Capture VHS to AVI, Does the VCR matter?

[wjl11]

Hello,

Just starting to copy all my home movies (VHS) over to avi format for eventual editting to DVD.
Does the quality of the VCR matter when copying? Should I make sure it has s-video output? Can anyone suggest manufacturers and/or models?

Using Pinnacle Studio9 with the Pinnacle Breakout box.

Thanks!
W

[ux4484]

The better looking the source, the better looking the video....but there are considerations.

Use your eyes to judge. If the tape was recorded on a standard 2 head VHS recorder, popping for a 4 head S-VHS isn't going to improve the picture much (though 4 head S-VHS's are quite cheap nowadays) if any. While the S-VHS is a higher quality output, it can't improve a poor tape.

When converting VHS to digital, I'm more concerned with how smoothly and quickly the VCR I'm using responds to it's controls which is why I use my old Sharp VHS SlimCam as my tape input when I convert.

One other suggestion, always clean your heads on your playback VCR and fully fast forward/rewind the tape before playback when converting video (to have the smoothest/cleanest playback possible), nothing is worse than capturing snow, tracking errors, or a tape slip on baby's first steps....and then having to do it again.

[wjl11]

hmm, never heard of that. A full forward and rewind before copying? Thanks for the tip.

Also, whats the deal with the 'edit' feature on a VCR? Does it help copying as well?

Thanks again,
W

[ux4484]

Also, whats the deal with the 'edit' feature on a VCR? Does it help copying as well?

Thanks again,
W

Well with my old Sharp Camcorder when the "Edit" button is activated, it has a higher signal level output...but only with self recorded tapes (it doesn't help on pre-recorded tapes with macrovision, which you shouldn't be transferring anyways ;) ).