You need both PAL and SECAM players. Those are two different formats.
Most all combos are terrible, yes. Some of the very best professional VHS/DVDR combos from JVC can transfer excellent sources, but some tapes will fail. Excellent VCR, the best DVD recorder made, but unfortunately a full-frame TBC cannot be injected between them. And many tapes require a TBC, not just the frame sync of the VCR in the combo. However, that said, I'm not aware of any PAL or SECAM JVC Pro combo.
So your main option is an excellent S-VHS deck from Panasonic and/or JVC with internal TBC, an external TBC, and quality capture card (or DVD recorder). That's a typical basic workflow.
Good read:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/editorials...g-workflow.htm
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