Justify capture card route vs. standalone unit

[tluxon]

Bruce,

Have you received your JVC HRS-9911 yet and had a chance to see how capturing from it compares to doing it all within the JVC DR-MV1S? For ease of use, setup, and space constraints, I'm considering going with the reputedly less effective all-in-one solution, even though I know the 9911 is supposed to be far better than the VHS section of the DR-MV1S.

Thanks,

Tim

[Bruce Kuhn]

Tim,

Got the 9911 2 days ago. And yes, you can really tell the difference on older tapes. There is a improvement on the newer stuff I played with. I could see the difference, but my wife could not. If you source material is in good shape, and you have budget concerns, you will be happy with the MV1S alone. But, last night I compared the differnce on a 20 year old tape. This was the very first tape I ever recorded in a camcorder. To make things worse, it was not even a new tape when I recorded it. I was shocked last night when I did my capture. When the shots of my son ended, the next thing on the tape was an episode of 'Dallas' that was ending. So, I apparently took a tape that I repeatedly used weekly to record TV shows, and recorded my son over that. This tape played beautifully on the 9911, and I am so glad I had that over the player in the MV1S. So yes, the 9911 is the best way to go if you have the cash, and really old tapes. If you have fairly good source material, you may be happy with the combo unit alone.

One other thing though. When I recorded some tests with the combo unit, I did not like what it did during capture. When dubbing with the combo, the unit detects scene changes, and then breaks these up into differnt titles on the DVD. It does this by pausing the tape, and then backing it up to where the break was, then starting again. And, it does not to seem start recording in exactly the right spot. I did not like the way it did that, but some people may actually prefer it. When dubbing with a external VCR, it is just one continuous stream, because the combo unit has no control over a external VCR, and can't pause it to break up the recording.

[tluxon]

Thanks for the response, Bruce. Everything you say makes sense and I'm certain that I'll eventually have to get a 9911 or at least something close.

Most of our family videos are on high quality tapes, although many of them haven't been run through for a while. In addition, I have some important source material that has been heavily insert-edited and may be on tapes that were reused many times. I know I'm going to need good equipment for the latter, so deferring the equipment acquisition cost is only going to get me so far. I'd guess that I have 25 tapes that are from the 80's and maybe 50 that are from the 90's up to about 2001. I'm not sure that I'd back it all up digitally, but if it was easy enough I'm sure I would. Eventually, I'll want to edit the best stuff into new collections.

To get to that final point of having a good DVD recorder and a HRS-9911 or similar, from a cost standpoint I'd prefer to do it in a couple steps - as long as I wasn't spending more for something I wouldn't use after I get the 9911 or similar. How do you think the MV1S would compare to a good DVD recorder being fed by a standard VHS Hi-Fi VCR or a Hi8 camcorder going through a video stabilizer (VidiCraft PlayRight)? Do you think the MV1S would do better? If it's not all that much difference, what are some of the decent DVD recorders on your list?

As for the JVC HRS-9911, are there other less costly VHS players (I don't have any S-VHS tapes) that are nearly as good? What did you have on your final list?

Thanks for your help!

Tim

[Leoslocks]

When dubbing with the combo, the unit detects scene changes, and then breaks these up into differnt titles on the DVD. It does this by pausing the tape, and then backing it up to where the break was, then starting again. And, it does not to seem start recording in exactly the right spot.

Model XV-N410BFirmware update
It has come to our attention that with certain titles the unit may lock-up at the end of each chapter. To Remedy this situation, a quick firmware update can be performed.

Option 1 Updated firmware can be downloaded by clicking the XV-N410B Download link at the bottom of this page. Simply download the software to a CD-R (PC with a CD burner required) and follow the instructions.

Option 2 CD's with the firmware update are available at no-charge. Please call 1-800-252-5722 and select option 4-3 to place your order.

Option 3 The firmware update can be performed at a JVC Factory Service location. click the Factory Service Center link at top left of this page to obtain your nearest location. Please call 1-800-252-5722 and select option 4-3 if you have any questions.

Models: DR-MV1S, DR-M10S, DR-MH30S, DRMX1S, SR-MV30U

I don't know if this firmware addresses your issue or not. I am wondering if anyone has upgraded their firmware around here?

I had to RMA my MV30 as it had the Loading Bug. IF B&H refunds the money vs shipping a new unit, I will get a 9911 and a recorder.

[Mysticav]

I saw over internet that HRS-9911U has PAL capabilities. is it true ?

I'm not talking about JVC HRS-9911 , there's a 'U' added (PAL enable ??)

[gshelley61]

It's generally best to avoid combo units like VCR/DVD Recorders. Compromises are made to build them, and when one side of the unit breaks they are expensive to fix. Separate units are the way to go, and there is very little cost difference (unless you are getting a higher quality VCR, which would be preferable anyway).

[lordsmurf]

I saw over internet that HRS-9911U has PAL capabilities. is it true ?
I'm not talking about JVC HRS-9911 , there's a 'U' added (PAL enable ??)

No.
The "9911" is the HR-S9911U ... U stands for USA
No PAL.

[Mysticav]

ok. I see, but gshelley61, as far as I know , this is not a combo!

[gshelley61]

The DR-MV1S asked about in the original post is a combo unit.