JVC HR-DVS2U Combo DV & S-VHS Deck ?

SteveLee wrote on 5/22/2002, 4:57 PM
Anyone tried this unit?

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL026695&page=3

If so, please post your results as I am trying to come up with a work-around for my Sony DCR-VX700 problem - I does'nt work reliably with VV 3.0a drivers for capture.

The JVC unit is priced at about $950.00 and if it will work with an OHCI card and VV3, I will probably get one instead of another camera.

Thanks, Y'all . . . . . .

Comments

Nat wrote on 5/22/2002, 5:20 PM
We have 3 of those at college to do editing on G4 computers. I know my teacher said he had some problems with 2 of the units. Mainly, the unit stops talking to the computer, meaning you can't print to tape, and the problem is random. It could also come from the mac however. Those decks are also over-used since we are about 80 to use them intensively during the year, so for personal use it might be ok. Note that the ability to transfer S-VHS tapes to the computer directly from firewire is a great and useful feature..
SteveLee wrote on 5/22/2002, 7:52 PM
Nat,

Sounds like the communications problem I have now with the VX700 camera.
I'm not surre I want to embark on this venture based upon your feedback,
any other thought?

Y'uns . . . .
VideoWizard wrote on 5/22/2002, 11:11 PM
NO STOP! SAVE YOURSELF! Consumer grade. I bought one...took it straight back. Dropped frames all over the place. Not friendly with either VV and/or my Texas inst 1394 card. Unusable. Apparently JVC doesn't pay royalties for the Firewire codec and has their own. Guy at B&H in NYC said "want it to work, get a Sony". I'm using a DCR-VX 2000 camera with not a single dropped frame ever in 2 years. I bit the bullet and got the Sony DSR-11 DV CAM/Mini DV VCR. Works GREAT! Plus have the advantage of playing/mastering in DV Cam format.
Not a cheerleader for Sony (too expensive) but my experience has
been good with them for 20 years in both audio & video gear.
SteveLee wrote on 5/23/2002, 6:27 AM
VideoWizard,

THANKS MAN !!

That's what I needed to hear, Where can I get the DSR-11 at a reasonable price.

I want to pay less for a deck than the cost a new good quality camera.

YaHoo!!
MaxH wrote on 5/23/2002, 6:49 AM
For straight dubbing, vhs to dv tape, these units work well. Believe me anything more complex can be a real nightmare!

If you read various video user groups you will find some people report no problems, however, the majority seem to have had trouble.

Imho this unit is a lemon!

Regards,
Max
VideoWizard wrote on 5/23/2002, 4:22 PM
The DSR-11 is around $2,000!! Ouch!! But it's the lowest end bare bones unit in a line of PRO machines that cost up to $6k (same basic guts). Of course for that kind of dough you can almost get a DCR-VX 2000 camera. Trust me though...depending on how much video work you do, it'll always pay to bite the bullet and buy pro gear over consumer....
Luxo wrote on 5/23/2002, 8:31 PM
Here are some more (cheaper) Sony options I've considered. I'm still in the market for a minDV/VHS deck, but they haven't made the perfect one yet. ;-)

http://www.planetjapan.org/

Also, according to the following press release, JVC has a newer version of the deck you mentioned in the works (called the HR-DVS3U). It was supposed to be released in March I think, but no sign yet.

http://www.jvc.com/company/press.jsp?pressType=2&item=227

Luxo
VideoWizard wrote on 5/23/2002, 9:35 PM
You want no dropped frames and have it work across the board with computers? Get a Sony!

JVC makes good monitors and other gear, but when it comes to IEEE 1394 interfaces on video gear other than camera's, especially in PC-land (Macs firewire's seem more forgiving with other brands I've found)stick with Sony. That may change, but there's a reason the pro's use Sony VTR's more than any other...they're robust & work.

jeffy82 wrote on 5/25/2002, 9:29 AM
BUY SONY -- If you really want to economize, you can get the consumer grade GVD 1000 for about $1,100. But just to be on the safe side, you might want to get an extended warrenty so if you're tough on it, their replace it. It's mechanizms are bit more sturdy than getting another DV camcorder.