On Jun 19, 5:01 am, dgates <dga...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Is the quality of, say, Space Mutiny, on DVD better than I could hope
> from my own VHS copy the I recorded directly off ("Best" quality) TiVo
> back when the show first aired on Sci-Fi?
Yes. Good god, yes. Recording video on VHS is a "lossy" process.
>From memory, I think it's something like 15-20% of the image is lost
when recorded to VHS (because it can only record a fixed number of
lines of information from the original image). This is cumulative,
which is why the image worsens every time you dub one tape to another;
copies of copies of copies (etc.) get progressively more blurry and
indistinct because every new dub omits more information.
[This is only the video component, though. VHS is excellent for
analog audio reproduction. Some years back, before CD recording
became cheap and easy, some audiophiles would tape their prized LP
records onto VHS tapes (via a Hi-Fi VCR): it saved wear and tear on
the records, was more convenient than changing sides and discs, and
(unlike portable audio cassettes) could comfortably accommodate
several hours of high-quality stereo listening pleasure.]
Bruce
Melbourne, Australia
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