VCR to DVD recorder question..... S-video cable?

Question

I have two Sony VCR's that both work good. I also have an external DVD player. I've transferred a couple VHS tapes onto DVD using the RCA cables (I think that's what they're called).

The problem is neither VCR has the S-Video outlet and I have heard the quality is much better with the S-video cord. Is it worth it to buy a new VCR with an S-video cable outlet? If someone has done this, is the picture *that* much better?

I do not want to get a vcr/dvd-recorder combo. I kinda hate those things. I am getting rid of my vhs tapes, so I don't want the combo for that reason either.

Any tips would be great. I am just transferring some old TV shows and stuff. thanks

Answer 1

I would not buy a new VCR just to have s-video. S-video is supposed to be slightly better, but you probably can't see the difference anyhow. I would not bother at this point.

Answer 2

S-video is somewhat over rated. Keep your existing hardware and connections until you can upgrade all the hardware to HD DVR, HD recorder, and HDTV. Besides that you are using a VCR and a VCR is only capable of so much quality if it is a VHS or BETA VCR or even the so called VHS-HQ. Only S-VHS, Hi-8, or digital formats benefit from better connections than the Yellow Composite Video connection and really only the digital formats do in my humble opinion.

Answer 3

Hi KM,

TV Guy is correct. You would not be able to detect the S Video quality improvement with your naked eye.

You might consider a "Sima T120 GoDVD". It removes the copy guard and enhances the picture. You plug your source into it and plug it into the input of your recorder.

Here is an example of one - http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?PIN=54817&

Another one that will work is the Digital Video Stabilizer. They work like a charm. Go here to read about and see an example - http://www.qualitekindustries.com/vidstab.html

Norm