Another Question Regarding Digital Video Stabilizers

[tlcmd]

As an relative newbie, I do realize that this topic has been around for awhile, so please excuse my bringing it up again.

My questions:

1) Do Radio Shack, Circuit City, Targer, Wal-mart, Costco, etc carry "Digital Video Stabilizers"? And if so, what are the search terms on their websites or how are they packaged in their stores?

I have a Panasonic DMR-ES46 combo VCR/DVD recorder/player. I also have another "external" VCR unit to use if necessary.

Has anyone used this Digital Video Stabilizer from MCM ($19.95) with a comparable Panasonic DVD writer to copy "copy protected" VHS tapes to DVD?

http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&product%5Fid=80%2D4280

I also have a Vidicraft Detailer III if I need it.

I have around 50 legally obtained copy protected videotapes I'd like to copy to DVD for more compact storage, convenience, and before they deteriorate.

Thanks for any advice, assistance, or recommendations.

Dick

[fravel]

Here you'll find very usefull information:
https://forum.videohelp.com/topic239205.html

[classfour]

Most video stabilizers - including the high end models from SIMA - have produced some degree of color imbalance (typically a shift toward the green side of things) for me.

That is using different VHS decks, Panasonic (and Toshiba) DVD recorders, etc.

They will work to eliminate the "copy protection error" on most VHS recordings.

You will get a successful recording.

If you're picky, you will find problems in most.

A TBC will work better in 95% of circumstances - but not for $20

The one that I'm using now is a DataVideo TBC1000 mounted in an external enclosure (for the 12V DC) that I found on ebay for $60 (far less than the $400 advertised price).

If you don't want to go that route, but want a good recording, try a good capture card that doesn't see MV. I use a Hauppauge PVR150, that works excellent with the best settings.

[tlcmd]

Thanks for the info. Fortunately, well over half of my VHS tapes are in black and white (Deanna Durbin; Jeanette McDonaled and Nelson Edy; etc), and I guess I can use my Detailer to fix the color. I was just hoping someone had used them on the Panasonic and/or knew if local electronics places or stores carried them.

Dick

[RowMan]

I have used the unit from MCM for a few years and it has always allowed my DVD recorder to record copy protected VHS with very good results. I imagine a TBC would probably would be better, especially if I was able to use the S-Video input instead or the composite RCA connection that the MCM unit uses. But, to me, VHS is still going to look like VHS even if you can clean it up a little. For just backing up my old, out-of-print VHS movies that haven't yet made it to DVD so I can view them without further jeopardizing the tape, I'm happy.

[Marvingj]

Digital Video Stabilizer from MCM ($19.95) will defeat some copy protection but not all..

[fravel]

I use a Panasonic 1970 S-VHS recorder with TBC and noise reduction filter which I combine with a Sima SCC2 and a Vidicraft Detailer II to transfer old b/w serials and westerns to DVD-R/W, to an ILO DVDR04 recorder (which has its own noise filter) with pretty good results. The Vidicraft Detailer II won't fix the colors, but the Sima does to some extent. I also think you would benefit greatly with a S-VHS deck.

[edDV]

Most video stabilizers - including the high end models from SIMA - have produced some degree of color imbalance (typically a shift toward the green side of things) for me....

"high end models from SIMA " that belongs on the classic oxymoron list.

[pepegot1]

Look at this site: http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer/

I used it with good results. Try this, unless cost is no object.

[Seeker47]

Most video stabilizers - including the high end models from SIMA - have produced some degree of color imbalance (typically a shift toward the green side of things) for me

In my experience with the CT-200 (the "better" of their two models), regular shifts of color and of brightness. .Totally unacceptable ! I'm glad I only paid about half price for this on Ebay.

The one that I'm using now is a DataVideo TBC1000 mounted in an external enclosure (for the 12V DC) that I found on ebay for $60 (far less than the $400 advertised price).

That sounds like a whale of a deal.

If you don't want to go that route, but want a good recording, try a good capture card that doesn't see MV. I use a Hauppauge PVR150, that works excellent with the best settings.

What about something that can capture high-def, with most of the functionality one might want ?