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Author Topic: Anybody have a VCR solution they like?  (Read 1884 times)

Offline gunug

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« on: December 10, 2013, 04:22:52 PM »
I've had an old TV and VCR upstairs that theoretically should allow me to watch those old VHS movies accept the tuner in the TV is not great.  I've just replaced my living room LCD TV with one that doesn't pop up a permanent vertical line and now I can take it upstairs but it doesn't really work with the VCR (won't sync) so I was wondering if anyone has a VCR model that has an up converter and allow for use with a newer television?  Or, if you know of a model of interface box that is any good for this.  
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2013, 06:34:05 PM »
I'm assuming the LCD TV is digital only. And the VCR was made before digital was ever invented (cost effectively, anyway) so it's purely analog. So what you need is an analog to digital converter. We let the cable company do that for us. wink.gif I think there were some devices that were made to capture OtA TV signals and feed them to a Mac (or even a Windows machine) but they may be hard to find now and were very expensive when made. You might have better luck and certainly a less expensive solution by finding a functioning CRT TV at a thrift shop. dntknw.gif Depending on how many tapes you want converted, you might let a service put them on DVDs. You could probably even do that yourself if you can find a converter that plugs into the Mac. There are several at Amazon. Here's some info and a couple of recommendations: <Best way to import analog video (VHS) to Mac>
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Offline gunug

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2013, 09:00:28 AM »
Most of the things I have are commercial movies and I'm not comfortable copying them, if it is technologically feasible.  I was wanting to know if people had newer VCR's that would sync with a digital TV and that they were happy with.  I wanted name brand and model.  I have been able to make DVD's from old personal movies for longer than I've had MAC's to accomplish this.
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2013, 10:46:49 AM »
OK, I miss understood your neadz. And hear I thot I wuz goeing to maik it awl the way threw the yeer withaut dewing that!!! tears.gif

Does the DTV have a menu allowing you to select the type of input? Perhaps one labeled "Antenna"? Naturally, the DTV should be set for channel 3 or 4, although I've seen 57 mentioned. Most VCRs had 3 or 4 as a switch setting on the back, I think. If any of this is possible, you might get a viewable signal. dntknw.gif

While I still think the problem is AtoD, perhaps there is a VCR model designed specifically for that? You'd think there might be a market for such an 'animal.' It would eliminate the re-recording aspect, anyway. Of course, that involves a major purchase.

QUOTE
I have been able to make DVD's from old personal movies for longer than I've had MAC's to accomplish this.
That may still be your best/easiest route. I wouldn't worry about the legal ramifications unless you start distributing the copies... eek2.gif Plus, tape wears out much faster than DVDs. And it may become impossible to even buy analog VCR parts, assuming they are even available now.

Sorry I can't be really helpful. blush2.gif fool.gif

Oh, I did find <one extremely and inordinately complex> "solution." wallbash.gif
« Last Edit: December 11, 2013, 10:52:40 AM by Xairbusdriver »
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Offline jchuzi

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2013, 12:26:21 PM »
The salespeople at http://www.crutchfield.com/ are helpful and knowledgeable. Why not give them a call and ask about your issue? I have dealt with Crutchfield for many years and am totally pleased with their service. They won't necessarily try to sell you something and may very well be able to solve your problem over the phone.
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Offline Paddy

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2013, 01:26:47 PM »
Looks like this will do the trick. http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-DVR620-DVD-R..._pr_product_top

Make sure you read all the comments as they look quite helpful in some cases. $30 cheaper than at Crutchfield. wink.gif I'd suggest transferring anything you really want to preserve to DVD as the tapes deteriorate over time. Of course, if it's something you really like, it might be worth looking for a DVD release, as it will be way better quality than anything copied from VHS. http://Http://half.eBay.com was always my favorite source for used DVDs, CDs and books when I lived in the US.
« Last Edit: December 11, 2013, 01:27:11 PM by Paddy »
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Offline jchuzi

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2013, 01:32:54 PM »
Personally, I would rather pay the extra $30 in order to get Crutchfield's superlative service. They include free tech support for as long as you own the product and offer a 60-day return policy, no questions asked. Amazon may (sometimes) be cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

My 2¢,
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Offline gunug

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2013, 09:23:01 AM »
jchuzi, I appreciate the reference to Crutchfield's; I immediately found what I was looking for and then eye-balled a replacement antenna for when my Terk bowtie antenna gives up the ghost.  Paddy, this is obviously what I'm looking for, although what I'd "really" like is one with a Blue Ray player and a VCR; but that probably won't happen.

If anyone else has personal experience with a VCR that worked with their newer digital television then please chime in!
« Last Edit: December 12, 2013, 09:35:18 AM by gunug »
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Offline jcarter

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Anybody have a VCR solution they like?
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2013, 07:17:14 AM »
Ours will work, the grandkids do it. But I have never tried it, so cannot give any info. Our TV(Samsung LCD) is rather old, and I see that my brother's brand new one will not do some of the older stuff that ours does. But I have not a clue, as I just use the DVD player for our stuff.

We did have all our old movies of various formats made into DVDs by a friend, and thats the best way to go. It costs a bit of $, tho he did it for cheap,
but it sure is worth it.
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