Panasonic AG 7750.. is it worth it for VHS --> DVD ?

[LMotlow]

I have ordered a USB video capture device, which should arrive in the next day or so.

Which USB capture device?

And I already have an old VCR that plays the tapes well on a regular TV.

Of course it plays well on regular tv. Your tv isn't a digital capture device and doesn't work like one.

But, I keep on reading that I need a TBC (Time Based Corrector).

The TBCs that I am finding on eBay seem to go for around $400.

That's about right. Some cost more.

But, it looks like the Panasonic AG 7750 goes for around $100 or less on eBay, with claims that it is "fully functional" by reputable sellers (with good feedback).

If you believe that, I have a huge landmark bridge in Brooklyn I'll sell you cheap. It's worth a fortune. Fully functional. Check this website: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-restore/1567-vcr-buying-guide.html. They also have a marketplace forum with refurb'd and working VCRs and other hardware, including tbc's.

It looks like this unit has built-in TBC.

It has a built-in line-level tbc. Not a frame-level tbc. You need both. And $100 is pretty cheap for that unit.

I keep on reading about "frame TBC". Is that something different?

Yes.

A frame-level tbc fixes overall signal timing between frames to help ensure a/v sync and prevent dropped/inserted frames or skipping.
A line-level tbc fixes in-frame scanline timing errors that result in image distortion and jitter.

From the previous discussion on this thread, it seems like the AG 7750 would not be good for home movies anyway, but I am mostly curious about why this is so much cheaper than a TBC, despite having TBC built-in.

See above

Also, can I buy this unit and run a signal from a regular VCR through it to use it's TBC ability?

No. But you can use a very few legacy DVD recorders as pass-thru units, for both line-level and frame tbc circuits from your VCR to your capture card. The models usually recommended are Panasonic DMR-ES10 and ES15. Not all DVD recorders can be used as tbc pass-thru, and most of the others that can are pretty poor specimens. https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/319420-Who-uses-a-DVD-recorder-as-a-line-TBC-and-what-do-you-use

I realize this thread is already many years old, but if anyone is still listening or finds this, I'd appreciate the help.

Yep, it's mighty old. And everything here has been repeated hundreds of times in this forum since this thread first appeared.

More questions? I suggest starting a new thread.

Good luck.

[jeffpeck]

Wow, thank you for the fast response to this old thread! Your advise is greatly appreciated.

I ordered the Diamond Multimedia USB 2.0 Video Capture Device For MAC TV Tuners and Video Capture VC500MAC. It was through Amazon Prime so I figure that if it does not do the job as expected, I can easily return it.

I will keep looking for a quality TBC.

[lordsmurf]

An external TBC cleans the signal. Without signal cleaning, capture card will reject it or give errors (dropped frames, etc).
An internal line/field TBC (tied to DNR) cleans the image.
Not the same.
You need both good VCR and good external TBC.

Quality non-flawed external TBC will run about $400, yes.
VCR in good condition will run about $300+.

This post was started in 2005. It's now 2017. You need to stay far, far away from this VCR model. It was passable at best then, but should be entirely avoided now. It will have problems, even if claimed otherwise by the eBay goon/seller. Caps are dried, heads worn/shot, etc. (Good grief, now I'm sounding like Orsetto!) This isn't what you want.

Alternative marketplace for good used gear = http://www.digitalFAQ.com/forum/marketplace/

[jeffpeck]

Thank you. You guys are saving me the hassle of finding this stuff out myself the hard way. I appreciate the advice.

I have the capture card now and I'm going to give it a try on Sat night / Sunday, looking for missed frames, etc. before I just go for it and buy a TBC.

If I buy a TBC and keep it in great condition, is there a reasonable expectation that I should be able to sell when I'm done for most of what I paid for it?

[lordsmurf]

If I buy a TBC and keep it in great condition, is there a reasonable expectation that I should be able to sell when I'm done for most of what I paid for it?

Yes.