Time Base Corrector Information

[Sprout]

I live in Adelaide, Australia & I want to convert my S-VHS home videos to DVD. The picture quality using just a capture device is not brilliant and I think it could be improved by using a TBC. With only 12 tapes to convert I do not really want to pay out a lot for one, so wondered if anyone can recommend a suitable unit, available in Oz and at a reasonable price?

I have thought about hiring one but the cost is pretty exorbitant bearing in mind I wont be able to do all the conversions at once. Has anyone any ideas, or a spare unit I could buy/borrow for a while?

All info/advice gratefully received!

Thanks.

[redwudz]

It depends on what you mean by 'picture quality'. A TBC can stabilize the video and clean up uneven sync from the tape. It generally doesn't change the actual quality of the video. That sounds more like something related to filtering, not stabilization. Considering the price of a TBC, maybe a bit expensive for twelve tapes.

What particular problems do you have with your capture device quality? Does the capture video roll, or jitter up and down? Do the colors or brightness vary rapidly? If not, a TBC may not help that much.

If you can post a short representative video clip here, others may be able to give better info.

And welcome to our forums.

[Sprout]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, I'll look into posting a sample video, but in the meantime I'll try to describe the problem!

In places the outline of things seem to be overlapping where the individual line scans are not in alignment. Almost as if the scan is slightly out of synch in places in the picture.

Not sure if this will help but I thought I'd reply ASAP!

Am replying on my 2nd computer, when the kids let me on my 'proper' comp I'll sort out the sample!

Cheers!

[jagabo]

One low cost option for a TBC is to find an old Panasonic ES-10 or ES-15 DVD recorder (probably some other models too). They have a built in line TBC that can be used in passthrough mode (ie, you don't have to use the DVD recording function). These can be found for under US$50 on ebay.

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/306272-Computer-video-capture-vs-vcr-to-dvd-combo?p...=1#post1882662

[lordsmurf]

You really need to read this post: The Difference Between TBCs

Don't buy the wrong thing, as not all TBCs are the same -- these units are not always made for image cleaning.
Use only what you need, and get the right one.