Best VCR for digitizing tapes? (within reason)
2 Attachment(s)
I've started transferring old VCR tapes to my computer and then converting them to DVDs or MP4 files. Until recently, most of them have been coming out good, but I have started running into some problems with static and audio. I'm not sure if it's because of the tapes, my computer connections or the VCR player itself. I think it's because of the VCR player, but am sort of lost where to go next. The audio seems to stay fine, but the video goes half static. Attached is just an image of what I'm watching and can't change. The other example is that the whole screen is covered with static.
First, let me explain my basic computer and programs:
So right now, I've gotten to the point where I'm trying to locate a good VCR player that can play all tapes and restore anything needed with the picture quality &/or sound. I attached one example of a tape. I'm not sure if it's the tracking because, as I said, I have no manual control of the tracking. My main problem in this area is that I can't spend too much $$$. I've studied players mentioned in Lordsmurf's post and have found a few, but the backfire with most of them is no remote &/or not so sure if the VCR quality is good enough. Most say they turn on, but nothing about the actual playing of tapes. Two or three months ago, I bought a Beta player on eBay. When it arrived, I found out it didn't work correctly, so I contacted the man that I bought it from and he had no problem with returns, but I would have to pay for the S&H return which was basically what I paid for it. So, I'm stuck with it and am waiting to see about getting it fixed. After all of my explanations, where should I go to find a decent VCR player for my needs and what kind should I look for? The JVC's Lordsmurf mentioned looked good, but expensive. For the position that I'm in and what I'm doing, I'm only looking to pay $50-$150. Now, as time goes by, I will need to upgrade to a higher quality player, but I can only upgrade little by little. Example: 1st VCR=$10; 2nd VCR=$50-$150; 3rd VCR=$150-$300... If tapes are continued to be brought it, I might be looking sooner than expected, but many of the tapes brought in are from video cameras - Hi8 tapes, VHS-C tapes,... Anyway, any ideas or help? Thanks for the help, Sean McDonough aka mr19th |
I purchased a trio of very good VCRs through the marketplace on this site and, although they were expensive, I would say that they were worth the purchase price. I know that doesn't help you out much now, but....
That said, I still love and use my Mitsubishis much of the time. I purchased an HS-HD2000U (which is on the list) new about ten years back and it still works great. Two months ago I found a matching unit advertised on eBay for $201 Buy-It-Now with free shipping. At that price I thought it would be worth having as a spare, even if it only had parts value. EBay is always a crapshoot. While this wasn't a seven, it wasn't snake eyes either. The unit did arrive in working condition with a good picture and a suitable remote, although there's still an eject mechanism issue that I haven't repaired yet. The seller was an outfit with the tag of 'gromit0980'. If you deal with a reputable seller or refurbisher such as Porter Electronics, TGrant Photo, or the folks in the marketplace here you will pay more but you will most likely get what you pay for. However, if you're willing to take a chance and roll the dice, then put in a search on eBay for the models of VCRs that you most want, save the search, and subscribe to it by email. Then you'll be notified right away if one does show up, and you can decide as to whether or not you want to take the chance on it. Of course, if it's listed as being "as is" and "no returns accepted"...don't bite unless you need another stock of questionable spare parts cluttering up the corner of your closet. |
Welcome. :)
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In video, it's "quality or cheap, pick 1". There is no fast. It either costs fair market rate, or it's got issues (usually major ones, not even repairable). Quote:
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Video is simply not a hobby (or profession) where you can be cheap. :no2: |
Think of it this way: If you're doing captures and preservation, would you rather have one really good VCR...or 2 or 3 crappy ones?
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