Owners of Datavideo TBC-1000 and AVT-8710...Can you help me?

[BrainStorm69]

Like everyone else around here that doesn't already own one, I'm thinking about buying a stand-alone TBC. I've read all the "which is better" threads (which aren't very helpful). Actually, what I'm most interested in determining through this thread relates to alleged "softening" of the picture.

Could an owner of each unit do me a favor? Take a good source (preferably a DVD) and capture a scene (at 720x480) with a lot of fine detail both with and without the TBC in the chain (and nothing else in the chain to skew the results). Then grab a screen cap of the same frame (preferably using vdubmod) of this high detail scene from each video capture.

I want to compare the "with TBC" and "without TBC" screen caps myself. I just want to see for myself if I can discern a difference (i.e., I'm uncomfortable just taking someone's word for it that they can or can't see a difference).

I know this is request is somewhat of a PITA, but I'd really appreciate it if someone(s) can help me out here. TIA.

EDIT: I just remembered the AVT-8710 has a sharpness control. That complicates things a bit, but could someone do three caps for it. One without the TBC, one with the sharpness set to flat (i.e., no sharpening or softening), and one with the sharpness set up a little bit (but not too much).

[lordsmurf]

I'd love to help, but I hate re-wiring everything. The "softening" factor is often imagination by many people. The ones that are legit may simply be a "lemon line" that existed for a while. Most complaints were short-lived.

[BrainStorm69]

I'd love to help, but I hate re-wiring everything.

LS, I understand. I know it's a PITA, especially for folks with complicated wiring set-ups.