finalized in the camera it cannot be cleared.
Is my dvd corrupted if right away it comes up blank dvd or did I get the player? When it pops up it says I used a lot of data on it so I’m confused
I'm not sure, it's hard to tell. Maybe try it with a different player.
My Hitachi DZ-MV100A DVD Cam won't allow me to finalize in the menu on the cam and so when I try to read it with a DVD driver, it's just empty of video files....uhhhhh
That's unfortunate. The disc needs to be finalized to be able to rip it. Can you at least play the videos using the camcorder? You can always try to capture the video using the a/v port and a video capture device.
@@erasertech16 Yes I can and have captured video using the a/v port in the past. I have a Mini 4 Pin USB 2.0 Cable on order to see if the more direct PC connection will yield a cleaner result...Thanks
So the cable came in and it fits, but I don't see the camera on my Qucktime new movie display. Do I need some special software to read this?
Also nowhere in the manual (which you can download) does it say I need to finalize the disk to read it in a pc. It says the following if you don't mind reading it. I need help.
Cautions: Only IBM PC/AT compatible PC’s with Window98 installed can be used with the PC Connection Software.
Read following ”Condition in which PC connection software can be used” carefully. When this DVD camcorder is connected in the USB terminal of PC, it will be recognized as an external DVD-RAM drive of PC. Data will be writable and readable on this DVD camcorder as an external DVD-RAM drive, but Hitachi does not guarantee these operations.
PC’s with DVD-RAM drive, DVD-ROM drive
If PCs are provided with DVD-RAM/ROM drive that conforms to 4.7 GB DVD-RAM disc and 8-cm disc and with the UDF2.Ol compatible file system preinstalled, the data recorded on this DVD camcorder can be read on such PCs, by inserting the disc removed from cartridge into the drive.
Thank you so much..
You're welcome
Does the audio work aswell?
Yes, this works for both, audio and video.
How come my file saved as .mp4 and yours saved as m4v?
I'm not sure. m4v should work the same as mp4 though.
THANKS ;)
Thanks
This worked for me, but only 8 of the 16 chapters copied. I can view all 16 chapters in my camcorder so I know they are there and of good quality.
Try playing with the settings on Handbrake. Make sure all the chapters are selected for the export. Also try doing it again with the same settings. Handbrake can be a little glitchy sometimes. Good luck!
This is so useful I’ve been quoted £20 per mini disk to transfer them to usb! One question, some of the disks aren’t finalised do you know what I will need to do? We’ve no longer got the camcorder ..
Thanks. I'm afraid you will need to find a functioning camcorder to finalize the discs. I'm not aware of a way of transferring the files to a computer without finalizing the disc.
@@erasertech16 So how do you finalize with the camcorder?
@@TerrydeAlaskaso you put the disc in rhe camcorder and at least with the model I had , on the LED screen i think I remember it would ask to finalize or it was on the buttons beside the screen. You finalize meaning you can’t record anymore on that disc. That’s the issue I have is I have no idea if we finalized them back then bc we didn’t know any better. So I may have to look for and buy a camcorder on eBay.
Also, who quoted you the price bc I can’t find anyone who can do it that’s like a reputable company. It’s always just a person and I don’t trust that
It just says you inserted a blank dvd for me
Apparently you have to use the original camcorder to “finalize” the content on the disc before it’s able to be played in a player
Hi! I keep getting a D:/ the directory name is invalid when I open handbrake. Does anyone know why and how I can fix this issue?
Sorry but I don't know.
What if I don’t have the camcorder
If the mini-DVD is not finalized then you'll need to find a similar camcorder. I don't think you can do much with an unfinalized disc.
It always amazes me how people have such a hard time moving DVD files to a PC. It literally takes 10 seconds. Just put the DVD in, wait till it pops up as a new drive, then you can open it just like you would open to explore any drive, and all the files can be copied.
Hello!! I can buy this drive and the adapter and convert my dvd-r mini from my old home videos (taken on a 2003-3 handheld camcorder ) allll of my daughter’s baby life is on these !! And I’ve been searching for somewhere that can do it. But it’s safe to do myself with the LG and the adapter. ?