DVD Recorder vs. DV Capture

[dhoult]

I am about to start a project for my mom of restoring and/or converting lots of old VHS tapes (about 40, most 20-25 years old) to DVD. I have read a lot of the posts on restoring old VHS cassettes, but still don't have a good idea of which method I should use to do it. From what I have read, I would do one of the following:

Good SVHS VCR (like a JVC 9911)
Possibly a proc-amp
DVD Recorder
Copy to computer to edit if necessary and re-burn

or

VCR
Proc-amp
A/D Converter (like Canopus)
Burn to DVD from computer


I am on a fairly limited budget, and wouldn't be able to afford both a proc-amp and an enhancer (or even a stand-alone TBC). My tapes range from decent quality with some color problems to not so great with problems like color, noise, wavy, etc.

Is there a preferred method? If editing weren't necessary, would that change what I should do?

Thanks for any help!

[nelson133]

For 40 tapes, the cost per tape will be pretty high, the cheapest way to go to get all of your equipment is still pretty expensive. I use the Canopus box to transfer the tape to the hard drive as DV and then use avisynth(free) or virtualdub(free) to add filtration to the Dv files and then frameserve to an encoder. You still have the cost of the box, the encoder (there are free ones), and an authoring program (again there are free ones. Nothing comes without some kind of cost, however. Using hardware may give you somewhat better quality, or it may not, depending on the eye of the beholder. Avisynth and virtualdub are powerful programs, capable of doing a lot, but the learning curve is there and it takes time and experimentation to figure out how to get the best results.
The one thing you don't mention is a stand alone dvd recorder. It would be the easiest way to go and the cost would be reasonable. Read the reviews here on brands don't go too cheap and that might be your best way out. Most here are in hobby mode and get as much (or more) out of trying new things as finding somethig that works and sticking to it. It's why I mentioned avisynth and virtualdub, I'm always trying different filters, and going back and forth between them. Nyah Levi

[pepegot1]

The DVD recorder is the way to go. I have a JVC DR-M10 recorder that has filters that improve the video considerably. Once it's on your DVD RW disc you can rip it to your HD and away you go. Also, less strain on your computer.

[vhelp]

I would suggest that you first try the dvd recorder route.
And, any tapes that prove too much problems, put those asside
for later working on.

The reason I was suggesting this, is because it may turn out
that the majority of all those tapes will be fine. Spending
the extra dollars on a TBC for instance, might not be as wise.

Its one thing when a certain person *has* the money, and all
the tapes to do, because they have nothing to loose. But, for
someone on a budget, can't afford that luxury.

And, just because these are VHS does not mean that you will
have problems in all of them.

The dvd reorder is a good move, because you can do all this
very quickly, and make determination on adding *other* devices
that might be necessary. But, that move will be decided upon
when you first being the process of the transfer, using a dvd
recorder

-vhelp 3441

[lordsmurf]

Good SVHS VCR (like a JVC 9911)
Possibly a proc-amp
DVD Recorder
Copy to computer to edit if necessary and re-burn

I would do this.

Get the JVC DR-M10 or DR-M100 DVD recorder, as it will clean up the tapes even more, removing chroma noise and cleaning up unwanted tape noise/grain.

Use DVD-RW and then re-edit, re-author on PC with nice menus (if any). Womble and TDA would be perfect and are cheap. There is also some freeware, though not as good, not as easy.

This does not need to cost a fortune.

JVC S-VHS VCR ~ $150-250 used off ebay
Vidicraft proc amp ~ $50-75 used off ebay
JVC DVD recorder ~ $250 new
Computer editing/authoring software ~ $free-$100

And if you have the budget, a DETAILER may come in handy too, same price as the proc amps.

[dhoult]

Thanks for all the help.

Luckily, I've already got all the necessary computer software, so that isn't an issue an my budget. I did have another question about the DVD Recorders, though. I know there are dual deck recorders (DVD/VCR), which is the vcr and dvd recorder in one machine. Should I even consider those? I haven't heard them mentioned at all, probably because I can buy better stand alone equipment.

[ZippyP.]

I haven't heard them mentioned at all, probably because I can buy better stand alone equipment.

Exactly. All-in-ones are never really good at anything, whether we're talking hardware or software.

[thecoalman]

I haven't heard them mentioned at all, probably because I can buy better stand alone equipment.

Exactly. All-in-ones are never really good at anything, whether we're talking hardware or software.

Even if they are good and one breaks you have half a pile of junk.

[lordsmurf]

Should I even consider those?

No. Get separate units.

[VideoGeekWannabe]

Actually, I recently bought a Panasonic DMR-ES30V and it works great in transferring my videos to DVD ...

[quickpick]

JVC S-VHS VCR ~ $150-250 used off ebay
Vidicraft proc amp ~ $50-75 used off ebay
JVC DVD recorder ~ $250 new
Computer editing/authoring software ~ $free-$100

Lordsmurf...you'd give buying the proc amp (and a detailer) more of a priority than a TBC? I'm curious because soon I am about to begin a similar project, just a lot more tapes. Thanks!

[trhouse]

Used combos can be a bargain. I see on eBay that JVC DR-MV1's are far more available and often sell for less than the DR-M10S. MV1's seem to sell for about $80-$130 used. The MV1 supports the use of an external vcr which may be better quality than the internal one.

Hardware color correctors and detailers can be a real bargain too. I picked up both a JVC color corrector enhancer and a Vidicraft detailer for about $70.

Combos like the Panasonic ES30 can support external hardware even with the internal vcr,

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=274579

[lordsmurf]

JVC S-VHS VCR ~ $150-250 used off ebay
Vidicraft proc amp ~ $50-75 used off ebay
JVC DVD recorder ~ $250 new
Computer editing/authoring software ~ $free-$100

Lordsmurf...you'd give buying the proc amp (and a detailer) more of a priority than a TBC? I'm curious because soon I am about to begin a similar project, just a lot more tapes. Thanks!

It depends. Only buy what you need. Without seeing the tapes, and how they react when played, hard to say.