S-VHS

[combsisthebest]

I'm fairly new to things outside of VHS tradings. In fact it was only a couple of years ago that we upgraded our 80's VCRs (we still have our 80's decks though because they're way better than the new stuff, anyway....). I come across people talking about S-VHS. I hope I don't sound too dumb, but what is S-VHS?

[debwalsh]

Super-VHS is a higher resolution of VHS. Like Super-Beta was for Beta. Often tapes that look lower in quality on a regular VHS VCR will look superior on an S-VHS deck. And stuff done on an S-VHS machine may not look so great on a standard VHS deck, because the standard VHS deck can't achieve the same resolution quality. There is also S-VHS videotape, which is designed to maximize the higher resolution, but those tapes can only be played in an S-VHS machine.

S-VHS decks tend to be more expensive, which is why not everyone has them. The quality is nice, though - probably more comparable to what you get off your '80s VCRs than standard VCRs of today.

[combsisthebest]

Thanks debwalsh. In a way is the quality of S-VHS like the quality of a VHS made 15-20 years ago? I've noticed that with my VHS from years ago they tend to be a lot more heavy, but have better quality to them.

[Jenya]

Originally Posted by combsisthebest

I'm fairly new to things outside of VHS tradings. In fact it was only a couple of years ago that we upgraded our 80's VCRs (we still have our 80's decks though because they're way better than the new stuff, anyway....). I come across people talking about S-VHS. I hope I don't sound too dumb, but what is S-VHS?

combsisthebest:

Does it bother you with the so many video formats out there? Beta, Super-Beta, VHS, Super-VHS, Hi-8, Super Hi-8, Digital VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, and soon-- Hi-Defination DVD (HD-DVD)?

I think all these formats drives me crazy!

[Ahmed]

Originally Posted by combsisthebest

Thanks debwalsh. In a way is the quality of S-VHS like the quality of a VHS made 15-20 years ago? I've noticed that with my VHS from years ago they tend to be a lot more heavy, but have better quality to them.

S-vhs is inherently better than vhs due to its resolution, age is irrelevant. If you are referring to the build quality of the machines themselves i guess it depends on the manufacturer. Good s-vhs machines are relatively expensive and this shows with its better and generally heavier parts. But on the whole modern vcrs are light weight and feel like they will break if you press the buttons too hard