VHS footage question

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
Importing some VHS footage for documentary into FCP, but some of the footage is in pretty bad shape. The subject is an R&B singer, and he/his family taped a lot of his performances off of TV in the 80s (Star Search, telethons, etc.) A lot of the stuff is home movies transferred to VHS and a lot of it is irreplacable... My question is this: I want to buy and transfer the stuff using a good quality VCR, with decent heads. I was looking at some S-VHS players, but only the higher end ones seem to have Time Base Correctors and Digital Noise Reducers. How important are these two features, and can they improve already problematic tapes? Am I better off just getting a cheap S-VHS if it's not going to make a difference?
Thanks
 
Here's a handy little toy that can help clean up VHS footage.

http://www.dvcreators.net/video-processordv-converter/

That page not only has the little demo movie but talks about the advantages of recording to DV tape on via the analog inputs on your camera to add timecode.

I dont know that investing in a SVHS will make a huge difference over a cheapo as long as the heads are clean.
 
That one looks good. Any way if you can't afford it or something, try capturing the clip to FCP with the least compresion possible. If you can capture uncompressed material it would be great because you can work there with your colors and then put a noise reduction on After Effects.
 
Instead of trying to capture from a consumer created tape in questionable shape, try going to the networks for the footage. Since they own the rights to the footage anyways, you will need to get their permission to use it in any type of commercial project. The network will be able to give you the footage in a much cleaner state, as well as a better format.
 
Yeah, they probably have BETA SP'S or something... My main question was with the Timecode Base Corrector, and the general consensus is that it may help with some older tapes (sheering, etc.). I'm going to pick up JVC HR-V101US from BH here in New York. It's the lowest end S-VHS with TBC at $250, but that's all I can afford, and you gotsta work with what you gots.
 
I've got a SVHS, its got TBC built in works wonders, just hook it up too MiniDV in pass thru and capture in full rez.

Most DNR and CC is best done in Post in any good NLE, but don't forget Garbage in Garbage out.
 
I had a similar situation the other day with old home movies. I had problem after problem trying to get it into Final Cut Pro directly (using an AD converter). The best solution I found was to run s-video (or composite if that is the only option) to a camera (I used the DVX) and record it to mini-dv using the VCR option. I then imported it from the camera. I think FCP has some noice reduces (never used them though).
If all else fails, I had a company I used to take particular tapes to and they would put onto mini-dv for me (for around $30 per tape). It makes it easy and they have gear which would far surpass what I could get.
 
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