Does anyone know what is best for playing back regular VHS tapes? Like how the X0 is the best laserdisc player. Laserman reccomended a D-VHS/D-Theatre deck, or a S-VHS deck. I wanted to hear what others thought. I know S-VHS can record at a higher resolution but does it play back standard VHS better than a Hi-Fi vcr? I use my computer to edit so I have no need for some of the advanced linear editing features, just what produces the cleanest picture and if s-video and component outputs are available. The vcr I currently use for capturing is I believe a Panasonic 4 Head Hi-Fi PV-9661 and it does a really good job, but lacks s-video/component outputs.

Similarly, I was wondering what was the best way to play back analog 8mm/Hi8 tapes. Does a Hi8 vcr or Hi8 broadcast deck produce a significant advantage over a general camcorder? If anyone knows specific model names or could even post comparison screenshots, that would be a big help.

Thanks a lot.

Edit: The Panasonic vcr I have is actually a PV-9662.