How to get the best VHS quality final video available?
 

Because I don't have a DVD burner (not yet, anyways), I will most likely put my final pieces on VHS. I want to know if anyone has other ways to produce a good quality final product. What I do is usually capture footage from camcorder onto computer, then camcorder back to tape, and then plug the video cables into the VCR, play the DV tape on the camcorder simultaneously as I record it on a VHS tape. The quality is O.K, but not superly great or anything. However, I will be soon getting a DVD burner/drive for better storage and reducing headware as the camcorder can't always be a VCR deck for long! I just want to know some other ideas or recommendations that you guys have.

Just hook up your cam to your VCR for 1 or 2 VHS copies. For more, output with s-video from your cam to a SVHS VCR, and then use the SVHS master (using the SVHS VCR) to make copies to VHS (ordinary VCRs). I believe that one of the forums at http://www.camcorderinfo.com has a long thread about this very question you asked.

Frank, I can't find the message thread on the site you gave me. Due to the search limit of 4 words, my attempts at trying to search for "VHS" failed. Can you pinpoint me the direct link? Thanks.

also,

Can you use the S-Video cables on regular VHS, and not S-VHS? Or do you have to use the rca composite cable?

VHS decks won't have an S-video input. However, all S-VHS (Super VHS) decks do have an S-video input, and you can record regular VHS tapes on them. Be sure to browse through this forum for numerous discussions on this topic.

David, that was a while back. I'd have to look for the exact thread. Perhaps make a post there asking where it is.

One other thing to consider is using 7.5 IRE set-up for the blacks and 100 IRE for the whites.

By then optimizing the picture content via contrast, hue, and color saturation you may help your VHS copies moreso than by what deck you use.

That's why I'm still addicted to my Panasonic MX-50 and my external remote proc amps.
My VHS copies look pretty good because of the adjustments I make while I am making my BetaCam SP master.