[Paul Rich]

From what I've read on this forum, it seems most agree that S-VHS tape is the best way to go when recording D-VHS.


So which brands, etc. are the best? Does the tape length have anything to do with quality? Would a 180 tape have less quality than a 120?


I just got the JVC 40000 btw.



-Paul

 

[mbw23air]

Paul,


I use the Fuji ST-120 & ST-160. I wouldn't think they would differ in quality since they are from same manufacturer. I use Fuji based on several people on this forum recommending them and I now see why. They work great.


Mike

 

[uzun]

D-VHS tapes are the way to go for recording D-VHS. I have a 40k and have done several tests, using Fuji ST-120, Maxell D-VHS, JVC D-VHS, and Panasonic D-VHS. D-VHS tapes result in less problematic D-VHS recording.

 

[ROBERT HUNZEKER]

I tried various brands with mixed results, tried Fuji H471S and have only used them since, one glitch on one tape out of approx 60.


Bob H.

 

[darinp]

Quote:

Originally posted by mbw23air I use the Fuji ST-120 & ST-160. I wouldn't think they would differ in quality since they are from same manufacturer.

I use the 120s for anything under 2 hours. Even though they are from the same manufacturer the extra length of the 160 makes it harder to achieve the same quality. I think most evidence has found that the 120s are better than the 160s, besides the price. Some testing of actual signal strength also found these 120s to be better than the dedicated DVHS tapes.


I use a soldering iron to make the hole to turn the 120s and 160s into DVHS tapes.


--Darin

 

[mbw23air]

Quote:

I use the 120s for anything under 2 hours. Even though they are from the same manufacturer the extra length of the 160 makes it harder to achieve the same quality. I think most evidence has found that the 120s are better than the 160s

Yes, that makes sense that it probably is the exact same type of tape but since the 160 is longer you might encounter problems.


Look at it this way Paul. A JVC DVHS DF300A which records approx. 2 hrs and 33 min. in HD is $7.39. a Fuji ST-120 which record 2 hrs and 3 min. in HD is $3.70. The ST-160's are $5.14 and they record 2 hrs and 43 min. in HD. Is the JVC DVHS tape worth twice as much for 30 more minutes and the peace of mind knowing that it says DHVS stamped on the tape. Not for my money it isn't. Especially when the Fuji's have such a great track record. I have over 100 Fuji tapes with HD on them. They work great. The JVC manual says to not use SVHS tapes for DVHS recording. JVC says this because they want you to buy their DVHS tapes.


Mike

 

[darinp]

Quote:

Originally posted by mbw23air The JVC manual says to not use SVHS tapes for DVHS recording. JVC says this because they want you to buy their DVHS tapes.

And the truth is that once the hole is added to the Fuji 120 tapes they really are DVHS tapes. That is, unless marketing is the only way to make a DVHS tape. They are higher quality, so I don't see any reason the 30k should have problems with them. I wouldn't use any of the 120 tapes that are lower quality, though.


Now, if the 30k had problems when an SVHS tape was put in, it recognized it and then the user pushed the DVHS button, that would be a different issue.


--Darin

 

[leszek1]

According to the Mitsu DVHS perfect tape quality meter the Fuji 120 are superior to the 160. Hence they are different!

 

[mbw23air]

Quote:

According to the Mitsu DVHS perfect tape quality meter the Fuji 120 are superior to the 160. Hence they are different!

Interesting. You would think it was the same tape stock in both the ST-120 and ST-160.


Mike

 

[PVR]

The ST160 needs to have thinner tape stock to fit in the same shell.


I swear by Fuji T120's as well...

(and that is good swearing)

 

[ROBERT HUNZEKER]

I have only seen the H471S in 30,60 and 120's. Is there a 160 available? or are you talking about the regular Fuji SVHS 160's.


Bob H.

 

[leszek1]

regular.