Video hardware, DVD recorders to best convert video?
Dear Lord Smurf,
We have not met, but I hope you will not let that prevent you from answering a few questions that I would like to ask you. I read a few threads not too long ago that dealt with different video conversion topics you happened to comment in, and several of your responses lead me to believe not only that you fully understand what you are talking about, but that you are the "Go-to" person if stuck like a duck. I happened to make a fairly large response in the hardware devices thread where you explain the different gizmos (such as the GREX, SIMA, and video stabilizers) that do not work in order to convert commercial VHS into DVDS , etc. and I was actually hoping that you might take a quick gander at what I had to ask in the thread and repond. I personally was curious what you thought about certain dvd recorders to just hook a vcr to a time base corrector, and up to a dvd recorder to do a straight to dvd dub kind of thing. I noticed back in 2009 you listed the Magnavox H2160MW9 as the best device for the task...do you still think that to be the top choice? I know Orsetto suggests the Magnavox MDR513 DVD/HDD recorder, but frankly I am leaning much closer to your judgment opposed to what others have suggested. What's the difference between the two recorders anyway? I look forward to hearing from you. **Goss** P.S. which do you think is better, a used TBC-1000 or a brand new AVT-8710 model. I could have sworn you said that there was a problem with new AVT models. something about investigations? can you elaborate on that for a novice? --HairyGossamer
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Much of this is covered here in the digitalFAQ.com forums, if you read around for a bit -- especially here in the workflows forum. VCR to TBC to DVD recorder works great -- I do this for a lot of my basic own home/hobby work (from already-excellent tapes), because it's low-cost and easy. It's only the more serious work, and pro work, when the workflow needs proc amps, detailers, audio mixers, and other hardware processors. And it gets expensive when it's more than a VCR, TBC and DVD recorder (which in itself is already $500+ climbing towards $1000 quickly).
For VHS tape conversions, I'd maybe not get the Magnavox, and instead look for a good JVC recorder that uses the LSI chipset (which is NOT all models, but only select ones). Again, read around this forum for the right info on the right models. JVC DR-M10, DR-M100, DR-MV5, etc. Your post (PM) is rather dated, so I'll stop here. If you have more questions, feel free to reply, and I'll continue. :)
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VHS/DVD conversion
Hello lordsmurf,
And thank you for responding to my post. I have not been on these forums very much either. In fact, shortly after I inquired about how to execute this project, I left my job and have been occupied searching for a fitting employment opportunity. Anyway, this project has been put on the back-burner temporarily. Though, I am still interested in researching this subject. I looked up a few of your suggested recorders and was curious if having an "s" or "u" on the end of the model number is the same, or if there is an actual difference to your model suggestion. (Could they make this any more confusing? ::Knocks on wood::) I found a recorder similar to one of the model # recorders you listed as an ideal machine. The model number says JVC DR-MV5S and on the back of the unit it says JVC DR-MV5SU. Is this the same as what you recommended (the DR-MV5)? I'm inclined to think that there is a significant difference, but when budgeting for a project like this, one needs to be clear. Also, do the LSI chipset DVD recorders work more efficiently when converting commercial VHS tapes to DVD or do they only help clean up the visual images? I know a TBC does quite a bit of that already, but I was just wondering what makes an LSI chipset ideal? Please don't laugh too loudly, but why can't I use any DVD recorder? Last question: Will a Magnavox MWR10D6 Recorder work for converting commercial VHS tapes to DVD? (I happened to come by someone selling one VERY reasonably priced is why I ask.) and I read someone converted their tapes to DVD with that unit. Though, they didn't mention if they were homemade tapes or commercial. I am still mapping a few options here. I would appreciate any input you can give me on this. Obviously I am a newbie, so looking in each of the forums is like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. I look forward to hearing from you lordsmurf, and thank you very much for your response. Hope all is well Sir **Hairy Gossamer** |
Welcome back. :)
The full model number is JVC DR-MV5SUS. It's a DR-MV5 DVD recorder. The S is for "silver". The US is for "United States". Hence JVC DR-MV5SUS, but you rarely see the full-length model number. DR-MV5SU is just somebody chopping off the last letter, which happens sometimes. Great DVD recorder, worthless VHS player. Pretend the VHS half isn't even there. The LSI chipset removes or suppressed chroma noise, which is a flaw of the VHS format itself -- be it homemade tapes, or commercial ones. So yes, the LSI Logic Domino chipset helps to clean up retail VHS tape releases. LSI Logic chipsets also run some degree of NR in the JVC units, removing grain and making the MPEG-2 (and thus the DVD-Video) look better. In fact, the DVD version of a VHS tape will look better than the original tape did! That's why you don't want to use any old DVD recorder. Most DVD recorders make DVDs that look worse than the original tape, not better. Will a Magnavox MWR10D6 Recorder work for converting commercial VHS tapes to DVD? Yes, but the quality of the DVD will be lower than the original tape. In my opinion, anything worth doing is worth doing well. Why go to the effort and expense of transferring a video, only to make a DVD that looks worse than what you started with? |
VHS to DVD transfer
Hello again lordsmurf,
and thank you for the warm welcome. In response to your last post, I agree quality does come first and I am sure a JVC DR-MV5SUS works like a charm since you're suggesting it. I have read a few of your responses to other posters and I can tell you have an eye for the best. Which is why I have more questions for you. (I know you have been asked these a million times, but I am hoping to gradually ascend into a bit more of an in depth questioning than some of the posters before me): :D 1.) Which TBC do you recommend for transferring commercial VHS tapes to DVD? (Backups of my personal collection) I recall you saying about a year ago that the newer AVT-8710 models were under some sort of investigations? And I also read they overheat, and have sloppy quality control. Is that true and how much of a problem would that be for me? I have only heard people mention a select few brands, so I figured it could not hurt to look for some unpopular yet effective standalone TBC models if there are any. For instance, 2.) Would a Leitch DPS-235 Transcoding TBC/Synchronizer do the trick? I noticed it said it's a Time Base Corrector. Also, while on the subject of DPS models, I recently saw a DPS 290 TBC sell for $54.36 including shipping. Are these the same types of Time base correctors used for recording commercial VHS tapes to DVD? 3.) What exactly allows my recorder to ignore copy protection on my tapes and DVD's? Is it strictly a standalone TBC? (like AVT-8710, TBC-1000, etc.) 4.) In this thread, post #25, I notice someone shows a transfer using a Prime Image model 50II TBC to a Victor SVHS VCR and to a Toshiba SVHS VCR. So with this in mind will my transfers look as disappointing as the first two (out of 3) Goofy Movie still shots if I don't specifically have an SVHS VCR in general? Even the better still of the three looks quite a bit blurry IMO. And the Spiderman clip here looked very unacceptable, especially since they used a TBC-1000 and a JVC VCR. (not sure which model) 5.)I have seen a post from 2005 post #2 in which you recommend the JVC SR-V101US SVHS VCR...would this still be one of your top recommendations and why? I have tried my hardest to understand Capmaster's explanation in (post #13) of a TBC's functionality, and feel like I am listening to a doctor explain foreign procedures of surgery while I sit in my kindergarten chair coloring outside the lines. Yet I did take notice to a comment you made in (post #12)... Quote:
I would love to get something AT LEAST half as good as what gshelley61 captured with their Titanic stills in post #44... I think gshelley61 mentioned that they used a JVC SR-W5U W-VHS Recorder to make the transfer...and that sadly goes for $790.91 alone. 7.) What kind of a setup do you think would make a decent transfer from commercial VHS tapes to DVD? And by decent, I mean no zig zags on the top of the screen (tearing??) or super stretched, blurry images, disappearing facial features etc. It doesn't have to look amazingly professional, just not crappy. lol I was watching a few episodes of Life With Louie on Youtube (Which I have posted a clip strictly for educational purposes of course) and couldn't help but notice how much they looked like analogue transfers of some kind. In this clip for instance I notice a repeating flash type of flaw that comes up during these 3 durations: 1:45-1:46 (On the close up of the blue van) 5:59 (On the left, the back of Louie's brother's head) and 9:52-9:56 (the top of the door) What is that effect called? A different flaw shows up at 3:32 I notice with Louie's mom, her mouth basically disappears and comes back into detail shortly after. What is this called? 8.) Also, how could I avoid getting transfers containing those flaws? Luck perhaps? I think I should close my message here. I realize it's quite lengthy and it may take you a while to respond, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible. Forgive me if these questions seem a bit jejune or naive. We all start somewhere though. I look forward to your response and I will speak with you soon. Thanks **H. Gossamer** |
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I was watching a few episodes of Life With Louie on Youtube (Which I have posted a clip strictly for educational purposes of course) and couldn't help but notice how much they looked like analogue transfers of some kind. In this clip for instance I notice a repeating flash type of flaw that comes up during these 3 durations: Quote:
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Nothing unusual, either. Just standard questions. Keep reading on the forum, ask when unclear on something. You've done quite well so far. We like to help those who try to help themselves -- as opposed to lazy cheap folks that don't want to buy anything, don't want to read, don't want to spend time, etc. They mostly go to other sites anyway -- the sites that |
Hello again lordsmurf,
For the most part now I do think I understand what will be needed and expected from me in order to tackle this VHS to DVD project…but I do still have more questions: Quote:
A.) There would be a good chance I could find a few machines with different reasons for malfunctioning. And… B.) There was a forum support to help me with something like this. Just curious what you thought about going in the "fix it" direction. :cool: Quote:
For example: 1.) What does it mean when Capmaster suggests Quote:
Is this referring to an analogue signal’s imperfections? I understand how oxide buildup would be a problem on the tape heads...but 3.) How is tape head magnetization a problem? Quote:
Because if so...I still don’t understand how a horizontal scan could have vertical retrace portions within the signal? Doesn’t that contradict itself?? 4.) How can something be read horizontally and output something vertical?? I am guessing it’s called a horizontal scan because of how the tape maneuvers over the heads (in a left to right fashion??) and around the head drum. Or does a TV read signals in a vertical fashion the same way a VCR reads tape moving horizontally? I don't know I think I confused myself. :confused: Any help on that would be nice. Quote:
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Before I had read any posts pertaining to VHS to DVD backups, I recall asking at the Video Help forum (The very bottom of post #17 whether or not it was possible to connect a DVD player to a TBC to DVD recorder to make DVD backups of my personal collection as well as my VHS tapes, and getting answers that said it was possible to do so, but not logical when you could download a free program that does it for you and makes significantly better transfers. 5.) Do you personally recommend programs like DVDFab? And if so, would my computer be at risk of catching a virus if I put used DVD’s in my computer to burn backups?? (A little over half of my DVD collection consists of previously viewed films is why I ask.) Looking at the link that jagabo supplied me in post #22 it appears as though he is suggesting to download version 0.17.0 but I can't tell if this is only a trial version, or what... Quote:
Well, naturally I do not want to buy anything, but that will not prevent me from doing so in order to get this done properly. And in all seriousness, I rather enjoy spending time researching and reading about this topic; I think it’s fascinating to see how and why classic technology works and sometimes even improves video quality the way it does. So I guess I can’t be too cheap or lazy either to have my interests piqued in such an expensive field. What can I say, besides I appreciate your acknowledgment of my being on the right trajectory, and I thank you so much for your help and appreciate you taking the time out to respond to my posts…It feels like the beginning of an enlightening journey. I hope to speak with you soon lordsmurf, Until then, **H. Gossamer** Side Question: Do you mind if I ask you, what exactly did you major in by the way? I ask because I can tell you have a remarkable knowledge of electronics and hardware, but I can’t quite pinpoint which majors may have covered several of these grounds. You take Digital Media to a new level, and somehow I get the feeling Telecommunications and Computer majors might dabble with some of the understandings of this stuff but not quite. |
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It is possible to record DVD Player to DVD recorder provided copy protect is defeated. But they gave you the correct answer since the above is considered an analog capture and there will be some loss of quality doing it that way. No, you wouldn't catch a virus unless something really funky is going on. If you wish to make a copy of your disc, you can download and use the free portion of afore mentioned program. This isn't something that is generally covered on this site since it is covered on other websites. You should be able to find writeups, guides or links on this at vh. |
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Easily? I doubt it. Understand most models have sub-variations, and may not 1:1 shared parts. Panasonics VCRs are especially guilty of this, as some models have been around for 10-15 years, which subtle changes that are only discernible by trained techs, armed with service manuals, that know how to gleam it from the serial numbers. So 2-3 VCRs maybe be 2-3 different units, in terms of exact internal parts. Quote:
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- DVD Decrypter is best for most straight DVD rips/copies. - DVDFab Decrypter (DVDFab in free mode) is only needed for certain modern movies with stronger anti-copy protections. - DVD Shrink is the ideal transcoder. Don't rip/copy with it. Just "shrink" (transcode) as needed. - ImgBurn is the ideal burning application to burn the new copy. There are guides on this site, as well as the forum, that address usage. Note that we don't support the idea of "backing up" Blockster/Netflix/etc, but there is a legitimate case to be made for making duplicated of rare and out-of-print (OOP) discs. I have a few DVDs that people want to charge $100 for because they're a decade old and back in 2002 DVDs were made in much smaller release batches (hence limited supply). But discs are so fragile that not having a backup would be a terrible loss to a TV/movie collector. Quote:
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And yes, I do have an extensive background in IT related areas, especially networking and servers, though I don't have any official certifications or degrees. When I started out, such things were unnecessary. (I actually hate the term "IT" because it's really quite non-descriptive. "Computer science" is just as bad.) As digital technology unfolded, I adopted it very early on, and it's slowly begun to overlap into media. For example, I was using digital cameras in 1995, for last-minute assignment just before news print deadlines. You didn't have time to develop film. It was either digital images, or none at all. I was using streaming web video back in 1997. Most people weren't even aware such things existed yet. I've had the same username online since 1996. You may find these interesting: - Video Hobby vs. Video Profession, Part 1: What’s the Difference? - Video Hobby vs. Video Profession, Part 2: Make Money Converting Tapes to DVDs? - Video Hobby vs. Video Profession, Part 3: The Interview Part 4 was never finished, but I'll do so soon. It deals with the costs of creating a small professional video studio. Quote:
If anybody needs help, search this site. If you don't find what you need, ask in a new post. :2cents: |
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