The VH Trade Site Forums Archives

[hitnrundrummer]

I need some advice from the pros.I'm wondering the best hook-up method between two VCRs for dubbing.I have two of the same VCR and have been using the standard RCA cables to hook them up in the IN/OUT RCA connections on the back.
Would it be better to use a piece of coax from the out to the in and go to channel 3? Would this get better quality sound/picture or should I get some of those better quality RCA cables? Also, does it matter if you go in the front vs the rear RCA inputs on the recording VCR? What works for you guys? I want to be able to make the best possible dubs to share with ya'll!Thanks in advance!

[ect5150]

I'm not the expert on this topic, but I'd say stay away from the coaxial wire on channel 3/4. I've always gotten better quality using a "good" pair of AV wires, some gold plated thick ones.

Also, having a signal booster box inbetween should help as well.

Anyone else?

[Yerfdog]

The front/rear of the VCR does not matter. RCAs are much better than coax. I've heard gold tipped cables are better, but I've not yet seen a difference. Also, if S video is available, that's the way to go.

[rebel]

I don't know much personally, but I know coax gives a lower grade pic and sound over the direct cables.

[guitard]

If you have S Video in/out on your VCRs, you definitely want to transfer the video signal with anS Video cable. It's makes a huge difference in picture quality.

It's the only way I operate. It's especially important when capturing video for DVD authoring.

Randy

[Baluchitherium]

Schmooze a little with someone who does video dup'ing professionally, and be sure to ask about a Time Base Corrector and why you'd want to use one.

[Yerfdog]

Quote: Originally posted by Baluchitherium:
Schmooze a little with someone who does video dup'ing professionally, and be sure to ask about a Time Base Corrector and why you'd want to use one. Baluchi - correct me if I'm wrong, please. He would not be in need of a TBC unless he was trying to sync up multiple sources. True or false

[HalenUpNorth]

First of all, gold tipped RCA plugs will do just fine, you don't have to bother with coax.
Secondly, having done pro dubbing, and worked in the broadcast industry for several years, I don't think a TBC is necessary.
I have used a TBC for color correction, adusting black levels, and getting as close as possible to 100 divisions of video, and more importantly, to strip copy guarded tapes so that they can be dubbed. :D
IMHO, for a simple VCR to VCR hookup, where the tapes aren't copy-guarded, you don't need a TBC. BTW, Kudos to Yerf, as you're not trying to sync multiple sources, so again, the TBC isn't necessary. Syncing multiple sources with a TBC is also made easier with a nice, large patch rack !!

[Chris UK]

Generally speaking, I agree with Halen up North that for most dubs a TBC is not necessary. However, I do use one on a regular basis when dubbing old multi gen tapes. The benefits are that you can reset colour, brightness, contrast (and hue for NTSC crew) levels if necessary. Secondly as it replaces all the sync pulses etc, you get a much steadier recording. I use a cool little box that is a TBC, standards converter, colour corrector and aspect ratio converter all in one, here is the link for those interested....

http://www.gthelectronics.com/featurec.htm

Like Randy says, if your VCRs are SVHS, using the S/video sockets will make a large difference to quality.

Another tip is to switch off your TV when dubbing especially if the cables are near the screen. Sometimes, particularly if you are using cheap dubbing cables, the magnetic field from the tube gets picked up by the cables and introduces interference on your recording. These are commonly seen as paterning on the picture, or lines floating across the screen and are often most noticeable on dark scenes. This can also often be cured by moving the cables.

[hitnrundrummer]

Damn...thanks gang.I'm gonna pick up some gold tipped RCA's and see if that helps.I figure...start cheap then go to the gadgets as i learn.I appreciate the help! I hope to get a DVD-R as soon as the price comes down a little more (Christmas?)Lets trade!!

[Yerfdog]

Quote: Originally posted by hitnrundrummer:
Damn...thanks gang.I'm gonna pick up some gold tipped RCA's and see if that helps.I figure...start cheap then go to the gadgets as i learn.I appreciate the help! I hope to get a DVD-R as soon as the price comes down a little more (Christmas?)Lets trade!! I can't really vouch for the LG, but I can for both Sony and Pioneer. I've burned a bunch without any trouble thus far.