What Deck do you use?
 

Hi folks, I didn't find this question anywhere recently so I thought I would ask. I've just got a new DVX100A and I really don't want to use it to move tape into my computer.

What decks do people like? Model numbers please.

thanks,
Milt Lee

I have a JVC SR-VS30E. It handles MiniDV and VHS tapes as well.

Well, it depends on budget you have for deck. I am using "el cheapo" JVC miniDV camcorder (around 300$) for capture and no problems so far. It's useless for me to buy 1000$+ machine just for capturing and exporting projects to miniDV.

I just recently bougth a Sony DCR-HC20 that I got for vacation cam/capturing cam. I'm actually suprised at the playfunctions speedsl, it does quite well overall, especially for $400. (BestBuy, plus i got a $100, 4 or 5 year extended warranty)

The only negative of it is that it's bottom loading for the tapes, but that's not a problem for me at all.

If you are loading a lot of tape and SMPTE TC is important, the
sony DSR-25 is a good deck. However, for the money, you may asa well purchase a direct to disk recording system and just use your tapes for backup. This way, there is no chance for drop-out and the cost will be about the same (maybe even cheaper). Check out the firestore FS3 and FS4.