VHS capture Workflow suggestion
 

I have a Panasonic AG1980 and Happauge USB2 Live and Diamond VC500. It does a good job but the recording is not to full satisfaction. It is suggested by many here I get a TBC in between my AG1980 and one of my usb capture devices. TBC-1000 is highly suggested but it is too expensive and I am highly doubtful it will produce the results worth the cost. Any alternatives I can consider as a TBC more reasonably priced?

Keep in mind external TBC has nothing to do with video quality if that's what you are referring to, It stabilize signal timing, such as frame tearing, flagging, roll, dropped frames, Audio/Video out of synch ... etc.
Post a short clip so we can assess the problems you are having.

In my several attempts the only real issue I am seeing is video noise. Also a minor frame synch issue in a few videos. Also some jerkiness on the digitized version in some of the video.