Quality comparison of VCRs by single test input

[LinuxGuy]

Hey all,

I would like to compare the results of different video recorders on the same VHS tape. I wonder how this can be done. I searched the topic here, some seem to suggest to use Avisynth. But I am not sure, if this really completes my questions.

I am not sure, but I think there should be some "calibration", e.g. creating some VHS disk with only some test patterns. This cassette I would put in each of the VCRs and then compare this result, maybe with Avisynth. My problem is rather how to create this test cassettes. I suppose, this has been done, but I don't know how to find these approaches. Maybe someone can point me out to some book, some link or suggest me the correct notion for these cassettes or relevant approaches.

best regards
LinuxGuy

[dellsam34]

What kind of test pattern are you looking for, there are plenty online, Just pick one and record it to VCR using a media player with S-Video or Composite out, Or a HDMI to analog converter.

[LinuxGuy]

Hello Dellsam34,

thank you for your reply!
Well, this is exactly my problem, which test patterns to choose, how to put them on the cassette and put all the things together. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I was curious, if anyone else who has a collection of VHS recorders and a bunch of Video8-Players at home decides, which actual player to choose for capturing.

Is there maybe some setting with which I can find out the degradation of the device? --- e.g. "yeah this is a Panasonic FS200, but his head drum must be quite used -- I didn't open it, but my test case proves that the low-quality Funai recorder, which was seldomly used, gives better capturing results".

I guess, one could call this some sort of "scientific way of comparing the capturing results"... well, maybe I am completely on the wrong track, I hope you have some thouhts and ideas which could point me in the right direction.

have a nice day!

[Eric-jan]

Well, a VHS image is about lines, the finer the lines you still can see, the better… only you need to record that test pattern with a good quality recorder, otherwise it has no use.
best would be an electronic test pattern generator,(MD CROSSV2 + D/A converter)? and also look on a oscilloscope how the signal "looks" out of any video output, compaired to the original signal.
The electronic test pattern generator is the "constant factor" in this case, other methods may cause confusion, if that's no option, make an DVD disk for a dvd player, with different content,
Like green grass, trees, etc.. which has a fine pattern… (zoom in and zoom out should make a "gradation")