What VHS tapes do you use for dubs?

[Aaron Koolen]

Hi all. I recently bought a new VCR for my editing room and got one with SVHS in (This was a miracle in itself, finding something like this in New Zealand). Combined with my new ADVC-100 I thought I'd be getting stellar results when dubbing to VHS but that's not to be. I then went out and bought about 6 different brands and grades of tape and did find some differences but none were what I would have called good enough, especially when some people pay for my VHS's (I only sell a few at a time so can't go to a dup house and get 3 done for any sensible price ;) )

I realise the loss that will happen due to SVideo or Composite from DV, but what I'm getting is more than loss of res and colour accuracy. I get wavy lines, grain and other artifacts.

Now I have not use any "Professional" grade tapes yet, just HQ and EHQ so was wondering what do you guys use for your dubs and I'll try source some of them and test.

Also, when I get some time tonight I''ll post some grabs from the different tapes, from conversions of the same footage Vegas -> ADVC100 -> SVideo In on my deck and then grab from Deck -> SVideo out -> ADVC-> Vegas.

When I do this, what's the best type of footage to use to show problems? I guess reds and vertical lines are a couple of good starters?

Cheers
Aaron

[K. Forman]

I've always used TDK extra high grades, and never had any problems... except for finding somebody that sells the pro grade in bulk at a decent price. I end up going to Walmart and getting 3 for like $4.00. Not the cheapest, but I tend to stick to what has worked for me.

[Frank Granovski]

I use Fuji Master and Fuji SVHS for masters, and Fuji Pro for final tape.

[Aaron Koolen]

Keith, you guys are so lucky over there. The TDK Extra High Grade I bought yesterday was NZ$10, which is about US$6. And you think 3 for $4 is expensive!

I may have to look at ordering from overseas like I do my miniDV tapes.

Aaron