is s-vhs vcr worth the extra?

[cat]

Hi Everyone
first timer here
I hope someone can enlighten me.
I need a new vcr for transfering old vhs tapes to the hard disc and then to dvd.
Will a svhs vcr with svhs outputs give me superior results over an ordinary vhs vcr?
My capture card has svhs, composite and cable inputs.
Also another question, in the wrong forum I know. Sorry
Will the pioneer 106 dvd recorder work with windows 98 or do I need XP?

Thankyou for all your help in advance.

[andkiich]

You'll probably get a lot more "technical" answers and suggestions from others, but in a nutshell:

If the original source tapes were recorded with a regular VCR and played through the S-VHS VCR, then not really.

[wulf109]

Yes,separating the luminance and chroma signals will improve the signal when fed to an S-vhs input. But more important buy one with a biult in TBC,it works wonders on old VHS tapes. Noise ans signal transmissions problems are greatly improved by the TBC.

[vandakeg]

Actually, yes, you will get better results... depending on the S-VHS vcr you get. The S-Video connection won't make your vhs tape look better, however, it won't degrade the quality of the video as much as a composite cable would (although it may not be a noticeable difference).
Also, most S-VHS vcrs have built in video correction filters, which will help to 'clean up' the VHS.
I bought a budget JVC S-VHS vcr (about $200), and couldn't be happier. My advice would be to spend the extra $50 or so and get an S-VHS.

[vhelp]

@ cat,

Every little bit helps...
I would say, yeah, definately go with the S-VHS and take advantage of the
S-Video outputs of the VCR and your Capture card or DV card/device !!

The only small issue with the above (vs. a standard VCR) would be the
level of your experience with the whole Vidoe conversion/transfer process.

If you skill level is lacking (newbie level) you may not (seem) to achieve
the quality at what would (seem) to be expected from our recommendation
and all. Just some enlightenment for you to think about. But, that does
not mean that you should not go out and get and S-VHS unit. I would have
to say, "go for it" Just don't expect DVD quality (just because we said...)

I have a JVC S-VHS unit, but it has not TBC or Filtering system. But, IMO,
the quality is pretty good, compared to a standard VCR (RCA plugs)

So, weather you get an S-VHS for:
* recording your SHOWS for later encoding (and for maximum quality) or,
* because you believe that S-VHS units produce better quality..
.
.
. . Don't forget that their is Noise you have to contend with. And, you
pre-encoding process will have to be fitted with some NR filtering

Noise...
If you are using an Analog Capture device for your VHS conversions, do
expect to experience some degree of Noise.., due to the device itself
But, if you are using an external device, such as a DV ie, ADVC-100 or
DV CAM w/ Passthrough, then, there will be "less" Noise to deal with, though
there will still be some, due to the VHS standards, and equipment etc.

Level of quality expected...
That will depend upon YOUR experience/skills with the pre-process and
encoding process etc.

If you ARE new to all this stuff, or "more or less" in the things of VHS conversions,
then, all I can say is, in time you will gain the experience of dealing with
such sources and producing the best possible conversions/transfers.

Well, good luck so fars,
-vhelp

[vance43211]

a six head toshiba is better if you record in ep mode

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=580705&highlight=#580705

[lordsmurf]

a six head toshiba is better if you record in ep mode
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=580705&highlight=#580705

As an owner of three JVC SVHS VCRs, and a former owner of the Toshiba that you mention, I would disagree. The next best thing to a JVC SVHS is maybe a Sharp VCR, but only the older models from 1998-2000.

On the JVC units, only get the 4800 or above. The 2910 and 3800 really suck and I've had my two 3800 units serviced 5 times now in the past 4 years, often for eating tapes or heads going out of alignment. My 9800 is a powerful tool that does a great job. The 7900 is a great one too, I've used that one before as well.

[vance43211]

maybe something must be wrong with my jvc HR-S3800U

it only shows a better picture

when you record in sp mode and buy the more expensive s-vhs tapes
(something i rarely do, only my favorite movies get taped this way)

i tape the majority of my tv shows with the toshiba M-752 on ep mode

the toshiba in ep(6hr) mode can kinda (i said kinda) compare to the jvc in sp mode (2hr)

so are u saying the higher jvc s-vhs model do a better job than the lower ones?

i thought all jvc s-vhs vcrs were about the same

[cat]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Next question.
Do all svhs vcrs have the ability to output luminance and chroma signals separately or is it only the ones with an svhs output socket?
Does a scart to svhs work?
I know a regular signal just works in black & white from a vcr to my capture cards svhs input.
Of the svhs vcrs I have seen so far I can't seem to find any decent info on them, not even on the companys website.
The tapes I want to convert are regular vhs tapes and I only want a vcr for capturing to disc purposes as I intend to get a standalone dvd recorder in the future.
So is it worth twice the price for the svhs?

Any help appreciated