Does DMR-ES45V provide TBC-ish benefit?
 

I am considering purchasing a Panasonic DMR-ES45v/46v for playback and digitizing VHS tapes on a PC. Is running SVHS output (DVD Priority connection) to the capture device similar to putting a DMR-ES10/ES15 in line with a JVC SVHS VCR as a passthrough. My capture device is an USB DVR/Tuner that takes a SVHS signal and outputs MPEG2 through the PC USB connection.

I currently have a JVC SR-MV45 and HM-DH40000U that I am using for VHS playback from the SVHS connections and am interested in comparing the Panasonic setup on certain difficult tapes.

Interested in feedback on these two different workflows.

Can't say for sure, but I've heard that the 48V's do to some degree. If you want the strongest Panasonic effect, would probably just go for an ES10. Just be aware that many do require recapping of the power supply at this point though specific bad caps on these often are obviously bulged, though that doesn't guarantee the rest are good.

I'm not sure if the output of the DH40K might be different through the Firewire output which is an MPEG2 stream as HDV and probably goes through a hardware conversion chip that might have some TBC-like effects potentially. Haven't seen it talked about much because not too many people capture in HDV. I believe the program you need specifically is called HDVSplit to actually capture that via firewire.

I'm not aware of the ES45V having any TBC(ish) functions, only the ES35V.

You must be careful with the Panasonic DVD recorders, as most do not have any TBC(ish) function. Do not trust random people, nor random reviews, as to whether it does (or does not). Only vetted known-qualified advice is acceptable, or you'll piss away money on the wrong item (and that's happened far too much in recent years, especially due to bad Youtuber advice).

Even the ES35V is a combo unit with
(1) a typical infamous low-end Panasonic VHS VCR
(2) the strong+crippled line TBC, with various quality-degrading qualities (and yet, it's better than nothing at all).

- s-video = separate video = Y/C (luma + both chroma)
- Not the same as S-VHS (Super VHS).

It may seem pedantic, but it does matter for searching, understanding, learning about the process. S-VHS is not s-video, cannot be used interchangeably.

FYI, almost all combo units internally composite the VHS signal, regardless of output (s-video, HDMI, whatever). And many only have non-composite output for DVD players, VHS output must be composite. Some recorders also route VHS output over the MPEG compression (but not the Panasonics).

JVC VCRs do not have passthrough. The line TBC is only engaged when the tape is being played in the deck.

Exact model matters.

These are vastly better playback decks.

Audio issues? If so, then the Panasonic is a consideration. Not ideal, of course, but it may function for the needed. You can always use a JVC video capture, and merge with using the audio from a low-end Panasonic capture.

Or video issues? If video, how adventuresome are you feeling? Because minor alignment tweaking is an option. Most people should not attempt this, but it can help stubborn tapes. Ideally, you only do this with a 2nd (or even 3rd/4th/whatever) deck, not a primary. You don't want to screw up your best deck, in case you can't get it realigned well. This assumes it's not TBC/stability related, in which case non-JVC methods may be needed.

This :congrats:

I'm not sure that meets his needs here.