Looking for a VCR with TBC circuitry...any thoughts?

[DGinnetty]

I will be archiving all my old VHS tapes to DVD. I have spent quite a bit
of time researching the best methods to do this on www.vcdhelp.com and
this forum as well.

It appears that a VCR with TBC can improve the playback quality of my
old, jittery tapes with color issues.

I have found JVC to be well received and am trying to decide between
the HR-S7900U and HR-S9900U models.

The big difference I see between the 2 models is a 4 Meg Frame memory
for the 9900 and 2 Meg for the 7900. The JVC website says this about the
frame memory:

"3-Dimensional Digital Circuit with Frame Memory creates a solid base for new digital technologies with a 2Mb or 4Mb memory."

Does anyone know if the frame memory has ANYTHING to do with
my playing back old tapes? What exactly does this do?!?

I don't mind paying the extra cash for the 9900 if it will make things
easier for me, but I want to know if it will make a difference before I
make my decision.

The other big issue I am dealing with is finding a retail store that sells
VCRs with TBC circuitry. I want to make sure that the TBC has an appreciable effect on my older tapes. If it doesn't, I want to have the luxury of returning the item. This option is virtually impossible if I were
to buy any VCR through mail order.

I live in Southern New Hampshire, and would be willing to drive to MA, ME,
or RI to pick up a TBC VCR in person.

Any information, thoughts, opinions, or suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks for reading,

Dan Ginnetty

[pacoreguenga]

A bigger framebuffer (frame memory) improves caching of your video signal through the digital TBC's circuitry. Thus, giving your VCR a bigger chance to process the signal before running out of data (buffer underrun sounds familiar to you?) This means in practice the 2MB version strobes a little, specially in high action clips, while the 4 Mb will be more fluid, stable and CLEAR.