Dropout on VHS-C

[epitome]

(Unsure of the proper forum. Please move post if there's a more appropriate forum.)

I'm currently working on a home video transfer and I've been having some problems with dropout (white horizontal streaks, see image below). I have a collection of mixed VHS and VHS-C tapes, some as old as 1988, but only the VHS-C tapes are showing significant dropout. The dropout doesn't appear to be consistent throughout the entire tape. Sometimes it's just specific scenes. I've noticed that the VCR often has to adjust the tracking between scenes. I'm using a GE four-head recorder that outputs to a Panasonic DMR-ES10 (which doesn't appear to have any video correction features built-in).

My question is how I might be able to best troubleshoot and possibly repair or filter the problem.

The options I've considered are below:

1) Buy a used JVC GR-303, the camcorder that the tapes were recorded with, and output to a DVD recorder.

2) Buy a different VCR. I've read that some new VCRs don't do so well if VHS tapes were recorded in certain modes, such as SLP, SP.

3) Continue recording with my setup and use a median filter to correct the dropout. In this case, I've tested using VirtualDub + a median filter. It does a pretty good job, but if I can avoid this re-encoding step, I'd prefer that.

The root of this problem could be that the VHS-C tapes got more replays and wear and tear from an adapter. But I'm also wondering if my VCR could be having problems with the VHS-C tapes for other reasons, such as the way the camcorder recorded them.

Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[edDV]

What tape speed was used for VHS-C? This looks worse than typical SP.

First make sure the VCR tape path has been cleaned by a service shop or at least by a cleaning tape. Old tapes will quickly gum up the works. Tracking errors are an advanced topic.

Dropouts are caused by flaked oxide and often occur to a greater degree near the beginning and end of a tape which have the smallest spool. VHS-C has only small spools so is subject to more tape flex than normal VHS.

A pro dub using a VCR with dropout compensation will detect dropouts from an AM dip in FM modulated RF. Once detected, dropout compensators copy data from the previous line, field or frame depending on design. If the tapes are important, the pro dub house solution will be the way to go. Ask about dropout compensation before you order.

Consumer VCR's lack any correction for dropouts so changing the VCR is unlikely to make a difference. Software correction uses image processing but results will probably suffer from false positives.

Software dropout detection should improve in the future so save the tapes and dub master files.

Also, the stripes shown above all occur after a white to dark transition. This is a classic symptom of warn or dirty heads. Tape dropouts will be random in position and repeat in the same place with each play. I see no dropouts in the left half of the picture. Try a different VCR for playback and compare.

[hech54]

I've seen older professional video (from the early 80's) that does the same exact thing when shot against a bright white background like that.

[epitome]

Thank you for your advice! It's really helpful. In response to one of your questions, the tapes were recorded in SP mode.

I'll have to track down another VCR to test the possibility of worn heads on my current VCR. Thanks for that tip.

If it does come down to me using image processing filters to mend the dropout (professional duplication isn't a possibility at this time), would you have any recommendations?

I've tried VirtualDub + Median filter and the results definitely caught my eye as acceptable for my situation. I don't like the idea of another encoding and the time it'll take, but the videos are important enough to warrant that.

I'm currently using TMPGENC to edit the mpeg-2 transfers from my DVD player. There doesn't seem to be an effective filter in TMPGENC for dropout. Is there any MPEG-2 editing software that might have something similar to VirtualDub's filter?

[lordsmurf]

I work with VHS-C all the time, this is a common problem. Indeed, worn heads. But more often, aged tapes. Panasonic AG-1980P is good at playing these, in a proper adapter.

[epitome]

My regular VHS tapes from the same time period don't have any dropout. Would that exclude the possibility of worn heads, or could my VCR just be having trouble reading VHS-C compared to VHS?

Thanks for your recommendation on the AG-1980P. I'm following one on eBay right now. Even if it doesn't correct the dropout entirely, hopefully I'll get a better initial transfer.

Thanks to all!

[lordsmurf]

"VCR just be having trouble reading VHS-C compared to VHS"

Yep.