VCR - I just got the JVC S-VHS (HR-S3910U) model. . .

[vhelp]

Hi all,

Anyone got this model? Do you like it? R U getting good
or better captures from it? ...using RCA or S-video connt?
Or, any advise on setup and capturing settings, ect?

I got mine at circuit city for $169. I was looking for a
good S-VHS deck for storing my MULTI MASS captures till
I have time to encode them as time allows. I did see a few
(used) Directv devices for 199 and less at the store I go
to, but I ran away from them, since I don't know what to
expect from these devices. I didn't read any thing here
on the quality, capturing abilities, specs, ect.

Ok, I haven't open up the box yet. I'm making dinner, and
surfing the web on this model to read anything I can find.
But, I haven't found any negative reports, so I may finally
open up the box and play with it a little. The store didn't
have any of those S-VHS recording tapes anywheres. No one
seems to have'em!! Wonder why????

I'd like to compare some of my previous captures from my standard Sony VHS (5 or more years old) to this S-VHS. I'm
really hoping that quality will be way better???

Satellte (TNN) is having a 5 day Star Trek Marathon, starting
this moday! I don't plan on recording all (though I have
plenty of blank tape at my arson), just only those that I
havene't captured and burned to cd. I missed all the Borg
episodes, so I'm looking forward to capturing all these
episodes. So, I'm hoping that the S-VHS model will be awsom
or something.

I'll be using my DC10+ card for captures.
oh, my potatoes are burning - gotta run. . .

Anyway have any opinion on my new embarking???

[vhelp]

Update on my progress:

So far, I manged to get set unit w/out any problems.
I have 2 switching boxes (4 video sources). On one box, all 4
sources are easily selectable, i.e.,
swtch box A: dvd 1/dvd 2/empty/satalette
swtch box B: stndrd VHS/S-VHS/empty/empty --> (outputs go to DC10+ card)

In my first test, I put a standard VHS movie (Overboard) in my standard VHS
and did a 1min. capture, then in my S-VHS, I did the same 1min. capture.

The results are as follows:
* first, as to quality of VCR play on both machines. . . Are the same quality! No difference!
* oh, I was using the RCA plugs, NOT the s-video.
* Ok, after 1 min. capture, with both units, after encode to SVCD via tmpgenc v12xx
* results were: stndrd VHS came looking fine, but the S-VHS quality came out with those
* vinishean blinds affect. Now, I did use my own standard templates that I use for ALL my
* captures via satalette. I dont' know why the S-VHS came out looking pretty bad, but I will
* have to do some experiments. I'll try and encode with a different version of tmpg...
* But, I did notice that even in the .avi's playing output, the quality was close to those vinishean
* blinds affect. So, maybe it's not the encoder part. I may end up trying the s-video route.

Ok, I thought that the studio made videos would come out looking greate, but I was wrong.
Or, maybe it's just on some studio made videos, that quality sucks, I will have to try my
star wars video, "The Phantom" somthing - there latest movie. ...and see if quality is better
during vcr playing, and maybe a small 1 min. capture.

Next, I'll do some satallete captures in S-VHS mode, and in VHS mode (on the new model).
Maybe, just maybe, quality will come out good or better for captures. Maybe all those store
bought videos are only done in VHS format only. And, so quality will NOT improve at all
when played in an S-VHS machine - it'll be the same as if played on a stndrd VHS machine

Ok, that's enough for now. Let me go and do some more testing.

Oh, bye the way, I just found out the Enterprise is re-airing on Sunday (tomorrow) at 6pm
...for those of you's that missed it!

[PC Master]

I have a JVC HR-3600U SVHS deck. Playback quality will be the same in both a standard deck and a svhs deck for studio movies (because they are recorded in standard vhs, not svhs). This is also true for recording to standard vhs recording. The real trick is when you start SVHS recording.

For tapes, you can get standard VHS tapes. You can record SVHS to the VHS tape with most JVC decks without punching a hole in the tape (to make it look like an svhs). Quality will be noticably better, but still not svcd quality.

The other option is to buy (expensive) SVHS tapes. These will have about a 50% quality improvement over VHS in your old deck. They run $5 and up per tape online, but it may be worth it if you want the quality.

Tapes to get. For VHS, get Maxell Professional Grade (Purple Box). These are the best consumer VHS tapes available. They used to sell at Sams Club for $2 each. Now I can only find them online for about the same price plus shipping. For SVHS, also get Maxell. Maxell has the best media for everything, period. CDRs, tapes, carts, MDs, etc.

I am also planning to tape the ST marathon. Particularly 'The Best of Both Worlds' and 'Time's Arrow'. I don't have those yet. Thanks for the info about the enterprise pilot reairing. I am going to attempt real-time MPEG2, but don't know if it'll work (having major probs).

The ideal setup would be a D-VHS deck with FireWire interface. Much better quality, $20 tapes.

Another side note -- if you wanted real-high quality, you should have bought the $100 14-hour TiVo from Amazon.com. Ethernet boards have been built for it, too. Hook it up to your LAN (or install a >$10 NIC in your pc with a crossover cable) and download the clipsfrom the tivo to your PCs HD using Hyperterm. If you want more info about the TiVo "upgrading", see http://www.9thtee.com and take a look at the TiVoNET and the FAQs. Heck, throw an extra 40GB hard drive and record the whole ST marathon. Then delete what you don't want later.

Well, I think I've rambled long enough.

[vhelp]

Na, actually, you can ramble on some more.

I like knowledge. Anyways.

These are the tapes I have and just purchased another 4 pack (unopened).
TDK - 8hr Revue standard grade
MAXELL - 8hr GX-silver High Quality

Question, if I should do some recordings, should I use the SP or EP??
I think SP, though I'd loose the 8hr, and only get 2hr 40min. per tape.
I think the SP mode has the best quality, BUT, I don't know how it is
in the S-VHS mode - maybe it doesn't matter?? I don'tk know! Do you?

I have a couple of other blank tapes sitting around, but I'd much rather
start with a fresh 4 or 6 pack and keep together.

I don't know what the marathon consists, i.e., is it gonna be in 3hr increments,
or 6hr increments, or 24/5 ??? I am hoping something like 3 or 6hr increments!

I need a number of episodes, one for instances, where the crew find a space
debrea, (monelith shape, i think) and Picard is hit by a beam, and nocked
unconchous and goes through a life span/experience of/or re-living a person's
life in a past, long gone civilization that went extinct due to a change in the
solar system or planet climate or somehing like that.
Do you know what that episode was called, and number ???
Did you think that one was a good one, and/or maybe this is one that is on
your list to get ??? or WILL be now, to get ???
This was a VERY emothional episode, and I wanted so bad to have a tape of it.
Be nice to have a CD instead! And, that floot was very memorable!
Oh, and of course, I need all the Borg episodes. Don't have any. And, there's
a few off the topp of my head somewhere, just can't remember them all right
now. Well, actually, now that I think of it, there's so many I need/want, now, he, he.
I better buy more tapes after all - goody, more money to spend.

There's only one catch that I am dreading. ...they may have that stupid anoying
bar on the bottom of the screen, as they've ben showing on most of there shows.
I hope they do away with it during the marathon, but, ...don't expect it to actually
happen.

Tell me more about this unit you were telling earlier. I'm just curious!
Circuit City had a couple of $100 units, but I past them up quickly, as I was shoping
for the S-VHS machine, though I did have the TIVO thing on my mind at the time.
To be honest, I almost went for both units, S-VHS and one of the cheap TIVO (14hr)
laying there. They have a bunch of opened units that are plastic-wrap at reduced
price. Maybe I will give a look tomorrow??? Anyways, I'll go to the site you just
gave me (link). But, I don't understad this LAN thing you said I need. Can you tell
me more (elaborate) ???

Tanx!!!

[vhelp]

Well, I did a test clip in S-VHS mode, and I was pretty amazed
at the captured quality! Not SVCD, but pretty close. I had some trouble
with my wiring, because I have the other VCR connected, and
through this, I was using/feeding the output of this VCR to my
tv and when the need arrises to capture some clips (as always),
I just swap the RCA phugs to my DC10+, and, bla, bla, bla.
But, once I figure out all those wires and where they are all connected,
I was able to do a test capture, from a recorded tape. The tape I
used was Maxell GX-Silver high quality.

I hope to be ready by tonight, for the Enterprise recording.
Don't get me wrong. It's not that Im stepping in quality, what with
the S-VHS thing and all, but, when you have SO MANY things to record
and so little time, and so few HD space to store them, ...well, you have
to come to a decision or something... and settle for a slight degrade in
quality. But, this is only for things like all day marathons, etc. It's
imposible to capture more than 2hrs (8hrs or more) and then to have
to encode. Well, you guys get the picture. But, I will think some more
on one of those used Tivo boxes at Circuit City. Maybe the 14hr model.
I'm thinking if I really want good quality, then this is the route I should
go. Store them all digitally, and then encode or record them out to tape
S-VHS and then encode, who knows. I've got some thinking to do.

Are their anybody out there using a Tivo type box for capturing and stuff??
If so, care to share your process and all??

Thanks all.

[vhelp]

Just my update:

I did a Number of test capture clips, like commercials, and
a few tv shows and some Star Trek DS9. And, here is what
I have so far for one example:

On one of my 1 min. capture, I BURNed to svcd cd and played
on my tv, and I must say, I was impressed! The quality was
as good as the source (or almost) (satalette).

Ok, I noticed that on some programing, like some commercials,
the quality was soo good, it was like looking at it via sat.
And, on others, not so sat, but still good. I also noticed that
on certain shows, like all those great Star Trek shows have
been tweaked to not look so good. I think this is intentional !!
But, at least quality is still good. Better than VHS in most cases!

I'm gonna purchase a number of brand tapes and do quick tests.
I hope to find the right brand with the best quality. I'll will also do
some shopping around for those $$ S-VHS tapes as well. If I can
find any, I'll only buy a handfull. And, no I didn't look into the
Tivo thing today. I just too busy right now. But, I'm making some
good headway here.


Well, that's it for now. Be back later.

[triplexp]

Best Buy and Radio Shack sell SVHS blank tapes. I have SVHS JVC VCR- Thinking about getting replaytv box. My S-VHS recordings on regular VHS don't look as good as SVHS Tapes. Seing how all the cool shows started this week and next week I don't have enough tapes to record and send to computer. replaytv i heard you can record and drag the files off of its hard drive into your cpu. hmmmmm...

[vhelp]

triplexp,

I have a Radio Shack down the street from me. I'll try them - never thought
to think they would!!

I went back to CC, but I found out that you have to subscribe to Tivo or
some network something - for $9.95. I don't think I want to spend another
subscription fee. Anyone heard of another way around this process?? ...paying
a subscription fee to any outfit?? I took a look at the back of the unit. This
is what I saw:

---IN --- --- OUT ---
(o) (o) (: *** (o) (o) (:
(o) (o) (o) (o)
------- -----------
(o) (o) (o) (o)

...give or take a few, if memory serves me.

How are these plugs utililized?? Ok, does the OUT go to
your capture cards input??, or to your TV??

Is there some kind of software control or something to
communicate between the recorder unit and my pc or my
directv??

Thanks.

[PC Master]

vhelp,

I went back to CC, but I found out that you have to subscribe to Tivo or some network something - for $9.95. I don't think I want to spend another subscription fee. Anyone heard of another way around this process?? ...paying
a subscription fee to any outfit??

Check out Amazon.com where you can get a 14 hour TiVo for $100. The $10/mo service is not required. Without the service, you get no program guide information, so your TiVo acts just like a tapeless VCR. While you cannot use the Season Pass, etc. features to tell it which program you wish to record, you can set a timer (like a regular VCR).

I'm gonna purchase a number of brand tapes and do quick tests. I hope to find the right brand with the best quality. I'll will also do some shopping around for those $$ S-VHS tapes as well.

The best brand is, unarguably, Maxell, for both VHS and SVHS, as well as CD-R(W), audio tape, MiniDisc, etc. If you can afford the slightly higher prices over the cheaper tapes, get their stuff.

These are the tapes I have and just purchased another 4 pack (unopened).
TDK - 8hr Revue standard grade
MAXELL - 8hr GX-silver High Quality

As I said, Maxell are the best. TDK tapes are almost OK, but only if you get the premium varieties. Maxell has 4 varieties of consumer media.

GX-Silver & HGX-Gold: The standard grade tape. OK for SP recordings. The only advantage to this tape is that it is cheaper, and it comes in 6(T-120), 8(T-160) and 9(T-180) hour lengths. ProTape (aka TotalMedia) sells these in Silver T-120s for $1.35/tape. Sam's Club sells the Silver T-160s in a 6-pack for $10, I think.

Hi-Fi (Purple Box): The <u>best</u> consumer VHS tapes available. If you are going VHS, these are the tapes to get. Much better than the GX Silvers, they provide decent (for consumer stuff) video and excellent Hi-Fi audio. OK for some SVHS recordings too in SP mode.

SVHS Grades: Truly awesome tapes. Following their audio and VHS tradition, Maxell tapes once again have the high vote on the market. The picture quality is the best I have seen on any SVHS tape (with my JVC SVHS recorder).

How are these plugs utililized?? Ok, does the OUT go to
your capture cards input??, or to your TV??

OUT usually stands for the output of the unit, which should be hooked to your TV/VCR/capture card. IN would be for the source from which you are recording (ie Satelite Receiver, Cable Box, Antenna, etc.).


tripleexp,

Thinking about getting replaytv box. (other stuff here) i heard you can record and drag the files off of its hard drive into your cpu. hmmmmm...

Yes, but this requires removing the ReplayTVs hard-drive and putting it in your PC (thereby voiding your warantee...if you care about such things). This can also be done with the TiVo. While I own neither of these units, I would recommend the TiVo because of the price. The TiVo service is not required if you get it from Amazon (as I said above), and it still works as good as your programmable SVHS VCR. Check out The 9th Tee. Particularly check out the TiVo Hacking FAQ. The TiVo runs on Linux, which allowed some users to design & build the TiVoNET board which can be used to make the TiVo ethernet capable. In this way you can just hook the TiVo up to your LAN and run some software to copy the MPEG files to your computer.

Any questions? If not, then it's back to the Star Trek Marathon I go.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: PC Master on 2001-10-02 11:31:27 ]</font>