VHS to DV conversion

[alignment productions]

I'm looking to capture from old VHS format tapes and convert to DV. I just got a loan and I am in the process of setting up shop. Here's my setup: MAC G5 2.7Ghz w/Final Cut studio. I'm ordering the Sony DSR-11 DV Deck and was considering also the JVC SR-VS30U S-VHS Mini DV combo Deck. That is of course until I stumbled across this site and read a post from a student trying to convert old tapes as well. Your response was that you haven't heard good things about those combo decks. My question is should I just pick up a decent VHS deck for about $300? and do I need a DV converter box to link up to the DSR-11? or should I bypass that all together and go directly to the MAC from the converter to capture? sorry if this is unclear?...Let me reiderate: options--

----1. VHS deck -to- converter -to- DV deck -to- MAC?
----2. VHS deck -to- converter -to- MAC?
----3. VHS deck -to- DV deck -to- MAC?
----4. VHS deck -to- MAC?
----5. go back to waiting tables?

Thanks

 

[David Mullen ASC]

I haven't tried it myself yet on my Sony DSR-11 DVCAM deck, but it should act as an A/D converter if you pass an analog signal from a VHS deck through it.