Philips VCR EDIT mode

[theseeker2]

I recently picked up a used Philips VR960B S-VHS deck, and I discovered that it's nearly identical to the JVC HR-S3800U on the inside. This is great for me, because I already have an HR-S3800U that I really like for digital transfers, and I was planning to use this Philips to eventually replace the JVC when it goes kaput.

Here's my problem. I'd like to set up the Philips VR960B identically to the JVC HR-3800U, and I use EDIT mode to capture on my JVC HR-3800U. Unfortunately, I can't find any kind of EDIT mode on the VR960B. I've already disabled the DSPC (Digital Studio Picture Control) which is either some type of TBC or is the same thing as "Video Calibration" on the JVC. Regardless, it's off. On my JVC, Picture Control is set to EDIT. The Philips has something called SmartPicture and the choices are AUTO/NATURAL, DISTINCT, SOFT, and SHARP. I figured NATURAL would be the same as EDIT, but it seems like it's still doing some image processing.

I'll try to post some screenshots here in the next hour or so.

If anybody has figured out how to set a Philips which is really a JVC inside to "EDIT" mode, please share how it's done! Thanks.

[The_Doman]

On my JVC, Picture Control is set to EDIT. The Philips has something called SmartPicture and the choices are AUTO/NATURAL, DISTINCT, SOFT, and SHARP. I figured NATURAL would be the same as EDIT, but it seems like it's still doing some image processing.
If anybody has figured out how to set a Philips which is really a JVC inside to "EDIT" mode, please share how it's done! Thanks.

If it uses the same menu structure/settings as the JVC, cyling through (AUTO(NORM)/EDIT/SOFT/SHARP), i would guess the DISTINCT setting should be like JVC EDIT mode?
IF i use my JVC's i also set it to EDIT.

[theseeker2]

It does look closest to Edit when on Distinct, but not quite the same. Maybe I'm just too picky! But here are the comparisons:

JVC EDIT vs Philips Natural: https://imgsli.com/Mzg0NTU2
JVC EDIT vs Philips Distinct: https://imgsli.com/Mzg0NTU3
JVC EDIT vs Philips Sharp: https://imgsli.com/Mzg0NTU4
JVC EDIT vs Philips Soft: https://imgsli.com/Mzg0NTU5

I'm also having a hard timing discerning the difference between "Natural" and "Distinct", which probably builds an even strong case for Natural=NORM and Distinct=EDIT since there's often not too much difference between those two modes on my JVC

Philips Natural vs Philips Distinct: https://imgsli.com/Mzg0NTY1

[aramkolt]

Those are bigger differences than I was expecting. Not gonna lie, the Phillips seems to do pretty well with figuring out what is noise and what is grain in basically all modes. It almost seems like there's more chroma noise on the JVC in general, particularly in the white shirts.

[theseeker2]

Those are bigger differences than I was expecting. Not gonna lie, the Phillips seems to do pretty well with figuring out what is noise and what is grain in basically all modes. It almost seems like there's more chroma noise on the JVC in general, particularly in the white shirts.

I was thinking the same thing. Nice to have some confirmation. Thanks!

[Barrythecrab]

My 960B went into the shop along with my JVC s4800u and that’s when I found out how similar they are inside, and both by JVC. The Philips is a nice unit, oddly compact in size.

[theseeker2]

My 960B went into the shop along with my JVC s4800u and that’s when I found out how similar they are inside, and both by JVC. The Philips is a nice unit, oddly compact in size.

I'm really liking it so far as well, and appreciate the compact case.

[Barrythecrab]

I had mine refurbished and I consider the 960B as a unheralded sleeper machine. Often priced affordable.