Have a 3rd generation VHS tape, made in the 1980's. It contains one-of-a-kind Smithsonian Grade information regarding long gone Japanese master craftsmen.

Tape degradation has caused the horizontal snow storm which I call "Pookies".

Aside from going into each frame in Photoshop, does anyone have any quick tricks to clean this up?

The best thing I found so far is to duplicate the clips on A snd B, blur B until the snow is gone and then selectively key the images, scene by scene.

This works O.K. but there must be something better,
Any ideas?
Thanks
-b

There is no quick fix or everyone would be using it. The best way, is as you describe, doing one frame at a time. If the footage is as rare and unique as you describe then you have to decide if it's really worth the effort.

You might try getting ahold of a full-frame time base corrector (TBC). Sometimes a TBC can really clean up the pookies. I have a JVC S-VHS deck, the HR-S9800U, with a full-frame TBC inside and it does a decent job. Since you're in Boston, you should be able to buy or rent a TBC. Good luck,