JVC HM-DH30000U vs HM-DH40000U for old VHS tapes

vinylfreak89 · #1 03-16-2010, 02:52 PM

So I've got about 6 hours left on a nice 30000U on ebay... and I'm wondering what the downsides of it are to the 40000U? I called JVC and they said that internally... they are exactly identical... the 40000U just has a few more features for the digital stuff.... as far as menus, etc go. Is this true? Btw, my current VCR is a Sony SLV-675HF which has been great for my "good" condition tapes. But I'm starting to delve in to my lesser tapes, and its just not cutting it... now I'm going for the DVHS because I hear it has the same TBC/S3 circuits as the pro SVHS models, plus the benefit of firewire output... so I was hoping for some quick advice, or would I be better off with an SVHS deck?

lordsmurf · #2 03-16-2010, 03:06 PM

The 40000 is the unit that gets recommendations in various places online, and is a unit that some of my direct peers have enjoyed having. I've seen the work put out by those, and it's very good, comparable to the higher-end JVC S-VHS units (HR-S9600-9911, HR-S7600-7900, SR-V10/101).

The 30000, on the other hand, is often not all that great at playing back tapes, and there is a whole list of complaints from owners. I had a chance to buy one for $100 last fall, but it had no remote. I passed.

I don't know that I believe the JVC employee you talked to, no. People who I respect and are in-the-know with video have unanimously poo-poo'd this unit for about 3-4 years now. I've never had the chance to test these units on my own, head to head.

If the price is cheap, and the unit is complete -- and you have some $$$ to gamble with -- go for the 30000. You can probably resell it, if it doesn't work how you want. It's on the VCR suggestions guide, as it is still better than your average VCR.

vinylfreak89 · #3 03-16-2010, 03:28 PM

thanks for the quick reply.. I just missed out on a 4000 for $140... grrr.... will go with the 30000 for now and if I have problems resell.

i agree with you that the JVC rep was BSing. From what I've heard the 30000's tend to have overheating issues, etc.

admin · #4 03-16-2010, 03:43 PM

The JVC HM-DH40000U is worth at least $200+ in good condition, and often sell for that $250-300 range in good condition.

vinylfreak89 · #5 03-16-2010, 03:51 PM

thanks for the info... im glad i passed on that one... whats your personal opinion of the 30000.

admin · #6 03-16-2010, 03:53 PM

30000 = unpopular with knowledgeable people I respect
40000 = favored by knowledgeable people I respect

D-VHS series is one of the things I've just never had the opportunity to use and test vigorously.
However, some colleagues have.

I vote 40000. It's just that easy.

vinylfreak89 · #7 03-16-2010, 03:59 PM

money is definitely a factor... I can't afford 200+ right now... I think getting a 30000 and testing my luck is the best option for now... and resell if it turns out to be a lemon.

really appreciate all the help... I'll definitely be back here for more of my restoration questions and pitch in my own knowledge when I can.

admin · #8 03-16-2010, 04:04 PM

Sounds like a plan.

vinylfreak89 · #9 03-16-2010, 04:16 PM

btw, whats ur opinion of the SLV-675HF as just a VHS deck... when I got it I heard it was pretty top of the line in its day (got it in 99) but I can't find any specs/reviews on it

just wanted to let y'all know I ended up with a 30000, $150... not too shabby... we'll see how it does.

robjv1 · #10 03-17-2010, 06:11 PM

I'll be curious to hear your satisfaction with it as well, so keep us posted! I bid on an auction on a 30000 a few years ago, but after reading lots of bad reviews for VHS work, it scared me off the deck. It seems like some people love them though, it's been a mixed bag for sure.

admin · #11 03-18-2010, 10:09 AM

Yes, definitely let us know how it goes with that 30000!

The SLV-675HF is just a normal VHS consumer VCR. Many Sony decks are slightly better than average, but that's really about it. I have a Sony here, too -- almost never use it. It sits on a shelf with other video gear; if it were a book on a bookshelf, it'd be as interesting as a dictionary.

For plain VHS consumer equipment, it would still fall below a Sharp (or Sharp clone), and maybe just under or with a Panasonic.

lordsmurf · #12 03-25-2010, 07:56 PM

I came across this unanswered PM fro you ...

Quote:

Hi. I've been doing video transfers for years with a high end consumer (Sony SLV-675HF) VCR, but mostly on tapes that were in good to excelent condition. Now, starting to work with older tapes, and ones in worse condition, I'm finding the Sony does not cut it. I want to get a JVC DVHS and have narrowed it down to the models listed (though i am open to suggestions if something better than either of those exists as SVHS... as I have absolutely no DVHS tapes nor do I ever intend to... the one convinience factor tho I see is direct Firewire output, so that would be a must on an SVHS deck. Would really appreciate some advice. Do you have IM or phone as well... would love to get more info on advanced restoration techniques. Thanks in advance.

.... would you say it's already been answered in this thread? If not, what further questions do you now have?

Thanks.

vinylfreak89 · #13 03-25-2010, 10:31 PM

yes its been answered. tyvm. my 30000 is here but of course... my motherboard died... gotta get that replaced before I can check out the goods.

the 30000 has been fantastic. would u like some samples? the only thing is i often have the TBC off as it seems to introduce jitter.

robjv1 · #14 04-07-2010, 11:49 PM

I would love to see some samples. I'm curious if the results are comparable to the JVC 9000 series.

admin · #15 04-07-2010, 11:55 PM

That's good news. Sure, I'd love to see some samples.

Were you wanting to mail something, or can you just post some comparison stills (or short video segments) and attach to a post? The before/after stills would be great to see, compared to your past VCR. A short 5-second clip can be helpful too, no need for anything really long.

vinylfreak89 · #16 04-08-2010, 12:23 AM

ok i'll see what i can do.