A TBC Tale (page 4)
Transcoding and Component Adapters
Earlier, we discussed composite and Y/C video processing. A composite signal runs through the standard video connector on VCRs, while Y/C will add to the resolution and color purity of S-VHS and Hi8 tapes.
Most TBCs we listed have both composite and Y/C connectors, but if you use a composite input, you have to use a composite output. They don't transcode. Transcoding lets you mix inputs and outputs while allowing you to take advantage of the Y/C features at the output stage.
A transcoding adapter on your TBC works well when using a Toaster together with S-VHS or Hi8. The Toaster has only composite inputs and outputs; the transcoder will let you maintain the benefits of S-VHS or Hi8 and still use the Toaster.
Nova makes the NovaMate XT transcoding TBC for $1450 on a card or $2130 as a rack-mount unit. I.Den makes the IXT-7, a stand-alone transcoding TBC with a comb filter for $2495. The I.Den IVT-7 is a stand-alone transcoding TBC for $2630. And Feral's transcoding TBC, model A 4:2:2/T1, costs $2390 and includes standards conversion (more on that later).
If you're working with Betacam or MII tape formats, you'll need a component adapter if you want to take advantage of the RGB component recording quality of these broadcast VCRs. Prime Image makes the XPON plug-in TBC with component and Y/C for $1650. Nova makes a component add-on adapter for their TBCs, the model NC-1 for $1000. Digital Processing Systems makes a complete stand-alone component TBC for $2995. I.Den's IVT-9+ is a stand-alone TBC that transcodes between composite, Y/C and component for $4500.
Avoid Dropouts
We have talked about how TBCs stabilize pictures, improve the color and even reduce video noise. But some go a step further and remove the annoying white horizontal streaks that occur when the oxide on the tape gets a little scratched. Video professionals call these streaks dropouts, and some TBCs have dropout compensators that cover up that streak with a line of video. To get this level of sophistication, you'll have to pay considerably more than you would for a basic TBC.
Digital Processing Systems offers their Model 220 stand-alone TBC with a dropout compensator for $3495. JVC makes a TBC with dropout compensation--the model F250U ($3950). Another stand-alone unit is the For-A model 510 with digital noise correction for $4700.
Standards Conversion with Your TBC
Since TBCs digitize the incoming video, they can also modify the signals for international television standards. When you send copies of your masterpiece to other countries, you'll need to convert them to the appropriate standard, such as PAL or SECAM.
Several TBC manufacturers offer add-on cards for standards conversion. Prime Image makes their model XPON-TBC that combines all the functions of a TBC and converts tapes to and from PAL (but not SECAM). It costs $1650 for the basic card, plus $295 for an optional remote control. Another $499 gets you the optional comb filter.
Feral makes their A 4:2:2/T1 TBC that converts between American standard and PAL tapes. This stand-alone unit includes a proc amp and a comb filter for $2390.
