Your opinion... If you had about $100..

[fmctm1sw]

I'm looking for some input. I use my computer mainly to do VHS/8mm to DVD conversions. I also recently purchased a IEEE 1394 card/cable and did a DV project for my neighbor. I'm about to come into about $100 (or more depending on bids) and I am using the money to buy something video related. My ideas are as follows:
1] A Victor VCR (I'm in Japan) with a built in TBC. I had one located but when I went back to the store it was gone It may take a bit to find another. I have a decent Toshiba SVHS but it strugggles with audio sometimes on my old tapes (lots of hiss). My Sony VHS unit does a fantastic job with audio but is kind of shakey sometimes. The picture bounces up and down a bit.
2] A standalone TBC. I'll have to save more and resist the urge to spend. I already have a couple more buyers lined up but making another $200 make take a while.
3] I've also stumbled across some kind of video enhancement device here. It seems to be a analog to DV device with picture adjustment controls. I've seen them new for more than $200. I know where one is for $100. If I thought it would fix my shaking Sony VCR, I'd buy it for sure. I don't know much about DV. Is it all that? What advantage would it provide over my analog tv tuner?
4] A 200GB hard drive. I always need more space. I currently have an 80GB dedicated cap drive, a 20GB O/S drive and another 20GB drive I either cap to with the 80GB (it gives me just barely 6 hours @ 352x480 with huffyuv) or use for authored projects before burning.

Any thoughts?

*edit* Ok, I'll add a 5th] An MPEG-2 capture device. I think I saw a Kworld card here bundled with CCE (basic I'm sure). These are a gamble though as I cannot read Kanji. It may just capture and provide you with a means to convert to MPEG-2. It would save a lot of time but I worry about capture quality...

[DereX888]

use my computer mainly to do VHS/8mm to DVD conversions.

Since this is your primary use, get a TBC obviously!
Built-in TBC is nice, but standalone TBC you can use for any other current or future device, so I would suggest buying a standalone TBC.

[lordsmurf]

A standalone TBC and built-in units found in SVHS VCRs are not the same.

The built-in ones have DNR (digital noise reduction). They clean the visual quality of the image, and stabilize it a bit.

The standalone will only strip the signal and stabilize it. It will not enhance of clean the video in any way. These are better stabilizers than the built-ins. This is why I have them BOTH used together at all times.