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  1. Member
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    My first Zorilla filter from a few years ago appears to have died - black scrolling lines appear after I've left the thing plugged in for a few hours. So it's time to get a new one, and I'm wondering whether you guys have any experience with the following few:

    http://www.stardevelopment.com/videomagicdvd.htm
    http://www.barrel-of-monkeys.com/graphics/prod/dvdauthoring/videographerB.shtml

    I'm hoping to use s-video, which rules out the Red Pro and a couple others.
    I'd be using this in a dvd-player to Panasonic dvd-recorder hookup.

    Alternatively, I'm considering just getting a TBC for the primary purpose of eliminating the macrovision and cgms signals. I've seen the AVT-8710 recommended in a few posts - do you guys think this would be the best option for accomplishing this goal without paying a ton? Does this thing ever "wear out" like my previous filter did?

    Thanks for the help!
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  2. Member ricky d's Avatar
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    I own a similar device, and the thing only removes macrovision. Any noticeable video "stablization" is questionable at best.

    Your title states - Different video filters/TBC. I think you already know these devices are no substitues for a good TBC. If you're gonna spend $60 to $100 for this device, you mine as well "camp out" on eBay and find yourself a good TBC.

    A good TBC will do what you want and more. Go ahead and spend another $50 and get something decent (that should not wear out). I have been watching "good" TBCs on eBay (for the last several months) go for around $150...

    I have never used a 8710, cause they look kinda cheap. I have a Datavideo and Feral TBC and I can honestly say the difference between a consumer and commercial TBC are night and day!!!
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  3. Member
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    Thanks ricky d. I think at this point I'm leaning towards the TBC - do you have suggestions of ones for me to look at other than the 8710? I've read through the TBC buyer's guide and didn't see discussion many different models there.
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  4. Member ricky d's Avatar
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    This will vary widely from person to person with many different opinions. In my experience (testing) with 4 different external TBCs; I think it's a good idea to hold on to 2 different units for mild to heavy treatment [I have used the For A, Feral, Datavideo, and Sony external TBCs] - I kept the 2 below...

    In my opinion the Datavideo 1000 / 3000 is a consumer type of TBC, giving a mild treatment to a misaligned video source. I know many would disagree with the following statement: but I believe this device does not really do shit to most tapes. I use it for tapes that look pretty decent, and do not need a lot of treatment - It helps a little to sinc and clean the video, and smooth out the lines / edges.

    Then I have the Feral A. This device is realy impressive with bad tapes. It can clean and lock the image like no other TBC that I have sene before. However, it's a bit "harsh" on the image. Your colors will be a bit off and you may have some scan lines through the video. This would deter most, but when you have a device that can clean all of the "flagging" and "artifacting" on old tapes, I think it's definately an invaluable tool. Especially if you have a proc amp and detailer (and a possible SW treatment) - this can really do wonders with tapes that look bad everywhere else.

    I know it's a little confusing, but IMO 1 device will not be a "cure all" to all of your analog / conversion problems. If you're just doing a DVD to DVD transfer, than the answer is simple. Just use a Datavideo or 8710 since its digital and not a whole lot of clean up needs to be involved...
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  5. Member
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    Great, thanks again. Should there be any problem in hooking this up with my Panasonic recorder if it has a tbc built in (I'm assuming a line-based one)?
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  6. Member ricky d's Avatar
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    Nope - The models listed above are full frame TBCs, they use different modes of correction / stabilization. You should have no problems, if you do just disable the linear TBC or unhook the external full frame device.

    You will have to play with the different combinations...
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