VCR Capture Comparison (S-Video vs Composite)

This is a comparison of 2 different VCRs and how big a difference it can have on the quality of the video. Both were captured and processed the same way, the VCR is the only difference.

[matrixate]

It's like compaing two types of fuel in two different cars.

[trevorcrump]

Unfortunately, this isn't an accurate composite vs s-video comparison.The JVC has the built-in "3-DNR" noise reduction feature, which I assume was turned on, since it is way less noisy than the Toshiba deck. Turn 3-DNR off then redo the test with the composite output from the JVC versus the S-video output of the JVC.

[RickCooley-dbpl]

i have an idea! PLAY THE VIDEO IN THE SAME VCR! Connect S-video and show the captured results. Connect composite video and show the captured results. compare the two!

[AlexanderArtsvuni]

S-Video looks worse — much less details. Composite has more noise, but that is better than losing details. I did my own tests with old VHS tapes and was shocked to see similar results. Can anyone explain? How come so many people in the community praise S-Video for capture.

[badreality]

It looks like your Toshiba needs some caps replaced.

[jme]

S-video appears to have less noise but definitely not as good with contrast and darkness in the shadows.

[nicklancer]

Clearly the S-Video signal has a sharper image than composite, and has little to no color artifacts

[loganwilbur]

What's most surprising is how bad both of them look. You really have to look carefully to see the advantages of the s-video. The black sky and other low contrast areas are less noisy, sure. But generally the composite had better details. WTH? I'm hoping there was some flaw in this experiment--for example, the age and condition of the players might not have been taken into account?

[cristiangonzalez]

Great is what I was looking for! could you make a video of how do you connect the s-video to the vhs?

[bt]

To me the composite is the winner there. In low light situations the s-video has turned the whites into a wash, where the composite holds the detail. Look at the middle palm leaf in the tree, the shadow in the center is totally absent in the s-video. Look at the color difference in the fireworks, redder composite in cases where there's enough brightness. S-video is missing detail it seems. You have to freeze some of the frames and compare. Detail is always what your capturing for. I'm looking for an example that shows S-video is better for raw vhs capture. This one is a tossup . It looks like the s-video one has been compressed different. The lighting sure is nice though, would be great if the composite can carry better light... for s-video thats expected since its luma/chroma based, not rgb.
Thanks for the compare. I too wish it was the same VCR. Oh well, next time, haha.