Best VCR...

[Superstar24]

What would you say is the best VCR for transferring video to my computer?

[Number Six]

A working one

SORRY - I could not resist

[zoobie]

probably one of those high-end $4000 decks with a built-in TBC
change your title for a better response leaving the word "best" out...

[Captain Video]

I have owned many VCRS. I like Panasonic, and it still works, and I have a JVC Super VHS ET deck, that still works,
Captain Video

[guns1inger]

Start your reading here : https://forum.videohelp.com/restoration-f43.html

Begin with the first 'sticky' (top post) and work your way down. It has everything you need to know, and then some.

[victoriabears]

The one you recorded the tapes on or the same brand is a good start.

Knowing where you live and if they are ntsc or pal is useful.

The more information you give the more you will receive.

[Superstar24]

I'm in the states, just looking for a good but somewhat cheap vcr around or under $100 if possible that I can connect to my computer and put videos on it so I can make them into DVDs

[victoriabears]

Anyone tried those VCR's with usb attachments, look like crap but you never know.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHARP-VCR-MODEL-VC-H982-GREAT-CONDTION_W0QQitemZ200289984229QQcmdZ...3A1%7C294%3A50

is a suggestion

[SmokieStover]

Regarding the "Best", standard, consumer VCR for playing tapes recorded with many different machines, I will second the suggestion regarding Sharp VCR's. I own Five: an old "Mid Motor Drive" model (about 1990), a 1994 Mono Model, a 1996 Hi-Fi Model, a 1997 Hi-Fi Model and the newest being a 1999 Hi-Fi Model (VC-H993). They all have two things in common....unbelievable durability despite their modest cost, and the ability to play any tape you throw at them.

I think most of us have had a VCR or two that recorded out of spec tapes, especially in EP (SLP mode). Nothing handles these type tapes like a Sharp.

Next best, regarding tracking range, are the Japan Made Quasars. Two mono models I can recommend are the VHQ 740 (4 Head) and the VHQ 720 (2 Head). Both were made in 1997 and will track and play every tape I have, Except those from a 2005 Panasonic. These VCR's also record in LP mode and do an excellent job playing LP tapes I recorded on an old and long gone Samsung VCR. The Sharp VCR's do a respectable job with these LP tapes, but the Quasars do better.

For transfer to DVD, I Most often use a low end JVC S-VHS VCR from 1994. But for tough tapes that It will not properly track, I turn to Sharp.

[orsetto]

There's nothing available new in stores worth a damn. The "good" vcrs are all long since discontinued models and only available second-hand. $100 is a budget that falls in the middle: too much for the average good consumer VCRs, which are easily found for $20-30, and too little for the top-line super-deluxe VCRs recommended by the more fanatical of us here, which range from $180-450.

Smokie Stover gave an excellent list of affordable models you can start with, I especially agree with his Quasar recommendations. I use a couple of VHQ960 Quasars, simple mid-1990s 4head-HiFi machines often found for $25, they track anything and have a nice image. The Sharps have an even wider tracking range. If you can find the relatively uncommon Panasonic AG2560 semi-pro VCR, it gets an enthusiastic "thumbs up" from me: I've picked up five of these this year at around $50 each. Amazing picture and color tracking, excellent hifi audio, great rugged transport, and relatively recent as a 2000 model. Try any of these first, and see how it plays your tapes into your PC setup. If you notice distortions or major color issues, you might consider moving up to one of the more expensive units recommended in the Restoration threads. The lower-end VCRs discussed here are always useful as backups once you move up to the pricier units, which tend to be twitchier and not track as well despite their added abilities in other areas.