using a video switch

[freebird1963]

Hello
I have 2 vcr's. one older and one newer. The VHS tapes sometimes play better in the older VCR (I should say some of the really older tapes do)
I was wondering if I hook up both vcrs to a video/audio switch and then output that to my capture device will I lose quality in the picture or sound ?
cuz more headaches then unplugging and changing cables. ?
Oh and both vcrs are rca plug only. NO s-video connections.
and by video/audio switch I mean one of those boxes were it has A B C D selction and you can hookup your video games and vcr too and just select which one you want to watch on the tv.

Thanks
mark

[thecoalman]

Probably not, depends on the quality of the product. Personally I try and avoid the possibility of any interference and use as little connections as possible.

[Nelson37]

While a crap-quality switch can indeed introduce noise, repeatedly unplugging and plugging cable connections can also lead to issues, particularly when done from an awkward angle as is often the case with the rear of the VCR. I have broken at least one interface connection in such a way.

Then again, I have also had 2 of 4 switches on one of my switch boxes go bad. Easier to replace a $20 switch than a $150 VCR, especially as SVHS VCR are geting hard to find, at least in my area.

[BrainStorm69]

Cheap video switches can cause considerable picture degradation. Look on e-bay for a used Sony SB-V66S. It's passive (i.e., does not require any power) and passes a very clean signal. I have two of them that I picked up for about $20-25 apiece. I've compared screen caps straight to the capture card from my vcrs vs. going through SB-V66S and there is very little picture degradation. I've tested some other cheaper video switchers and been appauled at the amount of picture degradation.

[FulciLives]

Using PRICEGRABBER.COM I found only one on-line store that claims to have the Sony SB-V66S in-stock with a price of $120.62 USD. Here is a link ---> CLICK HERE

I have never used it but thought I would help provide more info on getting one. This way (the store linked above) might be more money (it is $120.62 USD) but at leat it is new and perhaps better than buying one used on eBay ... where you take a chance.

Another option would be the JVC switcher units. Never used them but I have heard good things about them. There are several models but the cheapest is a passive design (model JX-S111S) and retails for $149.95 USD but can be found usually for $100 USD or less. In fact using PRICEGRABBER.COM I found it at B&H PHOTO & VIDEO for only $59.95 USD

The JVC JX-S111S has 2 sets of inputs with composite and S-video and 1 output again with composite and S-video. So really only two devices can go with it. It does have 3 sets of inputs with component video inputs and 1 output with component but for capturing purposes you are not going to use that.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
Just wanted to add that B&H PHOTO & VIDEO has a huge list of video switchers with some very nice professional (or at least semi-pro) units that are just under $200 with all kinds of different options like composite or S-Video or both etc.

I also just found the Sony SB-V66S there for only $114.94 USD which is cheaper than the other on-line store I linked earlier.

[edDV]

Probably the reason the old vcr plays better is that it has drifted out of standard alignment and has recorded tapes out of spec. Only that machine can now play those strange tapes.

The switch is probably adequate (not ideal) if you don't see noise flashes during recording (often displayed as horizontal line segements).

[Seeker47]

Another option would be the JVC switcher units. Never used them but I have heard good things about them. There are several models but the cheapest is a passive design (model JX-S111S) and retails for $149.95 USD but can be found usually for $100 USD or less. In fact using PRICEGRABBER.COM I found it at B&H PHOTO & VIDEO for only $59.95 USD

The JVC JX-S111S has 2 sets of inputs with composite and S-video and 1 output again with composite and S-video. So really only two devices can go with it. It does have 3 sets of inputs with component video inputs and 1 output with component but for capturing purposes you are not going to use that.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
Just wanted to add that B&H PHOTO & VIDEO has a huge list of video switchers with some very nice professional (or at least semi-pro) units that are just under $200 with all kinds of different options like composite or S-Video or both etc.

I also just found the Sony SB-V66S there for only $114.94 USD which is cheaper than the other on-line store I linked earlier.

John,

From what I've seen, the JVC units are O.K. They also have a high end 777 (?) unit, with more inputs / outputs and more options. Pricey though, and will take up plenty of space in your video rack.

I've been using the Sima SVS-4 for quite some time, and for what it is, I like it a lot. Very easy and convenient for extending your connection options. (It has its own remote.) There's a later model of this one, and I think the price is not too far from the Sony and the JVC you mentioned. (Sima also has an equivalent of the high-end JVC unit, similarly priced.) The SVS-4 only does composite and S-Video, so I'd guess it's not an appropriate choice for passing an HD signal. Since I don't have HD yet, that's an issue for another day. I'm using S-Video for most of the connections, and I haven't noticed much in the way of signal degradation.

[FulciLives]

In the past I heard a user or two blasting the SIMA for "poor quality". I recall one person saying that it appeared to cause "blooming" with bright spots on the video ... this happens (blooming) with big screen TUBE televisions sometimes usually with a sudden increase in brightness like during an explosion scene in an action movie.

Can't say I ever used the SIMA myself and that comment was years ago so the new version is probably different.

Just mentioning it for something you can look for to see if it is causing any "issues".

- John "FulciLives" Coleman