Datavideo TBC-1000 audio inputs question

[gymnastgirl]

Hi all,
I was wondering if it is 100% ok to bypass the audio inputs on the Datavideo TBC-1000? I read posts saying that they don't do anything but I have to wonder why they would be there and if they are used to sync audio with the video somehow. Thank you in advance for any help you can give. =)

[lordsmurf]

They pass and split. Remember there are 4 outputs. The audio lags by a frame (half a field), 1/60th of a second, beyond your ability to see a difference.

[gymnastgirl]

Thanks for the reply lordsmurf but I don't understand some of it. I looked for a pic of the back of the TBC-1000 but couldn't find it so I have no idea why someone would need 4 outputs. Do you use the audio inputs?

[davideck]

The TBC-1000 includes distribution amplifiers to allow dubbing to multiple recorders at once. It also has 4 sets of video outputs.

There is no need to route audio through the TBC-1000 unless multiple outputs are required.

BTW, 1 Frame = 2 Fields = 1/30 sec for NTSC, 1/25 sec for PAL.

The video delay through a TBC/Frame Synchronizer ranges from 0 to 1 Frame, and it is constantly changing as the video output reference timing drifts with respect to the video input. The delay can also step abruptly between 0 and 1 Frame whenever an input frame is repeated or dropped in order to maintain frame synchronization.

Compensating for this video delay behavior in the audio path would be problematic. A fixed audio delay of 1 field might be the best compromise, but the TBC-1000 does not do this.

[gymnastgirl]

Thank you very much davideck for your response! I take it that any delay in audio/video sync would not be noticed by not using the audio input/outputs on the TBC-1000. I would appreciate any posts about anyone noticing anything negative because of not using the audio input/outputs on the TBC-1000 also.

[telefunken]

Regarding the distribution amp on the TBC-1000:

Is it OK to use as a standard distribution amp even if the TBC function isn't required (DVD to multiple VCRs)? I know the TBC softens the image a bit so would it be better to get a separate distribution amp for this purpose or is the TBC-1000 as good as Radio Shack s-video distribution amps?