Problem: My breakout box on my workstation has s-video out. I've just finished a project and the client wants a normal VHS tape, as well as a DVD. I need to purchase a VCR that has a S-video input.

Question: Do I have to purchase a S-VHS to get the s-video input? Is that what the "s" is for?

Question (II): If I do have to get a S-VHS machine, can I record a tape that will play on a normal VHS machine?

Basically, I want to get a machine that will produce the highest quality VHS tape when going directly out from the computer.

Any help is appreciated.

"S" stands for Super (Super VHS).

Yes, you can record on a regular VHS tape on an SVHS deck, but it won't play on SVHS decks.

Higher end VCRs have the s-video connection as well.

And no, you do not have to buy a new VCR. Radio Shack should carry a box that will take the s-video out, and convert it into RCA jacks in. Or you can buy an adapter that will do the same thing, s-vhs to RCA.

Of course, the new VCR would be the better choice... if you have the cash to spend. It will serve you well for future projects.
Keith

Ok thanks. Yes I need a new VCR anyway, now I just need to find a model that will suffice.

S-VHS does indeed stand for Super VHS. However, S-Video more accuratly stands for Seperate-Video (Y and C are carried on different wires). S-Video is common on Betacam SP, mini DV, DVCam, DVPro, Digital S, M II etc. An S-VHS deck can record in S-VHS and VHS, depending on the format of tape used for recording. There is an id hole on the bottom of S-VHS tapes that switches the S-VHS deck to S-VHS record mode when the hole is detected. The hole is missing on standard VHS tapes.

Jeff

Fstop_Elvis, VHS tapes will indeed play on S-VHS VCRs, but not in S-VHS mode.

Hmmm, I can't seem to find VHS mode on my JVC deck, granted it was "priced for value" (IE cheap).

Anyone recommend a good SVHS deck for dubs?

We've discussed this topic several times in the past... see these threads:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2365&highlight=SVHS

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=407&highlight=SVHS

...or do a search on the term "S-VHS" or "SVHS" and explore all the returns that come up. Hope this helps,

Very useful! Thanks Chris.

BTW...How is that JVC deck working for you?

I like it a lot... the JVC HR-S9800... cleanest VHS tapes I've ever made. Less than $400 now.

Has JVC cleared up the problems that I have found with their SVHS decks over the past few years? Some decks would exhibit a horizontal line, almost looking as if the picture is lsightly creased, on the playback of any tape no matter on what machine it was recorded on. This "line" can appear anywhere on the screen and usually begins to happen after the deck is over a year old. Anyone here seen this?