NovaMate NovaTrol 2 TBC - How the heck do I use it??

[jbd5010]

I've seen the NovaTrol 2 mentioned on a few threads, but no one provided any details.

I'm able to pass a video signal through using S-Video, but nothing I change on the front panel seems to affect the picture output. Adjusting Proc Amp settings doesn't do anything, let alone TBC settings.

I notice two buttons seem to be dual purpose, however I can't figure out exactly how to differentiate between the two purposes. One set of labels above each button says "Y/C" and "Composite." That makes sense. But then in italics to the left of each button is "Sync Oper" and "Sync Bypass." What?? Does sync only work on composite video? That doesn't make sense.. and why won't the proc amp do anything??

There is essentially NO info on this unit or even the NovaMate brand that I can find...

[jbd5010]

For the benefit of anyone looking at this thread later... I had the video set to the wrong channel. You have to hit the CHAN button (upper left of front panel) and twist the knob to set the right channel. It can throw you off because it takes approximately 1 - 2 seconds for the channel to change, while changing all other functions with that knob happens instantly.

The proc amp works fine. It's hard to tell if I have the TBC set and working correctly; I'm inclined to say I don't based on some tests on crappy tapes, but I need to compare results with running those same tapes through some JVC units with TBC. If anyone reads this and has experience with the NovaTrol 2 unit I'd be thankful for any tips you can provide.

***EDIT***
TBC works great. Found a tape with very distinct time base errors and did a capture with and without the NovaTrol unit using a Quasar VHQ-960 which has absolutely no filters or TBC built in.

[jbd5010]

One more quick comment: this unit has a strobe function that is selectable from 1 to 9 FPS, and it also has a "film" setting which I'm assuming is 24fps. When I finish up my VHS home movie collection, I'll move on to my dad's Super 8mm films... this unit might prove invaluable in creating a flicker-free telecine (since I'm NOT spending thousands on a Rank Cintel or similar machine).

[StoreThor]

Hi JBD,

Very interested in the Novamate but cannot find any information on the unit.

DO you know where I can find some spec's on it?

Can you list the functions and feature, and post a picture of the front and back.

Thanks a million.

[jbd5010]

Sorry, StoreThor, I actually sold this unit months ago. It didn't help with consumer VHS tapes very much. Also, I Never found any documentation on it so I was probably missing some of the settings. I ended up getting a TBC-1000 instead.