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JVC SRV10U ---- TBC1000 ---- Elite Video BVP-4 ---- Vidicraft III ---- JVC DRM-10
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This is the workflow chain you want, in theory.
But given weakness of the BVP-4 composite output, it may need to be VCR > TBC > detailer > proc amp > DVD recorder
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My question is how best to connect the units. I thought connecting via S-Video from the source to the TBC, then S-Video from the TBC to the BVP,
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For best quality, you really want s-video as much as possible. Rarely is composite a better choice, though it can happen. Much of this depends on the tape (or more directly, the recording quality of the camera/VCR that made it), the format (VHS, Laserdisc, etc), and the quality of the comb filter in the player. The JVC S-VHS VCRs are excellent at handling low-noise or no-noise s-video output.
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but then I'm confused on what I should do from the BVP-4 to the Vidicraft (or should I use this?). The Vidicraft has composite connections ONLY, and I've read the BVP-4 may not like the transfer from S-video to Composite? Is this true?
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It's much worse than "not liking" the composite -- it tends to outright butcher the signal. The composite input to an Elite Video BVP-4 Plus is fine. It's the output that will flicker or go berzerk. It's a flaw of the chipset, as best as I can tell. Quality of the error varies from unit to unit. In this room where I'm sitting now, for example, it's much worse on the secondary unit, as opposed to the primary. The secondary unit can never be used on a composite workflow.
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My original VHS tapes are in relatively good shape, but I may need the additional help of the Vidicraft in places. I understand it should make things a little more crisp looking, but I have to be careful.
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If the videos are very high quality and SP mode, yes, it can add some crispness. The video will more closely resemble the "DVD look" (720x480) as opposed to a software VHS quality.
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Then from the Vidicraft to the DRM-10 I have to use Composite again? Is there any option to keeping the S-video all the way thru the workflow?
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This specific workflow is hard to deal with. Ideally you want an s-video detailer. Or bypass the proc amp and use a composite workflow with the detailer in the chain. Or reverse the chain. Another option is to use yet another VCR, to get a roundabout chain:
VCR > TBC > proc amp > extra/dummy VCR > detailer > DVD recorder
The second VCR acts as the s-video>composite converter.
Or VCR > TBC > detailer > extra VCR > proc amp > DVD recorder
The most important aspect is
VCR > TBC > whatever else > recorder device
There's some give.
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Oh, and what brand S-Video cable should I get?
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It doesn't really matter. Simply look for a cable that is not too tight, which can mess up the s-video in/out on your devices. I believe this is why at least one VCR here is screwed up -- the cable tried to meld with the port instead of just fit in the slot. As such, every in/out action slowly ruined the port to the point where it has to now be repaired or replaced. All for a cheap s-video cable.
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Thanks in advance! I'm finally ready to start this project! Thought I was NEVER going to snag a DRM-10, but it finally happened... and it's new in the box!
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Nice find.
