Digital Processing Systems Personal TBC IV
Description
The Digital Processing Systems Personal TBC IV (model VT-2600) is a time base corrector designed for the Amiga video production market. Released in 1994, it provides infinite window time base correction with digital 4:2:2 component processing, making it suitable for use with consumer and prosumer VCRs including VHS, S-VHS, and Hi8 formats.
The unit features composite and wideband S-Video inputs and outputs, with full proc amp controls for video level, black level, chroma, and hue adjustment. Additional controls include red/blue color balance, horizontal and vertical Y/C delay, and various freeze and strobe effects including film-mode strobe for simulating 3:2 pulldown.
When used with the Personal Animation Recorder (PAR), the TBC IV functions as a live video capture board, connecting via a 50-pin ribbon cable through the Component Video Exchange (CVE) bus. This combination enables live video recording directly to the PAR's hard drive.
The standard VT-2600 model offers 2.5 MHz composite bandwidth. The VT-2600WB wideband variant increases this to 5.5 MHz. The Personal TBC IV Plus variant includes the DC-2600 Wideband Comb Filter Decoder daughtercard, which provides a 3-line adaptive comb filter decoder that boosts composite bandwidth from 2.5 MHz to 5.5 MHz, making it suitable for use with U-Matic SP VCRs.
The unit is controlled via RS-232 serial connection, typically from an Amiga computer running DPS control software. An ISA interface allows installation in Amiga 2000, 3000, and 4000 systems with bridgeboard configurations.
Specifications
| Parameter | VT-2600 | VT-2600WB / TBC IV Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Composite Bandwidth | 2.5 MHz | 5.5 MHz |
| S-Video Bandwidth | 5.5 MHz | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 58 dB | |
| TBC Window | Infinite (3 fields) | |
| Processing | Component digital 4:2:2 | |
| Interface | ISA | |
Model Variants
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| VT-2600 | Standard composite bandwidth (2.5 MHz) |
| VT-2600WB | Wideband composite (5.5 MHz) |
| Personal TBC IV Plus | Includes DC-2600 Wideband Comb Filter Decoder |
Optional Accessories
- DC-2600 Wideband Comb Filter Decoder - 3-line adaptive comb filter daughtercard that increases composite bandwidth to 5.5 MHz
Compatibility
The Personal TBC IV is designed for use with Amiga computers equipped with ISA bridgeboards:
- Amiga 2000
- Amiga 3000
- Amiga 4000
When combined with the Personal Animation Recorder (PAR), the TBC IV enables live video capture capabilities.
