JVC VCR built-in TBC is useless because

[digicube]

it cannot be turned on while the video stabilizer is on. Video stabilizer > TBC. I always have to have the video stabilizer on because who knows some scenes may need it. TBC only improves the picture a little bit I noticed.

[orsetto]

The reason you can't use the stabilizer in tandem with the TBC is that they conflict with each other horribly (and I do mean horribly). The stabilizer is a very controversial feature: 50% of JVC owners love it and couldn't live without it, 50% hate it because it causes more problems than it solves with their particular tapes. It works by tampering with elements of the video signal that the TBC also needs to modify, so if activated together they fight over the same video elements and make a mess of things. This is why JVC forces you to choose one or the other.

FWIW, the "TBC" in the vcr is not what makes the tapes look better: most of the work is done by the DNR circuit. Its a shame JVC does not let us disengage the TBC and just use the DNR, along with the stabilizer when necessary. If for some reason you find you REALLY need the TBC correction + stabilizer, try the workaround of using a standalone DVD recorder as a "faux TBC" connected between JVC vcr and your digital capture device. DVD recorders contain their own version of always-on TBC which does not conflict as much with the JVC stabilizer. The dvd recorder won't do much to clean up noisy colors, but should repair everything else like poor frame sync or dropped frames. You don't actually record with the recorder, just pass your signal thru it for conditioning before it gets to your capture device.

I'm no fan of JVC vcrs: every single one I've ever owned malfunctioned badly and ruined some important tapes. But I do continue to use them (when they work) because they have a unique ability to make some poor tapes (and even some good ones) look much better. No other consumer VCR brands offered the TBC/DNR feature (aside from Panasonic with its buggy electronics, and Mitsubishi in one DVHS model that has the same TBC/DNR as JVC).

[JVRaines]

The TBC/DNR corrects the timing of video lines but not frames, which is the function of the Stabilizer. So I put a DataVideo TBC-1000 frame synchronizer after it to clean up frame timing when required. Really wacky video can look bad with TBC/DNR, in which case I turn it off and run the output through a Panasonic DMR-ES15 DVD recorder which combines TBC and frame sync functions. The Panny also does a great job with my U-matic deck's upconverted dub output.

[hech54]

I don't understand. Is there a JVC with a video stabilizer button and a TBC button?

[KarMa]

I don't understand. Is there a JVC with a video stabilizer button and a TBC button?

On my 2007 unit, there is a TBC/DNR button and the video stabilizer is turned on through the menu (requiring a remote). When one is on, it will be switched off automatically when turning the other one on.

[hech54]

Ahhh...I see.
Actually I don't see. I've never seen the menu on my Philips JVC clone.