TBC-1000 s-video outputs gray video?
 

So I recently picked up a cheap TBC-1000 off eBay that allowed returns. I tested it out and it seemed like everything was fine with it. Powered on, and I got a good video signal from all the composite outputs. Didn't test the S Video outputs at the time. Opened it up to see if any of the capacitors were bulging and was surprised to only find one showing signs of going bad (16v 470uF under the power button in the back).

Just finished up changing out that capacitor and all the other larger caps in the unit (16V 1000uF and 25V 1000uF). I did some testing with the TBC to make sure all the outputs worked. All the composite outputs are fine, and outputs C and D for s-video looked good too. A and B, however, show video signal, but it looks like they're in black and white. Any idea what could cause this kind of problem? I've attached some screenshots to show what I'm seeing.

You should probably just replace all of the caps in there. 80% of mine were out of spec and they didn't show any bulging.

Are you referring to every pcb? Or just the one in the back with the audio and video outputs?

I bypassed the distribution amplifier on mine (so the board is totally missing on mine), but the ones on the main board in particular and that small side board are almost always bad. Basically anything CapXon (not sure on the spelling) brand are almost guaranteed to be bad. I've heard the proc amp boards can have issues, but I can't say for sure about the failure rate on caps on that, but I'd still recommend replacing any caps of that brand at a minimum.

That's good to know. I'll start checking the specs on those caps to finish the recap!

A bit late, but need to add:

This is a confirmed caps issue.

However, I would suggest NOT replacing them at this time. :warning:

I'm assuming you're like most users now, and only need a single output for capture purposes. Understand that DataVideo units (most TBCs, actually) do have a "repair risk", and things can go sideways during repair. I've seen more than one DataVideo unit fail, both myself and others. A/B and C/D are paired. If C/D works great, just use it, not the A/B. Because C/D ain't broke, don't fix it.

Be sure to test the unit with a JVC VCR menu, and check for ghosting on the supposed "good" C/D output. If it ghosts, then caps replacement is unavoidable.

If I had to repair the unit, I'd do as suggest, and bypass the VP-299 altogether.