DataVideo CTB-500 time base corrector?
 

Hello! Just saw this Time Base Corrector from DataVideo. I haven't seen anything on the web about this model. What do you think? It's just composite.

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That looks familiar, like a Cypress rebadge. (Cypress/CYP pre-dates DataVideo by almost a decade.)

"CTB" is also one of the older Cypress naming schemes.

I'd say with 99% certainty that's a Cypress rebadge from when DataVideo was founded (1997), before it made it's own TBCs. It reminds me of a model, but I can recall exact number right now. The knobs are very 520-ish.

The composite-only 90s Cypress were not impressive.

Hi,

I bought this exact same unit weeks ago from Wallapop just to gamble with a cheap Frame TBC since I can't afford any of the recommended TBCs at this moment.

I have been testing it with several tapes, I'm far from being an expert but I haven't found much difference with using a PAL Panasonic DMR E-65 in passthrough mode. I'm getting no dropped or (minimal) inserted frames with the Panasonoic and not with this TBC added into the workflow either (VCR>Panasonic>Datavideo TBC>Capture Card), so I think I will continue my project with the Panasonic since it has a line TBC(ish) that my VCR lacks.

If you want me to do any checks or tests with this Datavideo TBC let me know, because I will probably put it on sale soon.

Regards

How effective this unit is has never been determined.

Lots of TBCs are effectively "in name only", due to weaknesses. Or intended for specific issues, to non-consumer formats. For example, I know several Tenlab units claim to have TBC, but do absolutely nothing. This Cypress is from that same Tenlab era, so it gives me pause.

I'm not yet convinced that it is/has TBC, as per our normal modern VHS/Hi8/etc capture definitions. It may only meet older pre-capture definition.

@evilnat:

Welcome. :)

- What did you pay for it?
- Where in the world are you?

Hello,

I'm pretty sure that this unit is pre-capture era, looks like a late 90s item to me.

I paid 150€ with shipping for it, I'm located in Spain.

It is a composite only only though, not usefull if someone has the S-Video workflow. But if that's the only option available to you it is still better than nothing for problematic tapes.