Text Box: TCS TVT-16 Telecine

Self-Contained Film to Video Transfer Machine 

 Replaces Elmo Transvideo.  The Tobin Video Transfer TVT-16 telecine models are designed for easily making improved quality video transfers from 16mm movie film.  The telecine projector, camera module and complete optical system are built-in. No slaving over a hot computer for hours... just plug into almost any DVD or MiniDV video recorder and monitor, and transfer or broadcast in real time as if copying a tape or disc. No computer required, no extra computer programs to learn, no tricky field and imaging lens alignments by the operator needed, no darkened room. Or connect to a computer if you wish. In addition, there are both Silent and Sound speeds in one machine.

 Direct Imaging Picture Quality. A CCD sensor and our exclusive technology assures a sharp, steady image without objectionable flicker. Video outputs are standard Composite video, also optional Y/C (S-Video) for optimum DVD and Mini-DV quality.  Composite video is through a broadcast quality BNC jack, and a cable or adapter is furnished to feed the signal to the Yellow RCA jack on consumer equipment. The speeds are crystal controlled to .005% accuracy, eliminating any flicker adjustment by the user. The exposure level can be set fully manually if desired for running density corrected film prints, or two automatic modes are provided. The 1CCD Y/C model uses a new high grade Sensor Technologies 1/3" camera module with Sony Grade 6 DSP (digital signal processing) CCD and 480 TV line (640 pixels) resolution. A 3CCD camera version rated at 800 TV lines (1067 pixels) resolution using a Hitachi HV-D30 camera is now offered, also with Component outputs as an option.

 

 Two Crystal Running Speeds. Film that was photographed at either 16-18 or 24 FPS (frames per second) can be run with natural looking screen action close to the original speed, and no objectionable flicker. Speed change is with a simple switch and no menu changes or other adjustments are required.

    

  Frame By Frame Scanning. The TVT-16 scans one film frame at a time, in real time while each frame is stationary in the gate, so each video field contains information from just one film picture. Electronic shuttering, instead of a physical shutter, gives absolutely zero flicker in the video. True and standard NTSC “2-3 Pulldown” and PAL “2-2 Pulldown” as on expensive film scanners, for trouble-free 24P or 25P display on progressive scan monitors, or for up-conversion to HDTV. There is no blending of consecutive film frames on any video field.

 

 Maximum Film Safety. Time-proven Autoload automatic threading. A three-tooth pulldown claw distributes stress for minimal perforation wear and more reliable transport of problem film. Automatic loop restorer. Reel capacity is 2300 feet for up to one hour shows at 24 FPS.

 

 Audio Reproduction. The TVT-16 models include standard optical (photographic) audio playback. Outputs are RCA phono jack for unbalanced –10 dBv and XLR electronically balanced at +4 dBu from a typical sound track.

 

 Footage Counter. No customer arguments if you can write an exact figure on their bill!

 

 Heavy Duty Construction. The light source features Cosine Correction for even illumination from corner to corner. Linear voltage to logarithmic current conversion of the Exposure correction knob for smoother and more gradual manual light control. A compact built-in 3-CCD Hitachi HV-D30 camera with quite noticeably higher 800 TV line (1067 pixel) resolution, higher sensitivity, lower noise and somewhat better color is now offered as an option, and also with Component outputs if you wish.

 

 Instructions can be seen here.

 

Models for NTSC (USA type) or PAL (European) video:

 

 Note: Running speeds for NTSC are nominally 15 and 24 (exactly 14.985 and 23.976) FPS (frames per second) without blending film frames, “pulldown” at 23.976 FPS is 2-3 the same as on an expensive film scanner.

 Upon request, we can supply in NTSC with 20 and 24 (exactly 19.98 and 23.976) FPS instead.

 PAL models run at 16-2/3 and 25 FPS:

 

TVT-16 1CCD is $4300. With high grade Sentech Y/C camera.

TVT-16 3CCD is $6800. With Hitachi HV-D30 or HV-D30P camera.

 

 Please specify NTSC video output (USA type) or PAL video output (European type.) Film counter for USA units measures feet, and overseas units can be set to measure meters. Let us know your preference.

 

 Component outputs are available with 3CCD cameras for an additional $100. Kindly indicate whether you want RGB or

Y, B-Y, R-Y (same as Y Pb Pr) signals. The Composite and Y/C outputs are not available any more with this option. If you want to use the Hitachi RC-Z3 fancy remote control unit, let us know and we will cut a hole in the camera cover to clear the cable, and change a camera internal switch setting.

 

 Automatic White Balance: Tiny switch #1 out of 8 on the back of the 1CCD Y/C camera module’s rear circuit board controls fixed or automatic white balance (AWB). With the switch On, the white balance is fixed at our neutral factory setting. With the switch Off, the fixed setting is defeated and the camera continuously adjusts the white balance. This will help off-color film somewhat, but there is usually not enough range to fully correct film that was shot with the wrong filter setting. Since the AWB can cause odd color effects with good film we normally ship the TVT with the AWB turned off. Caution: the camera is static sensitive, and the switches and nearby adjustments and components are delicate. Camera damage by the user is not covered by warranty.

 

 Expendables: Replacement sound exciter lamps, type BAK (200 hours rated life, Krypton gas filled) $10 or you can also use type BRS (50 hours rated life, vacuum) $2.50. These are “NOS” new old stock USA brands which might or might not have been actually made in USA. In practice the lamps last much longer owing to being run at reduced voltage. The BAK can still also be obtained as new stock from foreign manufacturers.

 

 Confused by some of the misinformation about telecine that is floating around the internet? Get the straight scoop here.

 

 Ready to order now? Please see our ordering info page. An order worksheet is here.

 

 Not quite ready? Prospective purchasers can get our free NTSC DVD demo disc on request. Please send an e-mail.

 

 Film Preparation note: Before copying film on any telecine equipment, it is recommended that the film be first inspected and defective splices and damaged sections removed. It should then be cleaned and lubricated. Directions and sources of supplies are given in the instructions.

 

 Can’t afford every possible format of telecine? Transfer companies who have bought some basic equipment from us, can have us copy odd format film on their behalf. See our capabilities here and contact us for more details.

 

 

For 16mm Copies to DVD, MiniDV Video

Rights Notice: Material on film, tape, disc or otherwise may be subject to stated or implied Copyright or Performance Right, or the right to privacy, etc. depending on the laws of your country. Unauthorized duplication may be a violation that is civil or criminal in nature. Equipment or services offered by TCS Inc. should not be construed as inviting criminal activity. The user should ascertain if duplication might violate any rights, and obtain a written release from each affected party. Consult your attorney about any specific instance.