VHS to DVD-R: quality loss using Pioneer DVR-310

[McNose]

I just got my Pioneer DVR-310 and was pleased with the discs created from my TiVo and my 8mm player (not D8, not Hi8, just Video8). All recordings were done with 2hr mode.

When I went to test the quality from my VHS I ran into some unlikely issues. The quality of the 1st tape I tried was poor (lots of tracking problems) and the quality of the DVD I made was even worse than the tape (blocking and screen blacking out).

Then I tried a second tape, the same thing, but the quality of the tape was much better (SP, never overwritten) and thus the quality of the DVD was better. However, the DVD was still worse than the tape (what I can describe as digital artifacting was taking place).

On my third attempt using a tape with decent quality (worse than my second attempt tape) the quality of the DVD was good and what I was expecting. After this I tried again with the second attempt tape and again, got poor quality.

So, my question is, why would a good quality tape produce a bad DVD, whilst a worse quality tape produces a good quality DVD?

Hopefully you made it through my long winded explanation and I appreciate any thoughts on the subject you might have. As, Pioneer had no thoughts except to bring it in.

Some notes:
-I've tried different inputs on the DVD player
-I've tried different outputs on the VCR (RF and Composit)
-I've tried different cables

Thanks for your help.

brian

[sullen]

The only other thing I can see that you could try would be a different VCR. Maybe one with better specs or even a SVHS player if you can get your hands on one borrowed or something. I am thinking about buying this model so please give us some feedback when can explore this issue more in depth.

[Macdon22shipp]

Just got the 310-s myself about a week ago. At the same time i bought a JVC S-VHS VCR. When i did my first transfer and played it back i noticed after it had the "jitters". I then disconnected the S-Video and ran the VCR through the RCA cable hook-ups and straight to the TV and all was fine.My conclusion was crappy VCR so i took it back and got the Panasonic S-Vhs VCR(at twice the price). Hooked that up and transfered with beautiful results. Burnt to an DVD-RW and copied using my PC to a DVD-R and all is fine. Averything i've recorded with this seems to be very compatible with all my set top and PC dvd players. Also seems to transfer nicely through the I-Link as well be only transfered about 2 min. worth just to make sure it works. Hope that helps you out.

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn

[curtw]

So, my question is, why would a good quality tape produce a bad DVD, whilst a worse quality tape produces a good quality DVD?

Hopefully you made it through my long winded explanation and I appreciate any thoughts on the subject you might have. As, Pioneer had no thoughts except to bring it in.
brian

Have you tried tinkering with the input pre-processing (see 'Video Adjust' on pages 68-69 of the manual)? Mine came out of the box with all inputs set to the "LaserDisc" settings, which worked OK, but now I'm playing around with the other pre-sets to see what works best.

One other random thought: is there any other equipment nearby that could be producing excessive RF noise (refrigerator, Ionic Breeze, etc.)? I have a ceiling fan out on my patio that messes up one of the TV's in my house every time it's turned on.

[McNose]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I found an S-VHS machine to use and will let y'all know the outcome.

brian

[McNose]

Well, I'm confused. I tried using an S-VHS player (using S-Video out/in) and...

1. A segment on the very good quality tape is still jittery, but the rest of it looks good.
2. The bad quality tape still won't show up on the recorder (video turns black).

Both of the above do not have the problem when going directly to the TV.

The recorder must be trying to compensate for something (be it bad quality video, or other) and it doesn't matter which input I use (Composite or S-Vid). Any other thoughts?

Thanks again,
brian

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn

[McNose]

Here's an update...

I tried to copy from a different VCR to a different Pioneer 310 and the same thing happened (video blacked out).

Then I went to Best Buy and tested my tape with a Zenith DVD Recorder/VCR combo. IT WORKED. I got video, not black. Now the question is what is causing the Pioneer (and even the Sony S-VHS VCR) to black out the video?

Philip I, again, appreciate your help, but can you figure this one out? I will be calling Pioneer to find out what the hell is going on. I do not expect a good answer.

brian

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn