Best VCR for digital transfer
 

Looking for advice from the expert archivers. I have several hundred standard VHS tapes to transfer to digital (using either a Hauppauge HD PVR 2 or Honestech VHS to DVD 5.0 Deluxe to capture) and need to buy a good playback VCR for the transfers. From reading these forums, it appears that the Panny AG-1980 and JVC HR-S 9000 series are the machines that are most often recommended, although having multiple VCRs to accomodate tape differences is highly suggested.

I'm limited to spending $300 or less so I can only buy one VCR. That being the case, what model should I buy that will give me the best transfers with the majority of my tapes. These tapes are camcorder and VCR recorded tapes from the '80s. Most were recorded with a Fisher HI-FI FVH-840, Panasonic PV-4664 VCR, or AG160 Camcorder. Does the equipment the tape was originally recorded on dictate the preferred playback machine for transfer?

Is purchasing a used VCR from ebay or Amazon a reasonable approach, or should I stick with buying from the Marketplace on this website.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

The marketplace sellers tend to know what they have, tested it, etc.

eBay is fine too, but you'll undoubtedly find people that have "tested" a VCR by plugging it in. "I see a red light, it must be fine!" :rolleyes:
Many don't know anything at all about the VCR, so it's a gamble, so cross your fingers. eBay sellers tell a lot of lies, too. It's essentially dealing with the devil.

Amazon tends to be a bit better usually. The don't let as much slide as eBay, for sellers that give way-off conditions. They'll boot you from the marketplace.

FYI: Not just the "9000" series, but that "96xx" series and up. Don't get a VCR that's too old, and lacks features. The "76xx" is good too, as are the SR-V10/101 units. So don't discount those. If you see somebody selling in the marketplace,and the price is right (under $300), get it. If nothing is available right now, you'll have to scour eBay or Amazon.

In your case, assuming the tapes are not SLP/EP mode, the JVC may work best.

i have a couple more AG-1980's coming in soon.
they will be available if they test good.

The Hauppauge PVR 2 I plan on using for video capture can accomodate Component input. Should I be looking for a VCR with Componenet output to take advantage of this feature, or is it irrelevant for the SD signal that the VCR will be putting out?

Does anyone have experience with or advice on using a Hauppauge PVR for VCR video capture?

VHS is not recorded in component so that isnt what you want to use.
VHS is in Y/C (S-video) - you want a capture card that uses S-video like an ATI600USB
the PVR is really geared more toward recording video games and tv

Capture Devices?
 

Are there more current alternatives to the ATI 600USB that are more readily available new? Also, I'm running Windows 7 64-bit and have seen posts mentioning software/drivers issues when using a 600USB with this OS?

Would the Honestech VHS to DVD 5.0 Deluxe (that I already own) be sufficient? It has S-VHS input.

Thanks again for your help and advice.

the ATI600USB works perfect in 64 bit windows 7 and can still be found new.

the AIW cards for XP and the 600USB for 7 are what is recommend for inexpensive devices.
most other low priced cards are poor quality

As volksjager mentioned, the ATI 600 USB works just fine in Windows 7 both 32 and 64 bit versions.
If you follow this link (http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...html#post15505), the post has download links for the 64 bit drivers.

You can find a bit more information on the ATI 600 USB here: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...i-600-usb.html

-JMP

Hi Volksjager,

Thanks for your advice. Do you know where I can find a new ATI 600 USB? I checked Amazon, Newegg, B&H Photo and all are sold out/discontinued. The only ones I can find are on ebay (used and not necessarily with all accessories like software CD, etc.). Does the unit come with an adapter for S-VHS input (I only see a coax input)?

Here is a new one on ebay that has all of the accessories included with it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Diamond-...item337fcbe6df
And yes, the multi-input cable that plugs into the side has S-Video input on it. The software CD is not that big of an issue as you can download all the drivers easily from ATI/AMDs site, as well as here on our forum from the links on my last post.
The ATI 600 USB is a discontinued item now, so your best bet is going to be ebay or the digitalFAQ.com Marketplace.

My advice, grab the software CD image from here and install using that. My NOS ATI 600USB came with the 1.0 drivers that won't install under Windows 7, and AMD's downloads refused to work right on my machine for some reason.