VHS to DVD using a DMR-E20 questions..

[jbenj01]

A friend asked me to transfer some sentimental family videos to DVD. My plan is to run my Panasonic SVHS player to the E20 and record in XP mode (each tape is less than 1hr). Then copy the DVD-R's to hdd and reauthor with menus with DVDLab.

Questions:
1. I have a $50 Sima color corrector. MV is not an issue since it's home video. But do I need to link the Sima between the SVHS VCR and the E20 for any benefit? Or am i better off linking via S-VHS from VCR to E20?

2. Should I be using XP mode or SP. i've read that XP modes can cause DVD-R compatibility issues with certain set top DVD players..

3. Any other suggestions/tips for getting a very good end product??

Thanks..

[samijubal]

I tried XP vs SP on the E-20, there was so little difference that I always used SP. If I looked really close the picture was maybe very slightly sharper, so little that I don't think you could see any difference from videotape. I've never used a color corrector, but if the original recordings look good then you should be OK without it. The VHS copies I made on the E-20 are almost identical to the source except cleaner.

[Blazey]

I have a Sima SCC and I no longer use it EXCEPT to defeat MV. I think it adds noise to the signal chain and the color correction produces unfavorable results. You may need to experiment with it to suit your own tastes, but in my experience it is just a MV defeater with some added functions and not really a processing amp.

[tdweis]

Blazey - sorry to be off-topic, but is your member picture Peter Cushing in one of the Hammer Frankenstein movies? COOL!!