Time Base correctors

[Spektre]

Has anyone had experience with these easy to obtain TBCs on ebay?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Video-Time-Base-Corrector-Synchronizer-Color-Corrector-/350263...item518d5bc178

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hall-Research-TBC-100-Video-Time-Base-Corrector-TBC-/200623210...item2eb6133ff2

Thanks in advance

[lordsmurf]

Those are identical.

Read this: What is a TBC? Time Base Correction for Videotapes

Carefully read about the AVT-8710 and CTB-100.

Then read this: Is my new AVT-8710 DOA? Screen Shots...

Serious retailers like B&H are addressing this -- eBay sellers are not.
Plus most of the eBay sample images (of what the unit can do to/for you video) are bogus.

[chowmein]

Then read this: Is my new AVT-8710 DOA? Screen Shots...

How about linking directly to the point you are trying to make? I looked at your link & just saw a big long thread about geeks showing off what gear they own. How about summarizing your point here in THIS thread?

[sanlyn]

lordsmurf's link above is a direct link to an explanation of the two basic types of TBC (line-level and frame-level) and what they do. If you want to get into the differences between them and what each can or can't accomplish, I'm afraid a little geek-ing is the only way to get that information.

A line-level TBC works on source video during tape playback by collecting each line of each field within a video frame, then releasing those lines so that all lines in a field are released at the proper rate. It's more complicated than that, but basically a line-level TBC corrects the line-and-field output timing for each frame of video. This type TBC is used to correct wiggles, motion problems, crooked verticals, tears, etc. It doesn't solve all timing problems, but it can often work miracles.

A frame-level TBC is usually used to reassemble frame-by-frame timing to maintain audio/video synch. Because it usually re-writes the timing signal, it's also used to defeat most types of copy protection (but not all). It has no effect on field-by-field or line-by-line timing.

Both types of TBC can be used together. However, a line TBC should be in circuit ahead of a frame-level TBC; if you have a frame-level TBC in circuit before the signal reaches a line-level unit, the line-level will see the signal as being in-synch and will do nothing. WHile frame-level TBC's such as the one you mention are often affordable and effective, stand-alone line-level TBC's are pricey items usually found in studio gear that few around here can afford. A good alternative to a line-level TBC is either a VCR with a built-in TBC of this type, or a DVD recorder with built-in line TBC that can be used as a pass-thru device -- that is, you connect your source player to the DVD recorder's line input, but instead of recording to the machine you feed the recorder's output directly to a capture device or to a frame-level TBC (if needed). Not all DVD recorders can be used for pass-thru (check the Line 1 inputs on Panasonics, or most Toshiba DVD recorders).

The TBC you mention is a re-branded AVT-8710 frame-level TBC. These are popular with many on this forum, along with competitors like the TBC-100. Both are sold at the pro video department of B&H Photo in Manhattan. I'd get it from B&H. They ship world-wide and stand behind their products. The AVT-8710 is listed here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276891-REG/AV_Toolbox_AVT_8710_AVT_8710_Multi_St...Time_Base.html
This and a couple others are shown here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Processors-Accessories/ci/7511/N/4264951414

Which one you prefer is up to you. All are used by hobbyists and pros alike. I've been using the same AVT-8710 since 2003. I've dropped it, stepped on it, left it accidentally turned on for days. It still works.

Another post describes why a TBC is used: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1115672#1115672. At the top of the same thread you'll see some examples:
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/189335-TBC-1000-Before-and-after-pics?p=1020953&vie...=1#post1020953

[Spektre]

Thanks for the help everyone.

[chowmein]

lordsmurf's link above is a direct link to an explanation of the two basic types of TBC (line-level and frame-level) and what they do. If you want to get into the differences between them and what each can or can't accomplish, I'm afraid a little geek-ing is the only way to get that information.

And this has what exactly to do with OP's query?

[classfour]

At least the OP didn't mind reading.....

[lordsmurf]

How about summarizing your point here in THIS thread?

If somebody wants to pay my going rate for research and reporting, then maybe I'd consider writing out long/short articles on those sites. Until that time comes, I write what I want, where I want to do it. I generally link to things I've already written (regardless of what site it's on), because I'm not fond of repeating myself.

Although your responses were partially rude, you did have a valid point.

Therefore the aforementioned articles/threads have been updated and expanded:

• What is a TBC? Time Base Correction for Videotapes --aka-- Differences in eBay TBCs.
• Is my new AVT-8710 DOA? Screen Shots --aka-- Current known problems with eBay TBCs

So there.

[sanlyn]

lordsmurf's link above is a direct link to an explanation of the two basic types of TBC (line-level and frame-level) and what they do. If you want to get into the differences between them and what each can or can't accomplish, I'm afraid a little geek-ing is the only way to get that information.

And this has what exactly to do with OP's query?

Hmm. Now that you mention it, and now that I re-read my reply to the OP, in retrospect it seems to me I came off a bit edgy. I have to apologize to spektre for that, it certainly wasn't intended. Unfortunately I assumed (almost always dangerous) that the OP saw that link but didn't see the connection between the products discussed. Gotta apologize for that one. I offered what was probably more than the OP already knew about TBC's in general.

Meanwhile, I'm not sure what you mean. I related my familiarity with both the eBay and the "real" versions of the same unit. So did lordsmurf. And so, let's move on to what you were going to say about your experience with the AVT-8710, eBay or otherwise...?