turn off/disable VCR On Screen Display for capturing

[lesleyjudy]

I bought a VCR/DVD combo (SONY SLV-D380P) and while satisfied with the price and quality, I noticed that the OSD (such as auto tracking bar) was also captured with the video.

I wonder if it is possible to disable OSD (if you have the vcr of the same model), or, can you recommend a VCR or VCR/DVD that I can completely disable OSD? I am converting tapes for my cusomers and it is not acceptable to have the OSD displayed.

Thanks!!!

[pstedman]

On pretty much every VCR I've ever used turning off the OSD was a matter of hitting the "display" button on the remote of few times to cycle through the OSD options until it all disappears.

You did mention the tracking bar which probably means you have some sort of automated tracking turned on. With that enabled anytime there is a jitter in the tape the VCR wants to adjust you'll see the OSD pop up. There should be an option somewhere in the setting to turn off automatic tracking.

[yoda313]

I second pstedman suggestions. Usually there is a "display" button that needs to be pressed to get rid of onscreen graphics.

HOWEVER the tracking will pop up if its left on automatic. As pstedman suggested disable autotracking. Unfortunatley that will mean you'll have to live with the distortions during capturing OR you'll have to track manually. If you track manually you may still have an onscreen graphic pop up. But you might get lucky and have no graphics pop up while MANUALLY adjusting the tracking.

Good luck.

[lesleyjudy]

Thanks everyone. I think I will keep the VCR/DVD since it's of very high quality and with a relatively low price (bought as an open box). This is what I will do:

1. First, play the tape for a few minutes, and let auto tracking does its business.
2. Rewind the tape to the beginning
3. Disable auto tracking
4. Play the tape and start capturing

Hopefully this will get me the best result without having to see the OSD.