Vidicraft Proc Amp Standalone Video Processing Amplifier BNC Luminance Chroma

Vidicraft Proc Amp Standalone Video Processing Amplifier BNC Luminance Chroma

The Vidicraft Proc Amp is a standalone analog video processing amplifier designed to correct and adjust composite video signals in real time. Built by Vidicraft Inc. of Portland, Oregon, it provides hands-on control over luminance gain, chroma gain, chroma phase, and signal mode — all of which can be dialed in independently via front-panel knobs. A built-in luminance level meter (0–100%) gives immediate visual feedback on signal output level.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Vidicraft Inc., Portland, OR — Made in U.S.A.
• Type: Standalone video processing amplifier (proc amp)
• Signal format: Analog composite video
• Input connector: BNC (1x, rear panel)
• Output connectors: BNC (1x) and RCA (1x), rear panel
• Mode selector: Mono / Bypass / Color
• Luminance controls: Gain knob (front panel)
• Chroma controls: Gain (unity) and Phase (normal) knobs (front panel)
• Luminance level meter: Analog VU-style, 0–50–100% scale
• Power: 115V AC, 50–60 Hz, 6 watts
• DC supply: 12V, 0.25A
• Form factor: Tabletop / standalone desktop unit
• Includes: Attached AC power cord

Applications

Proc amps like this Vidicraft unit were standard tools in analog video production and post-production facilities from the 1970s through the 1990s. They are used to stabilize and correct composite video signals from cameras, VCRs, and other sources before recording, broadcast, or dubbing. By adjusting luminance (brightness/contrast) and chroma (color saturation and hue/phase) independently, a proc amp allows an operator to compensate for signal degradation, level mismatches between sources, or color casts introduced by tape dropout or aging tape stock. The bypass mode passes the signal through unmodified for comparison. This type of unit was commonly found in cable access studios, broadcast engineering racks, video duplication facilities, and professional editing suites of the era. Vidicraft was a well-regarded Portland-based manufacturer of video processing equipment during the analog video production period. These units remain useful today for anyone working with legacy analog video formats — including VHS, U-matic, Betamax, and other composite-signal sources — particularly for tape transfer, preservation, and archiving workflows.