Last updated on February 28th, 2024 at 06:25 am
What is a Time Base Corrector?
A time base corrector (TBC) stabilizes video quality and video signals output from tapes.
When we talk about time base, we’re talking about the rate (based on time) at which each line, field, and frame of video that is reproduced when video is played back,
Taking NTSC video, for example, a line’s duration is 63.4 microseconds. A field’s duration is 1/60 of a second and a frame’s duration is 1/30 of a second.
When the reproduced video doesn’t replicate these settings, then we have a time base error.
Entry-level consumer VCRs often deviate from the above settings. Hence the need for a time base corrector.
General idea: If a VCR can’t play back a tape at the speed it was recorded, time base errors occur.
Time Base Corrector History
According to the May issue of the Filmmakers Newsletter 1975, the first standalone Time Base Corrector was introduced at the 1972 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Convention.
It was unveiled by Television Microtime, Inc.
“The development of the Time Base Corrector is one of the single most important advances in the videotape and broadcasting fields in recent years, for it allows the independent videotape producer working with helical scan equipment to produce tapes that can eventually be shown on broadcast television or over a cable system. It also allows commercial broadcasters to use the less expensive helical equipment in their newsgathering operations,” said the newsletter.
It was not until 1980 that it was offered for sale in Japan. The TBC weighed over 50 kg and cost 4 million yen (USD 34000). (Source: TV Technology magazine June 1993).
Why Do Time Base Errors Occur?
Any of the following may give rise to time baser errors:
- Tape wear – tape that is often played – wear is quicker on low-quality tape material
- Misalignment of VCR head(s)
- Mechanical problems associated with tape playback
What are the Signs of Time Base Errors?
The following are signs of time base errors:
- screen jitter
- red and blue haze (commonly found on VHS tape playback)
- dropped frames
- audio synchronization problem
- jagged frames
What Does a Time Base Corrector Do?
In short, TBC is a video error correction mechanism. It corrects the time-related errors that occur when video is played back on a VCR.
A TBC corrects these errors or improves on them before the video signal reaches the intended destination (TV set or video capture device).
Among the issues a TBC addresses are:
- flag-waving
- tearing
- skew error
- hue shift
- color streaking
When Do You Need a TBC?
You need a time base corrector when you’re working with VHS and S-VHS tapes. You’ll need a time base corrector when playing the VHS and S-VHS.
You’ll also need a TBC when you copy tape from one VCR to another.
Most importantly, you’ll need a time base corrector when you’re undertaking analog to digital video conversion.
In the days old, VHS and S-VHS need to be time-base corrected before they were ready to be used in TV broadcast stations.
How Does a Time Base Corrector Work?
Video played is sent to a buffer in the time base corrector. The video is then corrected before it is output.
How does the correction take place? The TBC rebuilds each and every scan line of the analog video signal to provide a stable picture.
In other words, lines are stored and used to reconstruct the video frame by frame before sending the ‘repaired’ video to the destination device.
Types of Time Base Correctors
Full-Frame TBC
This type of TBC is an external or standalone unit. Video signal from the VTR is sent to the device. It examines the signal and corrects it. Then the ‘corrected’ signal is transmitted to the receiving device.
What areas can this TBC fix? It can adjust brightness, contrast, color saturation, and even image sharpness.
So, you can rest assured that bouncy jitters, dropped frames and visual distortions will be fixed.
Professional or High-End VCRs with Built-In TBC
This is often used in video production companies. It isn’t as effective as the full-frame TBC. Depending on the playback video quality it won’t always remove jitters.
Still, it can fix:
- chroma noise (red or blue hue common to VHS tape formats)
- horizontal jitters
- color bleeding
DVD Recorder TBC
Some DVD recorders come with a built-in time base correction feature. So, they can be used as pass-through TBC.
This option will suit you if you don’t have the budget to buy a standalone TBC or you already have a VHS or S-VHS player without TBC.
This feature isn’t only available with standalone DVD recorders. It is also available with certain VHS player – DVD recorder combos.
However, don’t expect the TBC feature to be as good as the full-frame TBC devices or pro-level VCRs with built-in TBC. Depending on the unit you use, it will surely improve your video.
Time Base Correctors for Sale
In this age of HD video, time base correctors aren’t really needed. Still, if you deal with tape formats, especially for conversion to digital, you would find TBC a useful addition to your video production arsenal.
Here are some TBC buying ideas.
Standalone TBC
AVT-8710 Time Base Corrector
This time base corrector supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM video and undertakes dual-field full-frame rebuilding.
You get to remove or minimize most of the common time base errors to give you an improved and stable picture.
A feature to note is the integral processing amplifier. Through it, you can adjust video brightness, contrast, color saturation, hue, and sharpness.
Video can be input and output through composite and S-Video connections.
The time base corrector is powered by a 15VDC Power Adapter (external).
Here’s an example of the video quality enhancement you can get with this unit.
Check out the AVT-8710 Time Base Corrector.
S-VHS VCR with TBC
Panasonic AG-1980 S-VHS VCR
This S-VHS VCR works with NTSC video only. It comes with a full-field TBC feature.
Users have reported excellent results with the TBC feature the VCR comes with.
Check out the Panasonic AG-1980 S-VHS VCR with TBC.
DVD Recorder with TBC
Panasonic DMR-E55S Progressive Scan DVD Recorder
This DVD recorder unit comes with a built-in time base corrector. It will take care of any jitter if it happens due to a time base error.
On top of that, it comes with a 3D Y / C separation circuitry. This helps reduce dot crawl and color smearing as a result of the ‘cross-talk’ between the video Y and C signals.
It comes in handy when recording analog video from VCRs and camcorders.
Add to that a 3D DNR feature. 3D-DNR stands for multidimensional digital noise reduction. It takes care of unnecessary picture noise and image distortion.
Check out the Panasonic DMR-E55S Progressive Scan DVD Recorder
References
Filmmakers Newsletter 1975-05: Vol 8 Issue 7
Basic TV Technology : Digital and Analog by Robert L. Hartwig,
