vhs vcr requirements

[jwfc]

For tapes that are not very old, is a high end VCR necessary to convert VHS to DVD? I mean if the VCR can play the DVD with good enough quality, is it safe to assume that capturing it to the computer will be just as smooth? It just seems like an awful lot to spend over $100 for a hobbyist looking to convert 10-20 VHS tapes that are in decent condition.

[lordsmurf]

It all depends on what "good enough" means. All tapes have chroma, timebase and grain errors, even commercially produced ones. The severity will range, but it's always there. A high end VCR will lessen or outright remove these sorts of problems. Picking a good capture card or DVD recorder is equally as important.

I agree the cost is a bit much for somebody with only 10-20 tapes, but if those are important tapes, don't half-ass the project. You can always rent, borrow, or buy/re-sell good equipment.

[offline]

For me a high end VCR was a must. I don't do much VHS these days but it is a process where a little noise can downgrade the quality a great deal. What you see on the TV screen is not what you will be capturing in most circumstances. There are decent models out there that are not super expensive these days.

Others have their own views, and there are many that are happy to do a direct VHS copy to standalone desktop DVD recorder. I was never one of them.