VHS to DVD tranfer - one audio output

[Rychezilla]

I have been doing VHS to DVD transfers for awhile now. I was using a JVC VCR>Pioneer DVR-320 Set Top and they were coming out nice. However one of the audio channels on the JVC VCR went out and now am using an older Panasonic that has only one audio output as opposed to the JVC that had a L and a R. I really can't notice much of a difference in sound quality on the DVDs but I haven't done any sound intensive projects with the Panny yet. I am going to transfer a bunch of music videos to DVD and sound will be crucial. Will the fact that the VCR only has one output that I then split into the 2 inputs on the DVR negatively affect the sound on the finished DVD. Please help

Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Any help will be appreciated.

[LDinOR]

I've had to do the same with a mono camcorder and it worked fine. Your results should be fine, they just won't be stereo.

[Rychezilla]

Thanks for your response. Since these are music videos I would really like them in stereo, but I'm not sure what difference it would make on a VHS to DVD transer. Do you know if it depends on the tape as well? I'm tempted to buy a new VCR but most of the ones on ebay don't say whether or not they have stereo outputs.

[thecoalman]

Do you know if it depends on the tape as well?

If theyare recoded in stereo it will.

I'm tempted to buy a new VCR but most of the ones on ebay don't say whether or not they have stereo outputs.

I haven't seen a new VCR that doesn't have stereo in years, you could always look up the model info elsewhere to make sure.

[thomseye]

you should be able to find a cheap new vcr with hi-fi stereo at your local appliance store or $50 or less... avoid buying a used one if possible...

also, if you recorded the videos in mono, there will be no difference, however if they were recorded in stereo, you should definetly play them back in stereo when dubbing.

thomseye

[LDinOR]

If you have a Walmart nearby, and who doesn't, check this out.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3884971

[thecoalman]

If you have a Walmart nearby, and who doesn't, check this out.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3884971

There's probably plenty of people here that have no idea what a Wal-Mart is....... I do that myself sometimes.

[LDinOR]

Regarding my WalMart remark: Whoops! Sorry, I was being too USA-centric I guess, they are annoyingly ubiquitous over here. My intent was to show that these days, when that technology is swiftly winding down, a VCR can be had for a song at most any electronics retailer.

[Rychezilla]

Thanks guys. I have no idea if they were recorded in stereo. My guess is they were not, but I will need a stereo VCR sooner or later anyway so I picked up a re-furbed (cringe) Sony. I know a re-furb is a bit of a gamble but I'm a little crazy. Probably should have went for the Panny at Walmart but oh well. If I may ask another question... if the audio on the original VHS is poor is there a simple way to clean up the audio after it is on the DVD? I'm thinking Tmpenc and editing with Gold Wave...???? Is that possible?

[lordsmurf]

Regarding my WalMart remark: Whoops! Sorry, I was being too USA-centric I guess, they are annoyingly ubiquitous over here. My intent was to show that these days, when that technology is swiftly winding down, a VCR can be had for a song at most any electronics retailer.

As of February 28, 2005, it operated 1,353 Wal-Mart stores, 1,713 Supercenters, 552 SAM’S CLUBS, and 85 Neighborhood Markets in the United States. Wal-Mart has operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

They're hard to miss. I believe they are in all 50 states too.

[LDinOR]

You can use GoldWave, if you have it, to clean up the sound. Audacity may be able to do that too and it's free. Once you have a digitized copy on your HD just extract the audio with VirtualDub and edit it in either program. Instructions for extracting the audio found on this site.

By the way, VDub is free too.
https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=Virtualdub