MultiSystem VCR

[NightFire]

What is a good multisystem VCR? I currently have a JVC HR-S9600U and would like something similar in quality. I won't be doing much conversion between formats but is it better to get a converting VCR or is converting on your PC satisfactory?

[dphirschler]

Converting on your PC is not only superior, the VCR will be cheaper. However, you will have to learn how to do it on the PC. Sometimes it can get tricky if you don't understand it. From what I've seen on this forum, converting PAL to NTSC is one of the more difficult-to-understand topics. But it can be worth the effort. Converting a movie on a PC can give you superior results as you are able to preserve the progressive frames. And converting video (interlaced) on the PC gives you more control over the output. Good luck!


Darryl

[dphirschler]

I forgot to answer your initial question. I had a difficult time finding a similar PAL VCR to the JVC. The best I was able to find was one with a built-in 2mb line TBC. I wound up settling for a Sony with no built-in TBC. It's a robust PAL VCR and it has a auto-switching power supply, so it works in the US. But it does NOT convert. It outputs PAL.

http://www.welectronics.com/VCR/SONY939.Shtml


Darryl

[JohnnyMalaria]

What is a good multisystem VCR? I currently have a JVC HR-S9600U and would like something similar in quality. I won't be doing much conversion between formats but is it better to get a converting VCR or is converting on your PC satisfactory?

For my old PAL Video8 material, I use a Tenlab converter. This has the advantage of not being tied to VHS.

Tenlab offer a variety to suit needs and budgets.

[NightFire]

What is a good multisystem VCR? I currently have a JVC HR-S9600U and would like something similar in quality. I won't be doing much conversion between formats but is it better to get a converting VCR or is converting on your PC satisfactory?

For my old PAL Video8 material, I use a Tenlab converter. This has the advantage of not being tied to VHS.

Tenlab offer a variety to suit needs and budgets.

But I would need a PAL VCR to begin with wouldn't I? Will PAL tapes play in a NTSC VCR properly? I have actually seen the Tenlab products before and the ones with full frame TBCs look good.

To dphirschler:
Did you find any good multisystem VCRs with line TBCs or DNR and can you recommend any?

[lordsmurf]

You won't get a good multisystem VCR.

But you can buy a good PAL VCR, like the JVC HR-S7965EK.

And then play PAL to make a PAL DVD (on some DVD recorders), or into a computer (ATI AIW card, all of them, using composite or s-video), or put a converter box in between (like a Centrios DVD recorder, a Samsung 5000W VCR, or a special device).

[victoriabears]

Can you define what your end result is going to be?, I have extensive experience in this area and can advise, make a pal dvd out of a pal tape and a ntsc dvd out of a ntsc tape and use a converting dvd player, like the oppo or others.

[dphirschler]

To dphirschler:
Did you find any good multisystem VCRs with line TBCs or DNR and can you recommend any?

I skipped right over the converting VCRs. I decided pretty early on that I wanted a PAL-only VCR. I saw plenty when I was shopping, but I passed them by. Their prices were higher. But I did see plenty of PAL VCRs that would play NTSC tapes and output it as "PAL-60". It's not something I am interested in though.


Darryl

[NightFire]

You won't get a good multisystem VCR.

But you can buy a good PAL VCR, like the JVC HR-S7965EK.

And then play PAL to make a PAL DVD (on some DVD recorders), or into a computer (ATI AIW card, all of them, using composite or s-video), or put a converter box in between (like a Centrios DVD recorder, a Samsung 5000W VCR, or a special device).

Well a PAL VCR it is then. I tried finding that VCR but of course it isn't available anymore. I guess I'll hit the JVC site and see what I can find for newer models.

To dphirschler:
I have seen that too, where NTSC is output as PAL. Anyway if anybody has any recommendations on any good PAL VCRs and of course where to buy that would be great. Thanks

[victoriabears]

ebay, or PM me, where are you in Canada, as I am converting 100's of vhs's and may have one available one day (phew!).

[lordsmurf]

You can also just pay somebody, if you've only got a few tapes to convert.

[FulciLives]

WORLD-IMPORT.COM has the Toshiba V-E60 which is a nice 6-Head Hi-Fi Stereo VHS VCR that can play back multiple formats including NTSC and PAL but you get what you put in (no conversion). It is a nice model at a nice price (only $149.99 US Dollars).

WORLD-IMPORT.COM also has the JVC HR-S6970AG which is capable of S-VHS playback of NTSC or PAL (again no conversion) but the price is a bit expensive at $369.99 US Dollars.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Marvingj]

Samsung 5000W VCR is decent, plus it converts & plays Pal and NTSC. However, there was lots of complaints, I've had mines for several years ( flawless).

[NightFire]

ebay, or PM me, where are you in Canada, as I am converting 100's of vhs's and may have one available one day (phew!).

There is a HR-S9700EK and a HR-S7600EK on eBay UK but I'll have to coerce them into shipping to Canada. I currently live in the frozen wastelands of Northern Ontario and if one is freed up PM me and maybe I'll still need one (at least the shipping won't kill me). Also are the JVC HR-S7000+ series the ones generally with Digital TBC/NR? Thanks

[Mr. Dweezel]

You won't get a good multisystem VCR.

Yikes!!!

Friday I ordered a JVC J72-MS from www.220-electronics.com.

It was $160.

Hopefully it will do an adequate job!



Specs.....

JVC J72-MS

6 Head HI-FI Multi SYSTEM

Excellent VCR with HI-FI sound, 6 heads, and superb picture quality.

6 Heads (4 video + 2 Audio) for superb picture and sound

Hi-Fi stereo recording, playback and reception

Recording and playback in Pal, MESECAM and NTSC 3.58, 4.43

Cable Ready Tuners for Pal B/G, D/K, I - MESECAM B/G, D/K

NTSC tape playback on PAL TV

Playback of Pal cassettes on NTSC TV will require and external converter.

German Stereo Decoder

Simulated stereo for mono recordings

mic and echo level controls

SP-EP Recording in NTSC

SP-LP-EP Playback in NTSC

SP-LP Recording and playback in PAL
Universal remote for JVC TV and VCR

Wide Quality for wide screen 16:9 and 4:3 TVs

Cordless mic system with Key control and Karaoke

Digital Karaoke (one microphone included)

Noise Free search and pause

Push JOG/Shuttle on remote for special effects

Noise free special effects playback

Variable speed/high-speed search, still playback, frame advance, forward slow motion

Repeat playback

1 year programmable timer

AV input and output rear of unit

2 mic inputs on front of unit

Automatic switching between 110 - 240 volt 50/60hz

Made In Japan

Sale $159.99

[victoriabears]

i searched ebay could not see those you mentioned-got the links?, be care ful not all jvc vcr's have tbc/dnr, the 9700 would though.

[NightFire]

i searched ebay could not see those you mentioned-got the links?, be care ful not all jvc vcr's have tbc/dnr, the 9700 would though.

I am way ahead of you. I downloaded the manuals from JVC to make sure and both do. The links are:

JVC TOP SPEC VCR VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER SVHS NICAM
JVC HR-S9700EK S-VHS VIDEO RECORDER SUPER VHS-ET (mint)

These are on the UK eBay site.

To Mr. Dweezel:
I think LordSmurf was talking about Prosumer Digital TBC/NR type multisystem VCRs. That's the kind of VCR I am looking for. I figured as much because I couldn't find any on the import sites listed when I had checked them a few weeks ago.

[victoriabears]

well done,get the 9700, much better,and my own purchases did encounter brits who couldn;t cope with international shipping.
I will cost you about uk 80 pounds, so C$200 to ship with insurance using Parcel Force, easiest thing in the world tell them.