I need a good(inexpensive) S-VHS player for my DVD transfers

[JSquare]

I have an Philips VR988 S-VHS VCR and used to own an JVC HR-S5100U, but after readings comments about the playback quality of some units specially the JVC HR-S9xxx line now I regret selling my 5100U at eBay a couple of months ago.
The Philips VR988 supposed to be a JVC clone, everything about it from the physical layout to the menu and features are very similar to the older JVC 59xx line, but the video quality is not very good, some tapes will look OK and others are too noisy.
My JVC recorder makes a good job of cleaning up some of those transfers but I wish they could look better, also tried an JVC HR-S3901U but it's even worse than the Philips as far as PQ goes.
I don't feel like expending hundreds of $ on an somehow outdated technology like S-VHS but still have a few hundred tapes pending transfer, if any of you guys have an suggestion please let me know.

[chas0039]

I have a 3800 and a 3900 and a 7800 and a 2900 and I have seen vitually no difference in playback on any of these machines except when I kick in the Digi-pure technology on the 7800.

I use the 7800 to dupe to DVD and the others to playback what is left. My recollection is that the series with the 8 as the second number was first class, for JVC consumer goods. I know the overall quality of the #9## series is not as good. I would keep an eye on ebay for one of these. I probably will sell one myself after a couple more months as I am nearing the end of VHS except for TV show one shot use.

I assume what you need is the S-video output since many other good quality machines will play SVHS recorder tapes but only have AV out.

Good luck

[gshelley61]

Have a look at lordsmurf's VCR Suggestions here:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/capture/vcrtbcsuggestions.htm

I recently scored a nice HR-S7800U for only $40.

The HR-S9600U was probably the best performing JVC consumer VCR.

[JSquare]

I had my sight set on a couple of 99xx at eBay but they all sell as high as $300 while eCost has the 9911 for $293(refurb), but that's too much.
Didn't know about the 7800 with the 2MB DigiPure System, from now on I will start hunting for it.

Thanks!

[lordsmurf]

I'm trying to keep this updated as best I can:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/thisweek.htm

As far as good JVC units, best I see is the eCost for $300, which is a steal.