Thanks Lordsmurf. I do enjoy reading your responses throughout the forum(s). Yes, makes perfect sense, thanks.
My main videos in question are 80's and early 90's VHS tapes shot with consumer full size VHS camcorders. They are mainly "EP" tapes. So I am thinking I may not benefit much from a detailer, if at all.
If I do decide to find a detailer anyway, I noticed the Vidicraft I, II, III and IV detailers do not have S-video, only composite. Since I am dealing with old VHS tapes, would I really notice a difference in S and Composite anyways? There is a Vidicraft IVE-200 with "image stabilizer" that looks like combines a detailer with some sort of stabilizer function. Any thoughts on their "image stabilizer"? Sure would love to find a DR1000 though!
btw... here is my equipment thus far (is this the order you would chain them together?):
Panasonic AG1980
Panasonic ES10 recorder (for pass through)
BVP Proc Amp
JVC DRM10S recorder to burn.
If I get a detailer do I just experiment where to put it in the chain or is there a preferred way?
Thanks again.