Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Social Media and news

 

 Jan 13th update:

New Research Shows that 71% of Americans Now Get News Content via Social Platforms

The top-performing link posts by U.S. Facebook pages in the last 24 hours are from: 1. Dan Bongino 2. Ben Shapiro 3. Breitbart 4. Dan Bongino 5. Ben Shapiro 6. NPR 7. Fox News 8. CNN 9. Fox News 10. Fox News
==================================

Battle to rein in Facebook, Twitter and TikTok to heat up in 2021

Social networks face lawsuits and calls for regulation in the new year.

  Dec. 23, 2020
 
It's worth taking note of this update regarding piracy

Piracy and controversial copyright laws tucked inside COVID relief bill

Illegally streaming pirated content for profit could land violators in prison for up to 10 years

NY tax calculator

 Here is a quick link to online NY tax calculator:



 
While we are at it, here is a quick percentage calculator: Do it online!
Isn't it cool?
 

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

best vhs dvd combo

 

The 5 Best DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combinations of 2020

Don't want to say goodbye to DVD and VCR recording? Check out these options.

Updated on December 02, 2020

 

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Rundown
"Compatible with DVDs/CDs/Kodak CD Picture Discs, and VHS tapes."
Best for Playback:
Philips DVP3345V at Amazon
"A convenient all-in-one player with a sleek design that offers a great deal of convenience."
"View and record videos with little to no distortion, and the DV220MW9 includes Progressive Scan for a sharper picture image."
Best With Built-in Tuner:
LG RC897T at Amazon
"The incorporation of an HDMI output and video upscaling function is a nice touch."
Best Multi-format:
Samsung DVD-VR375 at Amazon
"Records to all five recordable formats DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/+RW and DVD-RAM."

If you or anyone in your family is still married to their physical media, grabbing one of the Best DVD/VHS combos is a must. These massive, versatile machines are the best way to bridge multiple generations of physical media without separate, dedicated players.

A couple of things to bear in mind when looking for a proper DVD/VHS combo apart from the price are whether or not there is a built-in tuner and the overall quality of recordings. A built-in tuner will allow you to record TV, without one, you'll be forced to connect to a cable or DTV converter box. In terms of quality, ideally, you'll want a recorder that's capable of 1080p, but those can be on the slightly pricier side.

Hammacher Schlemmer DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combination
What We Like
  • HDMI Output

  • HD up-scaling

What We Don't Like
  • No built-in tuner

DVD Recorders and DVD Recorder/VCR Combos are getting very hard to find, but the Funai ZV427FX4 is one that may still be available. This unit is tuner-less, which means that you need to connect an external tuner (such as a cable or satellite box) the unit's AV line inputs for recording TV programs to either DVD or VHS. On the other hand, if you have a digital camcorder, the unit also has a conveniently located front panel DV (firewire) input.

The Funai ZV427FX4 DVD recorder/VCR combo can record in the DVD-R and DVD-RW disc format, which is compatible for playback on most DVD players. Of course, you can still record and play VHS tapes. You can also dub from VHS-to-DVD or DVD-to-VHS, provided the content being dubbed is not copy-protected.

For playback flexibility, the ZV427FX4 is compatible with DVDs/CDs/Kodak CD Picture Discs, and VHS tapes, as well as providing both progressive scans out via the component video outputs and HDMI, and 1080p video upscaling via HDMI.

It must be noted that, as with most DVD recorder/VCR combos, in order to record TV programs, you must connect a Cable/Satellite or DTV Converter Box to the ZV427FX4 as it does not have a built-in tuner.

Philips Combo DVd Player
What We Like
  • Progressive scan feature

  • Compatible with JPEGs and MP3s

What We Don't Like
  • Reliant on remote for inputs

The Philips DVP3345V Combo DVD Player/VCR is one of the few still readily in stock. It's a convenient all-in-one player with a sleek design that offers a great deal of convenience. If you still have a significant collection of DVDs and VHS, the DVP3345V can play just about any variation of CD and DVD formats along with VHS tapes. On top of that, it can handle MP3 media files and JPEG so you can watch home videos and listen to music in your living room.

Last, but not least, the Progressive Scan feature means the DVP3345V can optimize the image quality of your media, resulting in a sharper picture and fewer lines on the screen.

Magnavox DV220MW9 DVD Player VCR Combo
What We Like
  • Multi-language options

  • HDMI output

  • Parental lock

What We Don't Like
  • No TV Tuner

The Magnavox DV22MW9 is a fairly simply DVD/VCR combo player and recorder that can handle CDs, DVDs, and VHS. You can view and record videos with little to no distortion, and it includes Progressive Scan for a sharper picture image.

On the audio end, it supports Dolby Digital for improved sound quality, supporting surround sound for home theater setups. The Magnavox is also compatible with video, S-video, and digital audio coaxial inputs/outputs along with the standard analog.

LG RC897T DVD Recorder VCR Combo - Front View With Accessories
What We Like
  • Built-in Tuner

  • HD Component output

What We Don't Like
  • Remote is a bit small

  • Slow before recording begins

This product was discontinued several years ago and is only available on a used basis now. However, the RC897T DVD recorder/VCR combo has the ability to record most DVD formats and play most DVD and CD formats. Using the VCR section, the consumer can both record directly to VHS or dub non-copy protected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS.

The incorporation of an HDMI output and video upscaling function is a nice touch that makes the RC897T a good match for an HDTV. The RC897T has both analog and DV video inputs, as well as a USB input for digital image and music file playback. This unit also complies with the DTV transmission requirements, with its built-in ATSC tuner, which allows reception of digital TV signals.

Samsung DVD-VR375 DVD Recorder - VCR Combination

If you can find it, the Samsung VR375 DVD Recorder/VCR combo is a great choice if you are considering replacing that aging VCR with a DVD recorder. The VR375 records to all five recordable formats DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/+RW and DVD-RAM, and has composite, and iLink video inputs. In addition, on the DVD playback side, the VR375 can play back Divx files and has both component and HDMI video outputs and features 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling via the HDMI output.

Of course, the VR375 can still record and play VHS tapes. However, keep in mind that to record television programs, you need to use an external tuner such as cable or satellite box.

Final Verdict

While it may not be around for much longer, the best surviving VHS/DVD combo remains the Sanyo FWZV475F. It is comparatively expensive to its peers but boasts in-line recording, as well as HDMI output for 1080p upscaling.

About our Trusted Experts:

Robert Silva started reporting on consumer electronics in 1998. Since 2000, he's focused more closely on home entertainment and home theater technology. Since studying electronics in high school, he's been a fervent electronics and audiophile hobbyist. 

What to Look for in a DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combination:

Built-in tuner - A built-in tuner allows you to record TV programs, which many people find to be a handy feature in DVD recorder/VHS VCR combo devices. Without a built-in tuner, you’ll have to connect a Cable/Satellite or DTV Converter Box.

Price - If you’re on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a low-cost DVD Recorder/VHS VCR combo device. Since supply is shrinking, prices of remaining units (some of which can be nearly a decade old), are getting very expensive, sometimes as much as two to three times higher than their original selling prices. Look out for used units, which can be cheaper and still functional.

Recording mode quality - Some of Panasonic’s devices, though largely discontinued, have an enhanced 4-hour recording mode that lets you record sporting events and longer movies onto DVD with the same video quality as the 2-hour recording mode. Depending on your intended use, this can be a very handy feature.

Thanks for letting us know!

 =============

ION Audio TAPE 2 PC USB Cassette-to-MP3 Converter $129.99 from B&H Photo video digital


The TAPE 2 PC from Ion is a high-quality dual cassette deck that allows you to easily convert your favorite tapes to MP3 files for use with your personal media player. Simply connect the TAPE 2 PC to your Mac or Windows computer via USB, and use the included software to convert the tape.

The TAPE 2 PC can also be used as a standard cassette deck in your home entertainment system. Use the included RCA cables to connect to your stereo system for listening in your living room, den, or bedroom.

Tape to MP3

The TAPE 2 PC uses a standard USB 1.1 connection to connect to your Mac or PC to convert your favorite tapes into MP3 music files.

EZ Tape Converter 2 for PC Software

The EZTC2 software allows Windows users to convert their tapes quickly, and also includes Gracenote MusicID technology to automatically retrieve album, artist, and song information.

Q&A problem closing the door:

John,I had a similar problem. It happened to me when I was trying to put a tape in. The door would not shut.I remembered from the 80s this used to happen allot. It is the same thing as back then the little wheels inside the cassette tape are not lining up with the tape machine wheel drivers. To solve the problem I had to put on my glasses and get my flashlight out. A pen or a fingernail can be used to slightly rotate the little wheels of the tape. Put the tape back into the ION Cassette player then carefully and gently try to close the door. Use the flashlight to watch and see if the wheels of the tape are lining up and properly going over the tape machine wheel drivers. If the door wont close even without a tape I have not had that problem. My new cassette player works great! Regards, Ken

Answered by Kem T. Jan 22, 2017

This is a 110V version only.

This unit does not need an internet connection to operate. An internet connection will allow you to register this unit online and download the EZ Tape Vinyl/Tape Converter software that comes with the unit on CD. Other than that, it operates without any need for the internet.

Answered by Robert K S. Dec 2, 2016

The TAPE 2 PC from ION Audio does not include speakers. The unit does features analog RCA output jacks for connection to a home theater system (cable included) in addition to the USB output.

See all Cables
Note:
Compatible with Windows XP or Vista.






Video formats PAL and NTSC

 the most common in the US is NTSC. another used in other countriesvis PAL. the format is separated into regions, and they are as follows,


REGION 1 -- USA, Canada
REGION 2 -- Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Greenland
REGION 3 -- S.Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Parts of South East Asia
REGION 4 -- Australia, New Zealand, Latin America (including Mexico)
REGION 5 -- Eastern Europe, Russia, India, Africa
REGION 6 -- China
REGION 7 -- Reserved for Unspecified Special Use
REGION 8 -- Reserved for Cruise Ships, Airlines, etc...
REGION 0 or REGION ALL -- Discs are uncoded and can be played Worldwide, 

however, PAL discs must be played in a PAL-compatible unit and NTSC discs must be played in an NTSC-compatible unit.


you can use MAGICdvdRIPPER software on your computer, it works with NTSC, and PAL formats and vice versa.

 

PAL to NTSC conversion


This is not a converting unit, it will play the format of the tape inside. To convert the signal you need one of the following:

1) A converting VHS player; they are fairly expensive.
2) A separate video converter (hardware); they run for about $200-$500; just put this between your VCR and the TV.
3) Capture the PAL on your computer using a software like Movie Maker via a Firewire cable. Than convert it to NTSC on your machine using software like Nero... do a search on Google for converting software. Or just watch it on our computer in PAL format, most computers do that... For this step I use a separate camcoder that has a passthrough feature. The VCR connects to it and the camcorder connects to the computer via Firewire.
 
Try NERO software...you will be able to go back and forth (pal or ntsc)...this might be a project / but you can also make into a very fun thing....(note also the DVD regions)
 
 

 

VHS to DVD or transfer notes and info

 

====

Updated info August 2, 2022

 

How to Optimize Data Transfer Speeds to and From External Drives

Updated
Do you have a short fuse? Transferring data between a PC and external storage is a common task and slow transfer of files can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, you can easily improve transfer

================

I will add here information about various camcorders, handycams, vhs, vcr combo machines I have found from around the web:


1. ION VCR 2 PC  - ounim $100

HOW TO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg27aHk9ky8

finding and downloading the drive took a very long time!! Somehow I found it, but no idea how I managed to do it. The bottomline is I'm happy I could do it! What a relief! Oh, not so quick!  It didn't work!

Not so quick, my PC didn't recognize it. So I downloaded from http://hardwaredata.org/includes/login.php#hash let's see how that would go.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/948187/a-device-driver-is-not-installed-or-a-hardware-device-does-not-functio

Step 1: Determine whether the device driver is found in Device Manager

  1. Click Start
    windows icon
    , type Device Manager in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
  2. Click Continue. The Device Manager dialog box is displayed.

    Notice icon

    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
  3. In the list of device types, click the type of device, and then locate the specific device that is not functioning.
    • If an exclamation point appears next to the name of the device that is not functioning, Device Manager cannot find the device driver. Go to step 3, "Use Windows Update to find a device driver."
    • If no exclamation point appears next to the name of the device that is not functioning correctly, go to step 2, "Uninstall and reinstall the device drivers."
  4. Close Device Manager.

Step 2: Uninstall and reinstall the device drivers

If no exclamation point appears next to the name of the device and the device does not function correctly, manually uninstall and reinstall the device drivers. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start
    windows icon
    , type Device Manager in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
  2. Click Continue. The Device Manager dialog box is displayed.

    Notice icon

    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
  3. In the list of device types, click the kind of device, and then locate the specific device that is not functioning.
  4. Right-click the device, and then click Properties.
  5. Click the Driver tab.
  6. Click Uninstall.
  7. Click OK.
  8. In the Device Manager dialog box, click the Action menu, and then click Scan for hardware changes.
    • You may receive a message that states that Windows has to install driver software for your unknown device. If you receive this message, click Locate and install driver software (recommended).
    • You may also receive a message that states that a hardware device is being installed and that the uninstalled device is now present in Device Manager.
    Note If you do not receive either message or the hardware device is not installed, go to step 3, "Use Windows Update to find a device driver."

If the device is installed correctly and functions correctly, you have resolved the problem and you are finished. If the device is installed but still does not seem to be functioning correctly, go to the "Next steps" section.

Step 3: Use Windows Update to find a device driver

Note To use Windows Update, you must be logged on to the computer as an administrator. To verify that you are logged on to Windows with a user account that is a computer administrator, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Follow these steps to use Windows Update to scan for a device driver:

  1. Click Start
    windows icon
    , click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

    Notice icon

    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. To determine whether updated drivers are available, click View available updates.

    If updates are available, click the driver that you want to install, and then click Install.

    Notice icon

    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

If Windows Update is unable to locate the required device driver, contact the device manufacturer to download the latest device driver for Windows Vista. For information about how to do this, see the "More Information" section.

If these methods did not resolve the issue, go to the "Next steps" section.

2. Sharp VL-L63U Slim Cam VHS Camcorder 
Here are some youtube links with more information about it:
 
 
 

Using Old VHS Cameras in 2020!

to buy old batteries BatteryMart.com  

 

3. JVC VCR DVD Combo Player VHS Recorder HR-XVC18 HIFI 

 

HR-XVC18 HIFI  info via support JVC website

 

4. https://www.aimersoft.com/camcorder-video/transfer-convert-jvc-videos-to-dvd.html

 Owner's manual

How to Transfer JVC to Computer and Convert JVC Video to DVD

 

About the JVC HR-XVC18B

JVC's HR-XVC18B offers a great way to enjoy both your DVD and VHS collections. This combo player delivers the crisp image quality of DVD plus the handy recording capabilities of a VCR. Record your favorite TV shows to watch later on or make VHS copies of home movies to share with friends and family. A front-panel audio/video input allows you to easily connect a camcorder or video game console. Plus, you can hook up this player to a home theater receiver to enjoy enveloping surround sound with movies on DVD and VHS tape.

Consumer Alert: This component has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission's digital television website at: www.dtv.gov

Product highlights:

DVD player:
  • selectable progressive-scan playback for smoother video with HD-compatible TVs (via the component video output)
  • coaxial digital output for Dolby® Digital/DTS®/PCM
  • composite video output for VCR; 480i/480p component video output for DVD only
  • RF input/output
  • plays DVD-Video, DVD-R & DVD-RW, DVD+R & DVD+RW, Video CD, and Super Video CD
  • plays audio CD, and CD-R & CD-RW
  • plays digital photo CDs (JPEG)
  • 27MHz/10-bit video DAC
  • 192kHz/24-bit audio DAC
  • designed for use with "Region 1" coded DVDs
VCR:
  • HiFi stereo with MTS decoding
  • 4 video heads
  • Quasi S-VHS playback (VHS resolution)
  • 2 recording speeds (SP/SLP)
  • 2 sets audio/video inputs (including one front-panel)
  • TV tuner
  • 8-event/1-year program timer
  • Commercial Skip (30-second skip search)
  • Note: Internal DVD-to-VHS dubbing of copy-protected DVDs is not possible.


 

 

Home Theater Connection Photo Gallery


i.LINK (IEEE-1394) from Sony: https://www.sony.com.au/support/resources/en_AU/html/Usefulinfo/Transfer_video/MiniDV.html#bILINK

  1. Connect an i.LINK® cable (also known as IEEE-1394) to the i.LINK port http://www.sonydigital-link.com/dime/tutorials/img/videotransfer/iLink.jpg on the digital camcorder.
  2. Connect the other end of the i.LINK® cable to the computer.
  3. NOTES 
    The computer i.LINK® ports and capture cards may have either 4-pin or 6-pin connections; Sony® digital camcorders use i.LINK® ports with 4 pins. If your computer only has a 6-pin i.LINK® port, then it will be necessary to use a 4-pin to 6-pin i.LINK® cable.

  4. Turn on the digital camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the VTR position.
  5. Cue the camcorder to the beginning of the video.
  6. Turn on the computer.
  7. Start the video capture software on the computer.
  8. Begin playing the recorded video in the camcorder.
  9. Begin importing the video with the capture software

Why it's best to use CASH - cash is king

 Via social media post, here is a very interesting explanation as to why pay with cash whenever possible, when you are shopping. I copied th...