Sony GV-D800 Digital8 Video Walkman

Sony introduces the new portable all-digital solution for editing and viewing, the Digital8 Video Walkman VCR GV-D800. Sony has teamed up the Digital8 video system with the compact convenience of the Video Walkman style. The Digital8 camcorder line has successfully helped consumers make the transition to digital videography. Ideal companion to the Digital8, video Walkman units are backward compatible allowing for HI8 and 8mm tape playback!

The lightweight and convenient Video Walkman unit offers 20-segment assemble editing without the need for a PC or a professional studio. This allows videographers and home video buffs a convenient, uncomplicated way to assemble up to 20 scenes automatically. And, with such features as crystal clear still/slow motion and frame-by-frame advance, finding the perfect frame on the fly is easy.

The GV-D800 incorporates the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) digital video interface, which provides a seamless digital link between the Digital8 Video Walkman units and most IEEE-1394 digital video enabled camcorder, digital VCR or PC ensuring pure digital video quality with virtually no generational loss. The Digital8 Video Walkman VCRs are also fully functional playback and record decks, so videos can be viewed and enjoyed with any TV. The GV-D800, with a four-inch color active matrix LCD screen and built-in stereo speakers, provides superior image quality and outstanding digital sound that can be enjoyed in the palm of your hand.

The GV-D800 Digital8 Walkman as a practical way to play an existing archive of Hi8 camcorder recordings of '90s vintage, and as a way to dub/edit from Hi8 to Digital8 and transfer on to DVD. The GV-D800 is a fine piece of ergonomics and workmanship, with easy-to-use controls, and plenty of inputs and outputs. (Many of these features are no longer available on new camcorders.) These machines filled a niche that was never really filled--few prosumer-model 8mm VCRs/players were ever marketed, and most consumers with Hi8/Digital8 camcorders and a collection of recordings have little choice but to use their camcorders for playback. The layout of controls is very nice, the screens are compact, and the design is Sony at its best.
If you have an archive of 8mm/Hi8mm/Digital8 recordings, then I would recommend obtaining one of these while they can still be purchased new (hurry) or used in good condition. This is ideal for making conversions to DVD, especially if your original camcorder is aging or worn out. The GV-D800 would also be great for amateur videographers/filmmakers on a limited budget who cannot yet afford high-definition video components.
I wish I could have afforded a Sony 8mm Walkman a decade ago. Highly recommended--get one of these dinosaurs while you still can! (Stock up on some blank tapes.)