Is there a special adapter for S-VHS-C?
 

I've read some conflicting information both on these forums and elsewhere on the web.

I understand the CP7U-type adapter is considered the best for VHS-C.

Is there a particular adapter for S-VHS-C that has different pin locations? And if not, how does the VCR identify the type of tape its reading?

There is a hole in those adapters that uncovers if there's a SVHS tape in it at the same spot the SVHS hole is on a full-size SVHS cassette. It's possible that feature was missing on some cheaper adapters, but the JVC C-P7U, C-P6U (and rebadges), Panasonic VW-TCA7 (and rebadges) and I think also these ones you get "new" on amazon and elsewhere sold under a ton of different brand names (no idea who manufactures those) have the feature.

Detecting whether something is a SVHS recording is done electronically though, not sure how exactly but you can look up circuit diagrams if you are very curious.

Thank you, that's really helpful information!

For capture, that's all I need to know. My curiosity about how the VCR identifies an SVHS recording is just that -- a curiosity. It's just interesting :)

As I recall the S-VHS (and Hi-8) players have a circuit that detects the luminance carrier frequency used in the recording and select the mode (VHS or S-VHS, Video8 or Hi-8) accordingly.

For recording purposes, the type cassette is detected based on a hole in the cassette shell. S-VHS and Hi8 recorders also allow forced recording in VHS/Video8 mode via switch or menu settings.

CP7-U came with S-VHS-C cameras.