from email...
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I am converting VHS to DVD using a DVD/VCR combo and also on my PC. Using the DVD/VCR I notice a slight wiggle numerous times during playback. It is hardly noticeable if you are not looking for it but bothersome if you know it's there. I am using a regular VCR to capture video using my PC and notice a occasional burst of brightness that lasts for 2/3 seconds at numerous times during capture. Can you tell me what is causing these issues? I have tried several different VCRs and chords with both methods and the problem continues. The tapes are in perfect condition and play well when not trying to capture. I am looking at a used JVC SR-V101 VCR that has TBC. Would that help me or do I need a stand alone TBC as well ($100 - $200 range). Or would it be enough to get the stand alone TBC and continue using my current VCR? Thanks for any help.
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I'll go ahead and pick this part to answer...
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While many would think a comb VHS/DVD unit would easily transfer a VHS tape to a DVD, it almost never works that way. A combo unit is good at three things:
- Playing retail or homemade DVDs to the TV
- Playing retail SP mode VHS tapes to the TV
- Recording homemade DVDs from TV input (cable, antenna, satellite)
The VCR portion of a combo unit is generally very low grade, playing LP or SLP/EP mode tapes poorly, and being very inferior at recording.
The only exception to this rule is a few high-end professional combo decks, such as the
JVC SR-MV45 US, that combines a high end JVC S-VHS VCR with TBC+DNR, and a really good JVC-manufactured DVD recorder. (Even then, you may need an external TBC, with
loopback recording.)
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This is a timebase error, specifically horizontal jitter. You need a line or multi-line TBC to correct this -- these are commonly embedded in good S-VHS VCRs, like the SR-V101 you've mentioned.
There's a list on this site to help you with
which S-VHS VCR models to get.
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occasional burst of brightness
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This is copy protection detection by the DVD recorder. Remember that analog copy protection is an artificial video error. VHS tapes are full of errors include natural non-artificial errors. However, because the detections can be so strong in DVD recorders, capture cards and other recording/capture devices, the unit confuses a fake anti-copy error with the normal real error. So even homemade tapes can have "copy protection" warnings, where the tape refuses to transfer.
You'll notice most DVD recorders -- combo units especially -- do not explicitly say "copy VHS to DVD" anywhere on the box or in the documentation. This is why.
Store-bought retail releases often have Macrovision protection, so these are protected.
The only way to fix this is by using a full-frame external timebase correct. I highly suggest the AVT-8710 -- it is the cheapest unit around AND one of the best one. The best place to get it (lowest price) is
from B&H for about $205 + shipping. Get it from this link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...3167/KBID/4166
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I have tried several different VCRs and chords with both methods and the problem continues.
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Nope, won't help.
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The tapes are in perfect condition and play well when not trying to capture.
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The errors are only seen when you try to record.
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looking at a used JVC SR-V101 VCR that has TBC
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As mentioned above, this would be a good upgrade.
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do I need a stand alone TBC as well ($100 - $200 range)
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TBCs start in the $200 range and go well into the ten's of thousands -- you won't find a real TBC in the $100 range, aside from some really old crap on eBay, or devices that are not actually TBCs.
The
$200 AVT-8710 mentioned above is a good one.