Converting family SVHS tapes to DVD?
 

I'm converting my Family's analog SVHS collection from 1989-2001. Everything was recorded on a JVC GF S1000HU SVHS camcorder. My only problem is that when I started to convert tapes over, the earlier tapes circa 1989 looked better than the last tapes e.g. 1999. The capture card I'm using is a Canopus ADVC110 and I'm capturing with ArcSoft. What I want to know is what's the best machine to convert these SVHS tapes in the highest quality possible?

Here are the JVC decks I do have:
JVC HR S7000U
JVC HR S8000U
JVC HR S10000U
JVC HR SC1000U
JVC HR S5000U - brand new machine purchased 2013, less than an hour on drum
JVC HR S6900U X3
JVC HM DT100U
JVC GF S500U
JVC SR W5U -- needs repair

For these tapes, I don't think I need to use a Panasonic. So, what I want to know if I should use the original camcorder to convert the tapes, or if any of these machines are good, or if I should invest in a newer model SVHS VCR to do the conversions.

On capture cards, I have the Canopus ADVC110, I also have the WinTV PVR950.

Are the tapes 2-hour SP mode recordings? That matters more than some of the things you've mentioned.

Yes, many late 90s tapes were crappy. The best tapes existed in the late 80s and early/mid 90s. But it also really depends on the brand. Like DVD media, the manufacturer (brand, in the case of videotapes) is most important.

The JVC decks all look fine. Try them.

The ADVC-100 drops the chroma by 50%, down to 4:1:1. Not ideal. I'm not readily familiar with that WinTV card (Hauppauge?). It may be fine, it may be junk. The ATI cards are, of course, exceptional.

the camcorder may have been getting worn out too by then
of the working decks you listed the JVC HM DT100U is the best
it is the only one with TBC

i also concur - ditch the canopus device and get something better

Here's my problem with the DT100U. For DVHS playback it works great. However, when it comes to those SVHS family movies, I don't like how the audio sounds. I can hear a hiss in the background that I don't hear on the JVC SVHS decks made in the late 80s, early 90s. Is there a better machine than the DT100U for converting these tapes?

are the tapes recorded in hi-fi?
go into the menu and turn the the audio to norm.
many JVC decks will get audio hiss with certain tapes in hi-fi
if that is a fail might want to try a 9600+ JVC or an AG-1980

I believe they are, as that camcorder is a HiFi camcorder. I wouldn't use an AG 1980, quite disappointed in it's performance compared to JVC. How's a deck such as the HR S5800U/BR S378U? or is it best to look for a SR W5U in good condition?

Also, didn't the 9600-9800 series have a tape curling issue?

the AG-1980 is one of the very best - but you need a unit that is in 100% condition which most are not.
the 5800 is not good - old and no TBC
the BR S378u is a broadcast deck and is not recommend (any JVC with a BR prefix is broadcast)
SR-W5U / W7U are great, but you will pay $700 and up for a good one and they are finicky and very fragile

the 9600-9911 are great decks
i like the Mitsu HS-HD2000U as well

Modern JVC decks sometimes have problems tracking Hi-Fi audio (static/buzzing). You can get around it by manually tracking tapes. My HR-S7800U has the problem, but the HR-S7600U and SR-VD400US don't seem to have any trouble. The AG-1980 usually works fine with Hi-Fi tracking too.