TBC In The UK?

[EViS]

I've pretty much decided to go for a JVC HR-S8600E S-VHS to transfer all my home family videos to DVD... now I'm not sure how important it is for me to also use a TBC... I'm guessing that using one will allow me to see a difference...?

However I'm having trouble finding a TBC in the UK... any ideas? The following two are ridiculously expensive...

DataVideo TBC-1000
AVToolbox AVT-8710

Is this Lektropacks CTB100 any good? And how does it compare to the two TBC's above constantly talked about on here...? I'd prefer something slightly cheaper if possible though...

Any advice/suggestions welcome .

[lordsmurf]

The AVT8710 is a re-branded CTB100, so it's the same thing.

I know the AVT8710 is dual-format, does both NTSC and PAL.
But the TBC-1000 is better built.
So pick your poison.

[EViS]

Thanks for the instant reply and superb answer lordsmurf!! Just a few more if you could be so kind .

1. By better built do you also mean that it is likely to "improve" the picture more?
2. Is the TBC-1000 by any chance also rebranded?
3. When connecting the VCR to the TBC, do I only use an S-Video cable? Does the Audio also pass along the S-Video cable?

[lordsmurf]

1. No. The AVT8710 tends to be moody and the signal sometimes flickers or will not be found right away. The unit also overheats.

2. No. DataVideo TBC-1000 is the model.

3. VCR, s-video to TBC, s-video to recording device. Audio goes from VCR to recording device. S-video is just video, audio is on audio cables.

[EViS]

Referring to point 3, does this not create sync problems as video takes a longer route?

[lordsmurf]

It takes a 1-field (half-frame) lag. So you're talking about a 1/60th of a second delay.

The TBC-1000 passes audio, and I don't remember if it inserts delay or not. The AVT-8710 is just video processing.

[StuR]

Hi I was after a full frame TBC and like you I did'nt want to pay too much so looked at those two options. But after so Ebay and google searches I started to notice that video mixers may have full TBC/frame syncronizers. Warning! not all do. This was my post on the subject it includes links to my VMX410 and other Mixer lists.
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=321400&highlight=
The mixers will be second hand of course. My VMX 410 was about £70 on ebay. If your going to use this method I advise asking sellers many questions, reading between the lines and going for things in orginal boxes ect. - shows care. Also use a snipeing site like www.actionstealer.co.uk. They automatically bid 10sec before end for free. As long as you set a high enough limit you'll win without forcing the auction up. My limit was £140ish I was sick of trying to find a TBC but got lucky I guess.

I would advise you consider this model the videonics VX1 goes for £300 the panasonic mixers start at about £120-. I think most people are getting them to digitize stuff now. My vmx410 is able to wipe macrovision protect (not an issue on home vids) and has 3 extra synch setting to hold a rolling image. I've found it does work so far. You pass the sound and vision through and there is the option to fade up/down the sound, left/right. One nice feature is that you can use the screen wipes to fix a border on the recording so if the top or bottom of the picture has a flickery line you can but a black mask over it. Hope you see what I mean by that as it is a really good feature if ever its needed. You could do it on the computer from the dvd but its all extra hastle.
Hope that helps a bit.

[davideck]

Some DVD Recorders also function as great full frame TBCs if MV is not an issue.