VHS does not play back on different VCR

[Lucacovelli]

VHS tapes recorded on my VCR sometimes does not play back on other VCR's. I learned of this when I sent the exact same tape to 10 people and 5 reported back various problems (audio, but no picture, "static" picture and audio, etc.) Yet every tape played back fine on both of my VCR's. ( JVC HR-S3911U and HR-S3900U).

Is there a VCR available that will reliably produce recordings that will play back on all VCR's? If I want to copy from one to another, will I need two of the same?

Is there such a thing as a DVD player/burner that enables you to record from a VCR to a DVD? Please excuse my ignorance and thanks for any help!

[guns1inger]

It could be tracking issues, or are you recording in long play or extended play mode. These extended play modes tend not to be compatable between different brands, and often between different players within the same brand.

[Lucacovelli]

Thanks for responding. I am recording in SP mode.

I've been searching this forum and WOW! Way over my head, but hooking up the VCR to the TV was over my head once, so I'm open to learn. I appreciate all help!

[drjtech]

Both VCR's you mention are S-VHS recorders. Are you recording S-VHS or S-VHS-ET?

You cannot play back S-VHS or S-VHS-ET on VHS VCRs.

-drj

[Lucacovelli]

This must be the problem! Here is the way I have my functions set when I record:

Both VCR's are set the same:

Video Calibration: OFF
Picture Control: EDIT
Auto Timer: OFF
Auto SP-EP Timer: ON
Video Stablizer: ON
Blue Back: ON
2nd Audio Record: ON
Audio Monitor: HI-FI
S-VHS Mode: ON
AV Compu-link: OFF
Rear Aux Input: S-Video

(S-VHS ET was ON on the recording VCR but OFF on the "playback" or "out" VCR)

Please tell me what I should change. Does this mean that the people who were able to watch the tapes also have S-VHS VCR's?
Thank you so much!

PS: Why do the tapes I recorded in S-VHS mode play back OK when I set my VCR with S-VHS mode "off"? I just tried this and they played back fine. Thanks for your help.

[ozymango]

Both VCR's are set the same:

S-VHS Mode: ON

(S-VHS ET was ON on the recording VCR but OFF on the "playback" or "out" VCR)

Please tell me what I should change. Does this mean that the people who were able to watch the tapes also have S-VHS VCR's?

You've got this reversed, as far as I can tell -- if I'm reading you correctly, you are copying a tape from one VCR to another? If so, you want your master tape to be recorded in SVHS mode for best picture (your "output/playback" VCR), and your dubbing deck ("recording" VCR) set to regular VHS (or S-VHS Mode: OFF). Assuming the people who are getting these tapes don't have SVHS decks for playback.

So, diagrammed simply:

Playback deck -- can be either VHS or SVHS master tape, recommend SVHS, set S-VHS playback to ON (although it's probably auto-sensing).

Record deck -- set record mode to NON-S-VHS, standard VHS mode, SP recording.

That should do it. Good luck!

[Lucacovelli]

Many, many thanks!

[RonBoy]

Here's something else to consider.
Even though my friends vcr is S-VHS he can't play tapes I make on my JVC VCRs when I use S-VHS-ET to record regular VHS tapes unless the S-VHS sensing hole is drilled in the cassette.

[Lucacovelli]

Where is this sensing hole?

Thanks for your help.

[lordsmurf]

Video Stablizer: ON

You screwed up here. This continues to look for the "best" part of the tape while recording. When recording, turn OFF CALIBRATION, turn OFF STABILIZER, and put mode into EDIT.


S-VHS Mode: ON

Makes no difference. This is enabling a feature that must STILL be turned on/off on the unit. All units with this will record VHS if off, but S-VHS if on. It ONLY does S-VHS-ET if the ET mode button on the unit itself is pressed.


Your mess was recording with STABILIZER.