Digitizing from Hi-8 - how to incorporate TBC question

[John BKNY]

Hello.

I'm using a Canopus AVDC 110 to capture Hi-8 tapes. I also have a small, blue gun equipped video monitor (Panasonic BTS901Y 9") and a Hotronic AP-31 TBC that I'd like to use to -hopefully- improve the quality of the captured video.

Here's what I think is true: from the source VCR (camcorder actually) the signal should go through the TBC and then to monitor, and then the AVDC 110.

Questions -

If I split the signal after the TBC and run one to the video monitor and one to the AVDC 110 will there be a problem with signal strength?
Am I right that I should run a test signal through the TBC to adjust it before capturing?
If so, is the monitor sufficient for judging any adjustments to be made to the signal by the TBC - for example, by running color bars through the TBC and viewing them with the blue gun on the monitor?
Or do I also need some kind of waveform monitor/vectorscope?
If so, do you think I should go with a hardware or software waveform/vectorscope? ( I use Mac + Final Cut Express )

Big questions. Thanks for your help!

John

[DB83]

I don't see the point of the monitor for video since all should appear at the display from the advc.

But if you want to use this and split the video signal then there is IMO likely to be signal loss unless you use an active (powered) splitter.

[2Bdecided]

What you see on a TV monitor (with respect to TBC performance) is irrelevant - it's how the ADVC captures it post-TBC that matters. Check the preview on the PC.