I have an 8mm tape that I would like to convert to a digital format. 
Not everyone I would like to send the tape to has a DVD player, so
which format would you recommend I convert the tape to and how would I
do that easily and cheaply?

Hi,
Thanks for using Google Answers. 
What you are looking for is converting your analog video to digital
video format. There are many ways to achieve this. The most popular
format for playing digital video is either mpeg or VCD format which is
DAT format. Almost all of the CD players would be able to run these
formats provided appropriate softwares like Windows Media player is
available to run this.

Here is a site which converts 8mm tape to digital format and they have
given the pricing also for this.
http://www.ccvideo.net/duplication/VHScd.htm

This site gives info about converting your tape to VCD and DVD. They
have given the pricing also.
http://www.vcdtransfer.com/services.htm#limitations

What features are available on VCDs made from my home video?
http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/SUTT1386/mycustompage0003.htm

How can I choose a company to transfer my video to VCD?
http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/SUTT1386/mycustompage0002.htm

Check this page to find out more.
http://www.ulead.com/learning/video2/page2.htm

These sites will help too.
http://www.av-convert.com/index.html
http://www.homevideocd.com/

Check this one too:
http://desktopvideo.about.com/library/weekly/aa040102a.htm

Serach terms used:
convert 8mm tape to VCD
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=convert+8mm+tape+to+VCD&btnG=Google+Search

convert 8mm video to digital video
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=convert+8mm+tape+to+VCD&btnG=Google+Search

I hope this will help you in converting your tape to digital format
for long lasting memories :)

Regards,
netcrazy

Thank you!

That was the reason I bought my Sony TRV730 when upgrading my
camcorder. Sony has a few camcorders that are advertized as Digital8.
They have the capability to play an analog tape in digital format.