JVC HR-S7600 General Questions - Sound/Video/Settings
 

I recently purchased a JVC HR-S7600 VCR and have a some absolute newbie questions.

1. There seems to be hissing/static sounds which change depending how the SCART is adjusted slightly in the back (don't worry not enough to damage) but it never fully goes away. Although it's noticeable on the standard blue screen when no tape is playing, it isn't as noticeable once a tape plays. Is this something I should be concerned about?
   
2. Any advantage/disadvantage to using S-Video outputs rather than SCART? (waiting on cable to test)
   
3. Are the ports at the front (S-Video and Composite) outputs or inputs?
   
4. Audio Settings, which is correct: Norm, Hifi Norm, Hifi L/R? (See screens https://imgur.com/a/21iOtLG)
   
5. General Settings, look okay? (See screens https://imgur.com/a/21iOtLG)

1- Could be a ground loop issue.
2- It shouldn't be, If the SCART is wired correctly you should get the Y-C output through it, this is why you should avoid Chinese SCART cables and adapters, Always buy old stock stuff.
3- Inputs
4- Audio should be HiFi LR, When there is no HiFi it switches automatically to NORM.
5- B.E.S.T always ON, Picture Control: Edit, OSD: Off, 3D NR: depends on the tapes, experiment and see for yourself. The rest of the settings are either for recording or not important for capturing.

Would you recommend a product like this to fix a ground loop issue? https://www.amazon.co.uk/AV-Link-Ground-Loop-Isolator/dp/B000NVWB9O

No, don't patch the problem, address the root cause. Check if the cable is not damaged, broken or has corrosion, Check the SCART connector on the VCR and make sure all the pins are connected to the board. Try another cable ... etc.