Here is a listing of all the videotape formats I have come across in my travels. I don't have much data on the vast majority of these. If anyone has any data on any of these odd formats, I would appreciate it if you could share it with this site. Email me at the address at the bottom of this page.
Most of the specifications given are explained in the tutorial on videotape theory available on the 'Quadruplex Park' home page. The rest are self explanatory.
Sites are listed in order of decreasing tape width.
I hope you find this site useful!
These formats all predate, or were contemporary with, Quadruplex. Year Inventor Scan system Format details Notes 1951 Marvin Camras Arcuate 20,000 rpm 3 heads Inspired Ampex! 1951 Mullin/Johnson Longitudnal 360 ips 1 channel At Bing Crosby labs 1951 Harry Olson Longitudnal 360 ips 1 channel At RCA labs 1952 Ginsburg/Dolby Arcuate 18,000 rpm 3/4 heads Ampex mark 1 (below) 1952 Mullin/Johnson Longitudnal 120 ips 12 channels At Bing Crosby labs 1952 BBC Longitudnal Beginning of VERA project (See below) 1953 RCA (Olson) Longitudnal 360 ips, 5 channels 'Simplex', first color 1954 RCA (Olson) Longitudnal ?? Intended for the home All the formats above except perhaps the first one, were publically demonstrated at one point or another. Many others were tried and abandoned. The Ampex Arcuate format, the Bing Crosby format and VERA have entries in the format table below.
Format name: Arcuate scan (Ampex Mark 1) SMPTE type:
Format type: Analog Scanning system: 3 or 4 head arcuate
Year introduced: early 60's Developer: Ampex Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s): 30 IPS
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: 1 1/4" (4 head) Track width: Track angle: arcuate
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: 2.5" Speed: 18,000 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed: 2500 ips Gap width: (4 heads)
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1200 (4 heads) No. of lines/segment: less than 1 line!
Control track width: Recorded waveform: ???
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel:
Amplitude modulation was employed with a bandwidth of about 2.5 MHz
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: no audio tracks! Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: not invented yet!
REMARKS: This format was the very first attempt that Ampex made at building
a videotape recorder. It was first employed in 1952 and was abandoned
in late 1954, in favor of transverse scan. (Quadruplex). The system
consisted of three or four heads mounted on the face of a disk. These
heads scanned arc-shaped tracks on a flat piece of 2 inch tape moving
at 30 inches/second. Although not expicitily stated in any account
of this system, it used a head speed of 18,000 RPM. This gave a
segmentation of less than 1 line per scan! The RF was coupled to the
head using rotary capacitors, and I think this is the only format on
which this was tried. The head rotation speed was locked to the fifth
harmonic (300 Hz) of the power line. A once-around tach signal was
derived from the rotating head with a photocell, and this was recorded
on the tape as a control track. A novel format, but it had too many
problems with timebase stability to be practical.
Click here for a picture of the Arcuate Scan prototype
VTR, the Mark 1.
Format name: Quadruplex SMPTE type: Quadruplex
Format type: Analog Scanning system: 4 head transverse scan
Year introduced: 1956 Developer: Ampex Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s): 15, 7.5 ips.
Tape thickness: .001" Nominal Playing time(s): up to 4 hrs., 16 min.
Cassette dimensions: 2 5/8" X 5 1/8" X 3 3/8" (SMPTE cart used in
quad spot players. Most machines were reel-reel.)
VIDEO: Track length: 1.84" Track width: 5 or 10 mils Track angle: 33 min.
@ 15 ips, 17 min. @ 7.5 ips. (10 mil head for high speed only)
Guard band width: 5 mils Headwheel diameter: 2.064" Speed: 14,400 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1561-1557 in/sec, depending on headwaer.
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A Gap width: .89 micron
No. of segments/field: 16 No. of lines/segment: 16-17
Control track width: .045" Recorded waveform: sine wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(Low band mono)
Sync tip frequency: 4.28 MHz Blanking frequency: 5.0 MHz
Peak white frequency: 6.8 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(Low band color)
Sync tip frequency: 5.5 MHz Blanking frequency: 5.79 MHz
Peak white frequency: 6.5 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(High Band)
Sync tip frequency: 7.06 MHz Blanking frequency: 7.9 MHz
Peak white freqency: 10.0 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(Super high band)
Sync tip frequency: 9.58 MHz Blanking frequency: 9.9 MHz
Peak white frequency: 10.7 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(Super high band also employed a 5.3693175 MHz pilot tone (1.5 Fsc) for
improved timebase correction.)
[All figures are for CCIR/PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
Tape speed: 39.7 cm/sec (15.626 ips) or 19.85 cm/sec (7.813 in/sec)
Playing time(s): Up to 4 hrs., 6 min. (Low speed, 9600 foot tape)
Track width: 5 or 10 mils. (10 mils for high speed only)
Headwheel speed: 15,000 RPM Track angle: 33 min (High), 17 min (Low)
Head-tape writing speed: 1626-1622 in/sec., depending on headwear.
No. segments/field: 20 No. of lines/segment: 15-16
-- All other specs are the same as for NTSC --
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(Low band)
Sync tip frequency: 4.95 MHz Blanking frequency: 5.5 MHz
Peak white frequency: 6.8 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(High Band)
Sync tip frequency: 7.16 MHz Blanking frequency: 7.8 MHz
Peak white freqency: 9.3 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(Super high band)
Sync tip frequency: 8.94 MHz Blanking frequency: 10 MHz
Peak white frequency: 12.4(?) MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
(Super high band also employed a 6.650428 MHz pilot tone (1.5 Fsc)
for improved timebase correction. It also supposedly used a tape speed
of 15.24 cm/sec, a video track width of .114 mm (4.48 mil), a guard
band of .038 mm (1.5 mil) and high coercitivity tape.)
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1-3 Track width: .07" (mono
program), .024" (stereo program) .022" (cue)
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: When used, it was recorded on the cue track.
REMARKS: Quadruplex is the original videotape format. It is the only
commercially successful format to use transverse scan. Despite
the standard being nearly 45 years old, it is still used in a few
places.
Click here for a picture of a quadruplex VTR.
Format name: Octaplex SMPTE type:
Format type: Analog composite Scanning system: 8 head transverse
Year introduced: ? Developer: RCA Was format sucessful? Y
NOTE: Was used with an EIA standard 875 line video format of which
I have no other information. The tape format is described
as ASA C98-1965. Any specs not listed here are probably
similar to 5 mil (Half Track) Quadruplex described above.
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s): 7.5 ips single channel
15 ips dual channel
Tape thickness: as per Quad Playing time(s): (10" reel)
46 min single dual chnl 15 ips.
90 min single channel 7.5 ips.
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: 1.82" Track width: 5 mil Track angle:
Guard band width: 2.8 mil single and dual channel
Headwheel diameter: Speed: 1428 RPM (238 RPS)
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: ? No. of lines/segment: ? (Frame rate unknown)
Control track width: 45 mils Recorded waveform: 238 Hz sine wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 7.5 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 10.5 MHz Color carrier frequency: Monochrome only
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only:
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 70/20 mils
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
NOTES: 70 mil (Auxillary 1) track could be used for pulse data, audio+
time code, or audio only. 20 mil (Auxillary 2) track is for pulse
data only.
TIME CODE: Used a variety of IRIG time codes, multiplexed with audio on the
70 mil (Auxillary 1) longitudnal track.
REMARKS: This bizzare format was developed for the military, who needed
to record two video signals output from a radar with a time
registration of less than a microsecond. The novel solution
arrived at was to mount a second set of video heads on a quad
scanner! At any given time, two heads were in contact with the
tape, each recording a seperate video channel. Therefore, every
other track belonged to one video signal. It was used to record an
oddball, 875 line wideband (6 MHz) video format. I have two scanners
for these machines; a machine is being sought after. Other than
the eight heads, and a improved guide servo motor, the heads
look like conventional ball-bearing quad heads of RCA design.
I have good reason that this system was used during the Persian
Gulf War. It is still being used today (3-99) for some FAA radar
projects.
Click here for a picture of an Octaplex head.
Format name: Ampex VR8000 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head omega wrap helical
Year introduced: 1961 Developer: Ampex Was format sucessful? No
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: 8" Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This machine was the first helical scan VTR! It was cancelled just
before it was to go into production, as all the bugs had not been
worked out. (Four of them did make it to customers, but were later
replaced with VR1100's.) If the bottom half of the machine looks like
a VR1100, it is because the VR8000 was the basis for the mechanical
design of the VR1100, a quad VTR, after it's cancellation. The head
pictured below is a prototype head for this machine. It is the first
indivudally replaceable head, and also one of the first ferrite heads.
Click here for a picture of the VR8000.
Format name: JVC KV-1 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: ? Developer: JVC Sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: One of the first Japanese VTR's. Intended for professional use. It is
a really interesting looking machine. It has a seperate tape transport,
and 2 racks of electronics that look remarkably like a VR1000. The
transport itself is lower and longer than the VR1000. The most
remarkable part though, is the picture and audio monitor bridges. They
are mounted on stalks that stick out of the top of the transport, and
can apparently be angled to meet the user's desires.
Format name: Ampex VR 1500/660 SMPTE type: N/A
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1963? Developer: Ampex Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s): 3.7 ips (VR1500)
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 5 hours w/ 12.5" reel
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle: 9 deg
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 641 ips Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(VR1500)
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency: 3.7 MHz
Peak white frequency: 4.7 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: probably not used.
REMARKS: The VR1500 was introduced in late 1963. It may very well have
the honor of being the first consumer VTR! It appeared in the
Christmas, 1963 Neiman-Marcus catalog as part of a $30,000,
900 pound home entertainment center. Known as the Ampex
Signature V, it featured a timer which allowed you to tape
TV shows when you were not at home! Other features included a
21" color TV, stereo tuner, turntable and audio tape recorder.
A black and white TV camera was also included. Installation
included a visit by an Ampex service engineer to set up the
system. The VR1500 was black and white only. It had a video
bandwidth of only 3 MHz. (SNR was 38 dB.) It appears that this
format was an early version of the VR660, the first helical scan VTR
used commonly by the Broadcast Industry. Various features were
available by then to allow color operation, electronic editing, etc.
Click here for a picture of a VR1500.
Format name: IVC 9000 SMPTE type: N/A
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: mid '70's Developer: IVC Was format sucessful? Almost!
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s): 8 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 2 hours 10 1/2" reel,
4 hours optional
Cassette dimensions: n/a
VIDEO: Track length: 5.243 in..Track width: 6 mil Track angle: 19.55 deg.
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 9000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1500 in/sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): None
No. of segments: 5 (6 PAL) No. of lines/segment: 52.5 (52 PAL)
Control track width: 20 mil Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 9.0 MHz Blanking frequency: 9.9 MHz
Peak white frequency: 12.16 MHz Color carrier frequency:
(PAL modulation standards: 9.0/9.9/12.0 MHz)
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 3 (2 Audio, 1 cue)
Track width: 44 mil audio, 20 mil cue
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Dedicated longitudnal track. (20 mil width)
REMARKS: Considered the best analog tape format of all time, IVC corporation
went bankrupt developing the 9000. Nonetheless, about 65 machines were
made, and some very important work done with this short-lived format.
This machine had some very advanced features-- vaccuum columns allowed
tape transport at 300 ips, control head mounted on scanner for better
interchange, three audio channels and ferrite heads. The machine also
employed a vacuum capstan. The downright draconian engineering of this
impressive format gave it a raw timebase stability that was as good as
quad. thus, analog timebase correction was quite adequate. It looks a
lot like an Ampex AVR-1, from which I suspect a lot of it's features
were copied. Plug-in modules (132 of them!) allowed for easy change-out
for options like 4 hour recording time, super wide bandwidth video
(8 MHz), and an ability to record the 655 line, 48 frame special video
format used for a while in motion picture production. Does anybody know
the whereabouts of one ofthese machines?
Click here for a picture of an IVC 9000.
Format name: Sony 1 head helical SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head helical
Year introduced: early 60's Developer: Sony? Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: not used
REMARKS: A very obscure format from the late 50's/early '60s. The early
versions of this machine look a lot like an Ampex VR-1000, with a tape
transport and an electronics rack assembly.(Or, this might have been
Sony's apparently sucessful attempt to reverse-engineer and copy a
VR1000!) Some much smaller, solid state versions of this machine were
built later on. I have recently acquired one of these machines, a model
PV-120u, which bears a final inspection date of 1966. The machine is
extremely well built for it's time, with plug-in electronics, good RF
shielding, and a very solid frame! It has provisions for remote
control, and an electronic editor. This machine was way ahead of it's
time. This machine must be extremely rare, as Sony contacted me,
wondering if I could do a dub! Look for more details on this format as I
study this remarkable machine.
Click here for a picture of a Sony PV-120u VTR.
Format name: 1" transverse SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 4 head transverse
Year introduced: Developer: Hitachi? Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: I have seen exactly one refrence to this format in the literature.
It was apparently a machine developed by NHK for network use.
Format name: Precision Instruments PI-3V SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1963 Developer: Precision Instruments Sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 7.5 in/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 96 min, 10.5" reel
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1, maybe 2 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: One of the first 1" industrial VTR's. Precision Instruments
was apparently a major manufacturer of instrumentation
recorders in the early '60's. The brocure for the machine
mentions recorders built for spacecraft. The machine
appears well designed with refrence to plug-in cards and
a cast aluminum frame. Very little else is known about the
machine or format.
Click here for a picture of a Precision Instruments PI-3V.
Format name: Sony 2 head helical SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1972? Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 63 min w/2,460 ft. tape
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle: 3.966 deg.
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 198.8 mm/sec
Head-to-tape writing speed: 15 meters/sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 2.5 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.9 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: I have two of these in my collection, a model EV-200 and a EV-310.
I know very little about them, other than the fact they use a
two-head, halfwrapped tape format. It is the only 2-head one-inch
machine I have ever personally seen. Despite being built in the early
70's, the EV-200 uses tubes in the motor drive amplifier! It is rumored
that a color adaptor was available for this format, called the CLP-1B.
The two audio channels are also in odd places: One above the video area
and one below. The EV-310 I have may be in operational condition, but
I haven't had time to work on it, yet. One misconception that I have
recently officially cleared up: The EV-2XX and EV-3XX machines are
the same format, and tapes may be freely interchanged between them.
Click here for a picture of a Sony 2 head 1 inch
VTR.
Format name: 1" IVC 800 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head helical
Year introduced: 1970 Developer: IVC Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 6.91 ips (6.73 ips PAL)
Tape thickness: 1.4 mils Playing time(s): 1 hour (8" reel)
Cassette dimensions: N/A 3.75 hr 12.5" reel (3.5 hr PAL)
VIDEO: Track length: 12.053" (30.7 cm PAL) Track width: 6 mils (.19 mm PAL)
Track angle: 4.75 deg
Guard band width: 3.5 mil (.094 mm PAL) Headwheel diameter:
Headwheel Speed: 3600 rpm (3000 rpm PAL)
Head-to-tape writing speed: 723 in./sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments/field: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 5.4 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 6.6 MHz
Color carrier frequency: Direct color. Color remodulated on
color output.
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 (One is cosidered a cue track.)
Track width: 39 mil (1 mm) audio, 13 mil (.3 mm) cue.
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This is an almost unknown format today, but was popular for
a while. The Military and some TV stations were apparently big
users of this format. It employed a full 360 degree tape wrap
that minimized the 'format dropout' inherent in all 1 head
helical machines. The format is direct color, but contains a
hetrodyne color processor to permit color playback without a TBC.
A TBC was available for this format (IVC 4102) that used
electronically variable delay lines, not unlike quad. It only worked
with the 900 series machines. Quantel also manufactured a digital TBC
for this format, called a IVC2001, and also TBC 2000 (Direct color
only) or a TBC 2200 (Direct and hetrodyne color). An acessory board
could be wired into the 800 series machines to give them digital
dropout compensation as well. (The necessary RF out was apparently
stock on the 900 series.) The Quantel DFS 1500 and similar also works
with this format. A cartridge version of this format was created,
called the IVC VCR-100, and later the VCR-200. A wideband, monochrome
VTR using this format was developed for the medical industry. Called
the IVC 1010, it was capable of recording a 10 MHz bandwidth. There
are a large number of different VTR's IVC built for this format.
Visit the IVC Catalog page, from the home page of Quadruplex Park for
much more information on these machines.
Click here to visit the IVC catalog page.
Click here for a picture of an IVC 810 VTR.
Format name: Coniscan SMPTE type:
Format type: analog monochrome Scanning system: 2 head, half wrap helical
Year introduced: ? Developer: Westel Sucessful? ?
[All figures are for 655/24/1:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): ?
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): ?
Cassette dimensions: Open reel
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This is a special VTR that was developed for the military. It was
used to record 'Gun Camera' footage in various aircraft. To withstand
the high G forces encounteres in such aircraft, it employed a small
scanner (about the size of type 1" B) and high rotational speeds. The
24 hz frame rate was chosen to make it compatible with film. To
compensate for the low frame rate, the line count was increased to 655
lines (H rate somewhere around 15,720 Hz). Besides the miltary, some
filmmakers used this format. The main use was special effects ('2001 -
A Space Oddssey' had effects done in this format), but at least one
feature film ('Tootsie'?) was apparently shot in this format. Before
my collecting days, I had a chance to own one of these VTR's and passed
it by! I now deeply regret it. Later on, a 655/24 adaption was made of
the 3/4" U-matic format. Read more about it on the U-matic entry.
Westel also developed an NTSC version of the machine for broadcast use,
but was never sucessful in marketing it. One of the people working
for Westel was quad pioneer Alex Maxey.
Click here for a picture of Coniscan VTR's.
Format name: 1" Philips LDL-3400 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head helical
Year introduced: Developer: Philips Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: I have almost no data on this European format. It may actually be
two different formats that are closely related. (The pictured machines
are quite different for similar model numbers, and have different
tape wrap schemes.) Any data out there??
Click here for a picture of a LDL3400 VTR.
Format name: JVC/Craig/Diamond Power MV600 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: ? Developer: JVC Sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This is another really obscure 1" tape format. Although manufactured
by JVC (Their model KV-600), it appears to have been marked by the
low-end comsumer company Craig. It was also marketed by a company
called Diamond Power, who made power plant equipment and wanted to
break into the TV studio equipment market! A surviving example of this
machine is well-made and features dual capstans. Although it suffered
from a low video bandwidth (2.5 MHz), the machines were mechanically
stable, and worked well with the early TBC's. Representative model
numbers: Diamond Power DP-2 and DP-3, Craig 6403 and 6405 (Better
servos). Thanks, John Turner for this 'sleeper'!
Format name: 1" type A SMPTE type: 1" type A
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head alpha wrap helical
Year introduced: 1965 Developer: Ampex Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 9.6 ips
Tape thickness: 1.4 mils Playing time(s): 1 hour
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: 16.34" Track width: 6 mils Track angle: 3 deg 6 min
Guard band width: 2.7 mils Headwheel diameter: 5.28" Speed: 3600 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1000 in./sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments/field: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: 20 mils Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(Low band)
Sync tip frequency: 3.5 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 5.5 MHz Color carrier frequency: monochrome
(High band) only
Sync tip frequency: 5.5 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 6.6 MHz Color carrier frequency: Used a
1/7 fsc pilot tone (511.364 kHz) phase locked to record chroma for
playback timebase stabilization.
(Very high band)
Sync tip frequency: 7.06 MHz. Blanking frequency: 7.9 MHz
Peak white frequency: 10 MHz. Color carrier: Direct color only.
Used a burst-locked hetrodyne processor for color timebase
stabilization. Full timebase correctors were also available.
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: .043" and .012"
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Provisions existed in the format for an address track.
REMARKS: 1" type A was a very popular industrial/educational format. The
machines were relatively lightweight (85 pounds) and made excellent
pictures. The format nearly became the 1" broadcast standard, but
was eclipsed by 1" type C at the last moment. There may be a couple
of slight variants of this format floating around. This format was
also marketed as a 'home format' in the 1966 Allied Radio catalog.
For $1,300, you received the VTR with VHF and UHF tuners, and an
RF modulator. This was way ahead of it's time. The early machines
were B/W only. The first color machine was introduced in 1967.
The color correction system used a pilot tone (511 kHz, or 1/7 fsc) that
was recorded on the tape. On playback, the pilot tone (With timebase
jitter) was re-converted to 3.58 MHz, and used to produce stable
color. Later machines, such as the VPR-7900 used a hetrodyne
color processor and did not require the pilot tone, especially in very
high band. An outboard processor was available to provide color playback
with earlier machines that did not have onboard color stabilizers.
The last generation of type A machines (VR-79XX, VPR-1) were broadcast
grade, both in terms of construction and performance.
Click here for a picture of an Ampex type A VTR.
Format name: 1" type B SMPTE type: 1" type B
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head half wrap helical
Year introduced:1976 Developer: Bosch Was format sucessful? Y
[Figures are noted for both NTSC(525/60) and PAL(625/50)]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 245 mm/s (525/60)
243 mm/s (625/50).
Tape thickness: 1.4 mils Playing time(s): 90min
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: 84mm Track width: 6.3 mils Track angle: 14.4 deg
(14.288 deg in another
copy of the standard.)
Guard band width: 1.57 mils Headwheel diameter: 50.33 mm
Headwheel speed: 9000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 23.72 m/s Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments/field: 5 (525/60) / 6 (625/50)
No. of lines/segment: 52.5
Control track width: 0.4 mm Recorded waveform: ?
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 7.06 MHz(525/60) / 6.76 MHz(625/50)
n Blanking frequency:.7.90 MHz(525/60) / 7.40 Mhz(625/50)
Peak white frequency: 10.00 MHz(525/60) / 8.9 MHz(625/50)
Color carrier frequency: direct
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 3 Track width: 0.8 mm
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Probably on third audio channel (SMPTE-TC).
REMARKS: 1" type B was very popular in Europe until just recently. It was
a 1" version of the IVC 9000. It featured an incredibly small scanner
for such a large format tape. It also used analog timebase correction,
which some claim gave a better picture. Note the use of the high band
quad FM modulation frequencies. Considered by many to be the best 1"
format. I have seen an experimental HDTV recorder based on thetype B
tape transport.
Click here for a picture of a type B VTR.
Thanks, Klaus Carstens!
Format name: 1" type C SMPTE type: 1" type C
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 1/2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1976 Developer: Ampex/Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 9.6 ips
Tape thickness: 1.4 mil Playing time(s): 2hrs (stock machine)
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: 16.17" Track width: 5.1 mils Track angle: 2 deg 34 min.
Guard band width: 2 mils Headwheel diameter: 5.28" Speed: 3600 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1000 in/sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: 23.6 mils Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 7.06 MHz Blanking frequency: 7.9 MHz
Peak white frequency: 10 MHz Color carrier frequency: direct
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 3 ( 4 in europe) Track width: 31 mils
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Usually on third audio channel.
REMARKS: 1" type C is the most popular of the 1" professional formats. It
was developed from the 1" type A transport, and a few late model type
A machines (The Ampex VPR-1) were converted to type C. Type C uses a
seperate sync head to record a small video track near the lower edge
of the tape during the main video head dropout time. Although in the
standard, this feature was rarely used, and wasn't even implemented in
some machines. The track dimensions are the same as the main head,
except the track length is only 1.02". Type C also uses the highly
sucessful High band quad FM modulation standards, except that the
amplitude of burst is doubled on the tape. Development of this
standard was a joint venture between Sony and Ampex.
Click here for a picture of a 1 inch type C VTR.
Format name: 1" analog HDTV SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1985? Developer: Toshiba? Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for HDTV, 1125/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 19.2 ips?
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Unknown how it's handled.
REMARKS: This format was the first HDTV VTR. Although considered a sucessful
format, very few were made. It could record 3 channels of RGB video
with a bandwidth of 30 MHz on metal particle tape.
Format name: BTS BCH-1000 SMPTE type:
Format type: Analog component Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: ? 1987 Developer: BTS Sucessful? N
[All figures are for HDTV, 1250/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 66.1 cm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 60 Minutes, 12.5 inch reel
Cassette dimensions: Open reel
VIDEO: Track length: 82.75 mm Track width: 85 um Track angle: 15.556 deg.
Guard band width: 15 um Headwheel diameter: 50.33 mm Speed: 12,000 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed: 32 meters/sec
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 4/field No. of lines/segment: 156.25
Control track width: .4 mm Recorded waveform: Square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel (2 luma tracks/scan)
Sync tip frequency: 12 MHz Blanking frequency: 15 MHz
Peak white frequency: 25 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding: (Seperate tracks for Cr and Cb)
Sync tip frequency: 12 MHz Blanking frequency: 15 MHz
Peak level frequency: 25 MHz
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 3 (One is used for time code)
Track width: .8 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Yes, longitudnal, SMPTE/EBU compliant
REMARKS: An early attempt at an HDTV VTR. I was lucky enough to see one of
these at the 1987 NAB. It uses a scanner similar in size to type B. The
scanner rotates at a higher speed than type B. (12,000 RPM vs 9,000
RPM) There are eight video heads and two erase heads on the scanner. The
video heads are arranged in two groups of four, and the tape record
made by one set of four heads is considered a single track. The four
heads lay down low frequency luma, high frequency luma, Color component
Cr, and color component Cb. The effective luma bandwidth is 20 MHz, and
the color component channels are each 10 MHz. Digital processing is used
to develop the low and high frequency luma channels. Signal to noise
ratio is better than 40 dB in all three component channels, quite an
accomplishment for these bandwidths. The control track includes framing
pulese as well as the 200 Hz servo reference signal. The audio tracks
are quite conventional, and similar to type B. All of this information
and the picture below were provided by Marcel Snijders. Expect more info
as I translate the information he provided from Dutch!
Click here for a picture of a BCH-1000.
Thanks, Marcel Snijders!
Format name: Proscan 290 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog luma, digital chroma Scanning system: 1 head helical scan
Year introduced: 2001 Developer: SuperSam Group Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for Digicolour, 5000/100/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s): 30 ips.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 180 min, 30 inch reel
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 2.84 mm Track angle:
Guard band width: 1 mm Headwheel diameter: 92 cm Speed: 6000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform: FM sine wave for luma, spread
spectrum 4 kHz sine wave for chroma.
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency: 200 MHz
Peak white frequency: 280 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding: Digital, with spread spectrum in the 0-30 MHz range.
Employs FEC and pairity. Some digital compression is used.
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only (Chroma)
Data encoding system: Spread spectrum Data rate: 28 Mbps
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 7.1 (Has capabilities for 2.0 and 5.1)
Sampling rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The bass channel is sampled at 2 kHz.
No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Digitally recorded on top of every analog frame, and interleaved with
the digital stream.
REMARKS: This machine is designed for a more subtle version of HD cinema (Compared
to earlier attempts!) The luma (Main bulk of data) is stored using analog
methods on FM carriers. There is no color burst or color subcarrier, so the
resulting image is 'cleaner'. The analog information is digitally time-
aligned, ensuring it lines up perfect with previous and future fields. The
chroma channel uses MPEG style compression. On playback, the chroma and
luma channels are carefully digitally time-aligned to eliminate problems
with chroma jittering in relation to luma. The data rate of the chroma alone
is about 3 Mbps. Seperate heads are apparently used for luma, and chroma/
audio. There is spectrum left in the chroma and audio channels for a
substantial amount of metadata. Thr format has not been popular at this
time, but hopefully will be more popular in the future due to decreased cost
of media distribution. Thanks, Samuel Hunt, for another interesting format!
Format name: 1" HDTV digital 'HDD-1000' SMPTE type:
Format type: digital Scanning system: multiple head segmented
helical scan
Year introduced: 1993 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for HDTV, 1125/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate: 1.25 GBits/sec
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 8 Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Probably a seperate time code track.
REMARKS: This was the highest performance VTR ever built until D6 came along.
It can digitally record three channels of video with a bandwidth of 30
MHz on metal particle tape. Not many of these machines have been made,
but I have been lucky enough to have seen one in use on several
occasions! A scanner rebuild is alleged to cost upwards of
$45,000!
Format name: U-matic SMPTE type: E
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1971 Developer: Sony,JVC,Matsushita Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, 3.58 MHz unless noted.]
[Figures for PAL are for 625/50/2:1, 4.43 MHz subcarier]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 3/4" (19 mm) Tape speed(s): 3.75 ips, (95.3 mm /sec)
(Hi band/SP PAL same,
lo band apparently slower)
Tape thickness: 1.1 mils Playing time(s): 1 hour (Large)
(74 min lo band PAL)
Cassette dimensions: 7.2" X 4.7" X 1.25" (Small) 20 min (Small)
(182 X 122 X 32 mm)
8.7" X 5.4" X 1.2" (Large)
(220 X 138 X 30.5 mm)
VIDEO: Track length: 6.74 in. Track width: 3.35 mils Track angle: 4.95 deg
(171.17 mm) (.085 mm) (PAL: .07 mm lo band,
.085 mm hi band/SP)
Guard band width: 2.05 mil Headwheel diameter: 4.33" Speed: 1800 rpm
(.052 mm) (PAL: .04 mm hi band/SP) (110 mm) (PAL: 1500 rpm)
Head-to-tape writing speed: 10.26 m/sec. or 410 in/sec. Gap width:
(PAL: 8.54 m/sec.)
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: 23.6 mils (.6 mm) Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(Conventional)
Sync tip frequency: 3.8 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 5.4 MHz Color carrier frequency: 688.373 kHz
color under
(U matic SP)
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 7.0 MHz Color carrier frequency: same as
conventional
(PAL Lo-band)
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency: 685.991 kHz
color under
(PAL Hi-Band)
Sync tip frequency: 4.8 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 6.4 MHz Color carrier frequency: 983.803 kHz
color under
(PAL Hi-Band SP)
Sync tip frequency: 5.6 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 7.2 MHz Color carrier frequency: 983.803 kHz
color under
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 31.5 mils (.8 mm)
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Seperate track, recorded longitudnally over sync info at bottom
end of video track. Newest machines also can do VITC.
REMARKS: U matic is the most sucessful professional format of all time.
It was developed in the mid '60's as a joint effort between Sony, JVC
and Matsushita. In any case, the first U-matic machines were aimed at
the consumer market. Many models featured a built-in tuner. One model
supposedly included a color TV and a small B/W screen for viewing
what was being recorded (On another channel?). This forshadowed the
LV-1901 Betamax/TV console. But, the consumer market was not quite
ready for home VCR's. Before very long, broadcasters discovered
U-matic, and the age of electronic news gathering was born. U-matic
also became very popular in the industrial/institutional markets. The
SP high band U-matic format gives excellent picture quality, and was
the most sucessful 'high banding' since quad high band. At it's peak,
four different manufacturers were building U-matic machines -- more
than any other professional format! U-matic can now officially be
considered a dead format, as Sony stopped manufacturing them sometime
in 2000. Nevertheless, these machines will undoubtedly be in use
for many years to come.
U-matic was very sucessfully hi-banded in NTSC countries, creating
U-matic SP. In PAL countries, there was apparently an early low and
high band format. The low band apparently gave extra playing time,
while the high band was comparable to the NTSC format. SP was
introduced in PAL as well, but was not real popular. There
have also been some experimental direct color machines built using
this format. One of these were built by Recortec, and featured a peak
white frequency of 10 MHz, double tape speed and triple scanner speed.
Needless to say, this novel segmented format was a complete failure.
Another interesting adaption of this format was a 655/24/1:1 machine
built for the US military. Built from 1973-76, this machine was made
by Teac for Sony. Unlike the 1" Coniscan machine made for the same scan
rate, this machine was capable of color. It was essentially a
ruggedized BVU-100. This same ruggedized model was offered in a
NTSC/PAL version for use in news choppers. Thanks, Alistar Gutcher for
getting me to add all the PAL information!
Click here for a picture of U Matic VTR's.
Format name: D1 digital SMPTE type: D1
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head segmented helical
Year introduced: 1987 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 19 mm Tape speed(s): 11.28 ips
Tape thickness: .55 mils Playing time(s): to 94 min.
Cassette dimensions: 3 sizes: small, medium, large
small: 172 X 109 X 33 mm 6 minute play time
medium: 254 X 150 X 33 mm 34 minute play time
large: 366 X 206 X 33 mm 94 minute play time
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 1.57 mils Track angle: 5.4005 deg
Guard band width: .2 mils Headwheel diameter: 2.95" Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1192 in/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments/field: 20 No. of lines/segment: 26
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel N/A
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sample rate: CCIR 601 4:2:2 (13.5 MHz Y, 6.75 MHz R-Y,B-Y)
No. of bits: 8
Data encoding system: NRZ Data rate: 112 Mb/sec.
Audio segment location: center of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 KHz No. of bits: 16
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal track + VITC
REMARKS: D1 was the first digital VTR. It is a component recorder, which
records seperate data streams for Y, R-Y and B-Y. As it is an early
format, it uses a relatively low coerciivty tape, which limits it's
capacity. This format also had limited slow-motion capabilities. As a
result, D1 is used mainly by high-end post production houses where
any compromise in quality cannot be tolerated. This format is only
slowly being replaced by the newer digital component machines.
Format name: D2 digital SMPTE type: D2
Format type: digital composite Scanning system: multi head segmented helical
Year introduced: 1989 Developer: Ampex/Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 19 mm Tape speed(s): 5.19 ips
Tape thickness: .55 mils Playing time(s): 32,94,208 minutes (Small,
Medium, Large cassette sizes.)
Cassette dimensions: 3 sizes, same as D1 but metal particle tape.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 1.54 mils Track angle: 6.1296 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 2.95" Speed: 5400 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1078 in/sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 15 deg
No. of segments: 3 No. of lines/segment: 87.5
Control track width: .5 mm Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel N/A
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: 4fsc (14.31818 MHz) No. of bits 8
Data encoding system: miller squared Data rate: 60.1 MB/sec
Audio segment location: end of tracks
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:.7 mm
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 20
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal track + VITC.
REMARKS: D2 is a composite digital recording system that acts like an ordinary
direct color VTR in most TV plants. It was extremely popular just after
it was introduced. The coming advanced television system, with it's
requirement that everything be manipulated as component video, has
greatly dampened enthusiasm for this otherwise excellent format.
Click here for a picture of a D2 machine.
Format name: Ampex DCT SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head segmented helical
Year introduced: 1993 Developer: Ampex Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 19 mm Tape speed(s): 5.18 ips NTSC, 5.77 ips
Tape thickness: .55 mils Playing time(s): 34/94/208 min PAL
Cassette dimensions: same as D1 and D2 (NTSC)
VIDEO: Track length: 150.78 mm Track width: 1.54 mils Track angle: 6.1296 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 2.95 in Speed: 5400 RPM NTSC
Head-to-tape writing speed: 1078 in/sec. (NTSC) 6000 RPM PAL
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 3 No. of lines/segment: 87.5
Control track width: .5 mm Recorded waveform: Square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: CCIR 601 4:2:2 w/2:1 digital compression
No. of bits: 10
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location: Center
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: .7 mm
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Probably employs a seperate longitudnal track, like most digital
formats.
REMARKS: This was the first VTR format to employ digital video compression to
reduce recorded bit rate. The 2:1 compression is completely
transparent. Although a path-breaking product, DCT has not enjoyed
the great popularity that digital Betacam has enjoyed, probably because
Ampex marched to the beat of it's own drummer on this product. Still,
there are numerous well known facilities that have adopted DCT as their
high-end component production standard. Sadly, this will probably be
the last VTR that Ampex will ever produce.
Click here for a picture of an Ampex DCT 700d machine.
Format name: D6 SMPTE type: D6
Format type: digital component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1995? Developer: BTS/Toshiba Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are video system independent, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 19 mm Tape speed(s): 19.662 ips
Tape thickness: 11 um Playing time(s): 64/28/8 min. (L/M/S cassette)
Cassette dimensions: Same as D1 and D2
VIDEO: Track length: 150 mm Track width: .176 mm (8 .021 mm subtracks/track)
Track angle: 6.0903 deg.
Guard band width: .008 mm Headwheel diameter: not specified
Speed: 9000-10,800 rpm typical
Head-to-tape writing speed: ?
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 14.93/15.07 deg (Not equal)
No. of segments: 5-6 No. of lines/segment: varies
Control track width: .5 mm Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: 8-12 modulation Data rate: 1.2 GB/sec.
Audio segment location: end of segment
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width: .7 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 10-12 Sampling rate: ? No. of bits: ?
TIME CODE: Recorded on seperate longitudnal track.
REMARKS: This is an exciting new format. Developed by BTS (Now Philips,
again) and Toshiba, it is an open-ended digital VTR format intended
for advanced television. Capable of recording any digital video
standard proposed or in use, including full bandwidth HDTV, this
format should become the ultimate digital VTR format. It is a
completely TV system independent format, and adapts it's data
segmentation and track layout to the system in use. Nothing but good
can come of this format, which is already a SMPTE standard.
Format name: 2/3" Ikegami SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: Developer: Ikegami Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 2/3" Tape speed(s): 9 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 62 min, 8" reel
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This format is a almost unknown format apparently introduced by
Ikegami. It is reel-to-reel. It uses FM recording, and has a video
bandwidth of only 2.8 MHz or 200 lines. A PAL version of the machine
is the only machine I am aware that exists; it is in the hands of a
British collector, who acquired it in 1975. It is model TVR-401. Any
other info out there??
Click here for a picture of the Ikegami 2/3 inch
format.
Format name: Bing Crosby Longitudnal SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: Longitudnal
Year introduced: 1951-1952 Developer: Bing Crosby enginering group.
Was format sucessful? N (Experimental pre-quad.)
[These machines were not cabable of NTSC scan rates!]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 360 or 120 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle: 0
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Used single channel AM (360 ips) or frequency division
multiplex (120 ips)
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: The Bing Crosby group was one of the more active players in the
pre-quad videotape days. They demonstrated two systems, remarkable in
that the transport from one of them survives in the Ampex Museum
collection. It could be either a 360 ips, 1 channel machine, or more
likely, a 120 ips, 12 channel machine. The machine in the pictures
below is almost certainly the 120 ips, 12 channel machine.
Click here for a picture of the Bing Crosby VTR.
Format name: VERA SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: Longitudnal
Year introduced: 1958 Developer: BBC England
Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for the British 405/25 system, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 200 inches/sec.
Tape thickness: See notes Playing time(s): 15 minutes
Reel Dimension: 20.5" diameter(!)
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle: 0
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
LF Channel: 0 to 100 kHz video modulated onto FM carrier
HF Channel: 100 kHz to 3 MHz video recorded 'conventionally'
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: 1 Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This experimental machine was developed by the BBC in the days when
Ampex'es quadruplex format was just gaining hold in the US. For it's time, this
machine was an incredible piece of engineering. Among it's features were an
isolated loop of tape at the heads; advanced head construction, fully servo'd
startup and stopping of the huge reels, an electronic editor, and an AFM audio
system. In any case, VERA was probably the most serious effort to build a
longitudnal VTR ever attempted. The tape was ordinary 1/2" wide audio tape.
The tape would play for only 15 minutes, so a complete VERA system would
contain two transports (Each about the size of a VR2000) for rapid switching
between tape segments and editing. The machine apparently worked fairly well,
and was reasonably gentle on the tape. At the time the project was cancelled, a
timebase corrector based on electronically variable delay lines was in the
works. The cause of the project cancellation was the superiorority and
universality of the new Quadruplex system, as well as the fact that VERA would
not work well with the soon-to-come 625/50 system. Check below for an
interesting website about VERA with a lot more detail.
Click here for a picture of VERA.Thanks, BRUNO!
Format name: Toshiba LVR SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: 1979 Developer: Toshiba Sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 5.88 m/sec.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 2 hours, 26.5 seconds per
track.
Cassette dimensions: 13.5 X 14.0 X 3.5 cm
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 220 longitudnal tracks, 1 track
used at a time. Tape was an endless loop, 100 meters long.
Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: A novel attempt at a longitudnal VTR. The endless tape was wound on
a large reel. The heads and capstan were inside the reel hub. The
tape was pulled from the inside of the pack, past the heads, and then
wound back on the outside, sort of like an 8-track audio cartridge.
The head would drop to the next track at the splice. With 220 tracks and
just 26.5 seconds of time on each tape loop, this machine offered
something that no other VTR has ever had: near-instantaneous random
access. The control system had modes that allowed programmed and repeat
playback of segments. In all, it could record 2 hours. Despite the odd
tape path, the tape was removable as a cassette. The machine could do
color at 240 lines resolution, not bad for a longitudnal format! This
machine never made it to the production stage.
Click here for a picture of a Toshiba LVR VTR.
Thanks, Marcel Snijders for the picture and info on this format!
Format name: 1/2" CV-2000 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: ? Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for 405/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 19.05 cm/sec (405 line!)
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: This format was an early attempt at a consumer VTR, and I think it
predates EIAJ. It is B/W only, and employs skip-field recording.
Apparently popular for a time, there were a number of versions
of this machine on the market. One was a deck very much like the
later EIAJ machines. The other was a deck with built-in picture
monitor. I think this was a model CV-2100. (See entry below) I once
had an (NTSC) CV-2000, and nearly had it working. Just as I had fixed
all the servo problems it had, the video head opened up, and I never
did fix it. I sold it long before I realized I would collect VTR's! I
have since acquired another CV-2000, but it is in very rough shape.
Click here for a picture of a CV2000 VTR. Thanks,
Richard Diehl (By way of Klaus Carstens)!
Format name: 1/2" CV-2100 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 29.21 cm/s
(405 or 625 line??)
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This format is probably a variation on the CV2000 format, and may
even be the same format. (It might have something to do with the
fact the CV2000 featured above is 405 line only. The CV2100 here is
a dual standard 405/625 line machine!) Any other info out there?
Format name: 1/2" Shibaden SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2(?) head helical
Year introduced: 1967 or 68 Developer: Shibaden Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 17.02 cm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This format was introduced about the same time as the Sony CV2000.
Like the Sony machines, it employed skip-field recording. Some sort
of line-doubling scheme was employed on playback to reconstruct the
two-field picture. Coupled with it's apparently low (3 MHz) video
bandwidth, it did not deliver a real good picture. Later on, a two-head
version of this machine was developed, but it did not catch on before
EIAJ eclipsed everything else in the 1/2" open reel VTR world. Stay
tuned for some techincal details on this interesting format.
Format name: 1/2 inch EIAJ SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1968? Developer: Sony and others Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 7.5 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 60 minutes
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(Standard)
Sync tip frequency: 3.2 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.6 MHz Color carrier frequency: 767 kHz
(High density?) color under
Sync tip frequency: 3.4 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.8 MHz Color carrier frequency: same as std.
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: EIAJ was very popular for low end industrial and educational
recording just before Beta and VHS were introduced. The format
never delivered really great pictures, but it was good enough for
the job. Most of the machines out there are monochrome, but there
are some color machines around, a few with full electronic editing.
This format was also tried as a consumer format, where it was not
very successful. Ampex developed a cartridge version of this format,
(Instavision?> but it wasn't successful. The Japanese cartridge version
of this format was EIAJ-2, and it was popular for a short while.
Click here for a picture of some EIAJ VTR's.
Format name: 1/2" European open reel 'LDL' SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head half wrap helical
Year introduced: Developer: Philips/Grundig Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 16.84 cm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 46 min/450 M tape (CRO2)
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: 161.57 mm Track width: 170 um Track angle: 3.762 deg.
Guard band width: 51 um Headwheel diameter: Speed: 1500 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 8.08 M/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): None
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 1.9 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 2.9 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: .7 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: An obscure, but apparently successful European 1/2" VTR format.
It was apparently B/W only. An NTSC version was also apparently
available. People who have worked with this format report
that the picture quaity wasn't too good. This may have something to
do with the extremely low modulator frequencies: 1.9 -2.9 MHz, and the
very limited 2.5 MHz video bandwidth. The scanner apparently has much
resembelence to the scanner used in the 'VCR Standard/Longplay/
supervideo' formats. Two representative model numbers I have for this
format are the Grundig BK100 and the Philips LDL1000. Thanks goes to
Servus Cassandro and Sebastian Sekinger for very detailed technical
info on this format, with lots of pictures.
Click here for a picture of a BK100 VTR. Thanks, Klaus
Carstens!
Format name: 1/2" EIAJ-2 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: ? Developer: ? Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
NOTE: See EIAJ for scanning/modulation standards, etc.
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: A cassette was employed. The cassette is
squarish and contains only the supply reel.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: EIAJ-2 was a very short-lived format that was a cassette-based
variant on EIAJ. Apparently, they used the EIAJ standard for scanning
and video, and simply adapted it to a cassette. The cassette was very
unusual in that it contains only the supply reel. The take-up reel
is internal to the VTR. A major disadvantage of this is the need to
completely rewind the tape before removal! I have seen two of these
machines in my travels. Below is a link to a website with several
nice pictures of an EIAJ-2 machine. The machine in question is a
Panasonic NV-5120A.
Click here for a link to
a site with EIAJ-2 pictures.
Format name: 1/2" Nivico SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: ? Developer: Nivico Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 24 cm/sec.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: This nearly unheard-of VTR used an unusual tape reel with two holes
for spindles that straddled the rotational axis of the reel. It
boasted a video bandwidth of 3.5 MHz or 200 lines resolution. Any
other info out there?
Format name: V-Cord, V-cord II SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: ? Developer: Sanyo Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 11.47 cm/sec Hi, 5.74 cm/sec Lo
Tape thickness: 27 and 20 um Playing time(s): 36 min, high speed
with VT-30C cassette. Double the time for low speed on VTC-7300.
VT-20C gave 24 minutes playing time and used thicker tape.
Cassette dimensions: 108 X 25 X 156 mm.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: V-Cord II is a cassette-based VTR format that bore a lot of
similarities to EIAJ II, but was apparently not the same. There also
seems to be two versions of this format: V-cord and V-cord II. I do
not know the difference between these variants. I have worked on a
couple of these that were part of a medical ultrasound scanner. The
VTC-7300 apparently had two tape speeds, allowing double record time.
These machines also featured a second set of heads for slow motion.
Click here for a picture of a portable V-Cord Machine.
Thanks, Klaus Carstens!
Format name: Akai 1/2" European cassette, VT300 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head, half wrap helical
Year introduced: Developer: Akai Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for CCIR, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: An uncommon early cassette format. Little else known at this
time.
Click here for a picture of a VT-300 VTR.
Format name: Cartrivision SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1972 Developer: Cartridge Television, Inc.
Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2"? Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: It used a cassette, as the name implies!
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: Cartrivision was an early attempt at a home VCR. It was marketed
very briefly in a few major department stores. Allegedly used
skip-field recording, actually recording every third field! Parts of
these machines show up every now and then. These machines were briefly
sold as part of a TV/VCR console, and never as a stand-alone deck.
When Cartridge television folded, the remaining transport assemblies
(Without cabinet) were sold to Olson Electronics, who sold them for
many years. One unique and ahead-of-it's time feature was a simple
mechanism in the cassette for preventing rewinding in a home machine.
This was intended for movie rental tapes; it was apparently easy to
defeat. The I have recently acquired a complete Cartrivision tape
transport from Richard Diehl. (Check out the 'other collectors' site
for a look at his website!) I also have a portable B/W TV camera
intended for use with this machine. This ws purchased from an early
videotape hobbyist in my hometown nearly 21 years ago. His name is
Frank Kluza, and he is responsible for part of my interest in videotape
recorders. Look for more info in the near future!
Click here for a picture of a Cartrivision machine.
Format name: Quasar 'time machine' SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 1 head helical
Year introduced: 1975 Developer: Matsushita? Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: Wierd shape, with a big hump.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: Another, somewhat sucessful attempt to market a home VCR. This
machine was apparently introduced a week before Sony introduced
the Betamax. It used a one head helical scan format, which requires a
nearly 360 degree tape wrap. The threading problem for such a system
was solved by using a cassette that dropped over the head drum, and
was essentially prethreaded. This format must have been popular for a
while, as there may have been two different models produced. A
surprising number of these machines show up on the surplus market,
although I have yet to acquire one.
Format name: Betamax SMPTE type: G
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1975 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 1.57/.79/.52 ips (Beta
I/II/III
Tape thickness: .8 mils Playing time(s): up to 5 hours in Beta 3.
Cassette dimensions: 156 X 96 X 25 mm
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 2.3/1.15/.77 (1.15 is most common)
Track angle: 5.85 deg
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 2.92" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 6.9 m/sec or 275 in/sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 7 deg
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(standard beta)
Sync tip frequency: 3.6 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.8 MHz Color carrier frequency: 688.373 kHz
color under
(alledgedly with Beta-Hi-Fi)
Sync tip frequency: 4.0 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 5.2 MHz Color carrier frequency: same as
(super beta) standard
Sync tip frequency: 4.4 MHz? Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 5.6 MHz? Color carrier frequency: same as
(Super hi-band beta)????? standard
Sync tip frequency: 4.8 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 6.0 MHz Color carrier frequency: same as
standard?
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: 41 mils
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies: 1.38/1.68 MHz L
1.58/1.83 MHz R
(First pair of each frequency used by head A, second by head B)
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: No provision made for time code.
REMARKS: The first really sucessful consumer format. It was easy to use,
and made reasonably good pictures. The main reason it did not become
the de facto standard was Sony's reluctance to freely license the
format to other companies. Nevertheless, there are still many users
of the format even though it is more or less 'dead'. Note the number
of different modulation standards. Some of these, such as Super Hi-Band,
were apparently only marketed in Europe. Although I haven't verified
some of these standards, it would appear that Sony was pushing the
format as far as it could.
Click here for a picture of a Betamax machine.
Format name: VHS (Video Home System) SMPTE type: H
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1976 Developer: JVC Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 1.3/.66/.44 ips (SP/LP/EP)
Tape thickness: .8 mils Playing time(s): up to eight hours (EP)
Cassette dimensions: 162 X 104 X 25 mm (normal. There is a small
cassette for camcorders)
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 2.3 (SP) 1.15 (LP/EP)(Two sets of
heads common) Track angle: 5.96 deg
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 2.42" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 5.8 m/sec or 228 in/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
(standard VHS)
Sync tip frequency: 3.4 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.4 MHz Color carrier frequency: 629.040 kHz
(VHS HQ) color under
Sync tip frequency: same as Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: standard? Color carrier frequency: same as
--Component color channel N/A standard
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 41 mils (momo)
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: If used at all, it is probablly recorded longitudnally over
sync ends of video tracks. Very new machines may use VITC.
REMARKS: I suspect more VHS machines exist than all other formats combined!
This format was introduced as a competition to Beta, and it's main
advantage was longer playing time. Inferior to Beta, and much more
difficult to manufacture, it caught on because JVC would license the
format to just about anyone. Note the HQ 'high band' variant may be
little more than a change to the white clip level in the modulator.
(There is apparently six to eight differences between a standard VHS
machine and an HQ VHS machine. Not all of these things need be
implemented to call the machine 'HQ'.)
Format name: Consumer 8 head transverse SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 8 head transverse(!)
Year introduced: Mid '70's Developer: American Videonetics
Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2"? Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: It used a cassette, as the name implies!
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: An experimental format built by a little-known company, American
Videonetics. It was an attempt to miniaturize a quad transport for a consumer
VCR. (This was happening about the time that the Somy Betamax format was being
introduced.)Although the heads and electronics were apparently fairly
well-designed, the tape transport was not. It used a crude puck drive system
that directly drove the periphery of the tape packs. It didn't work very well.
By the time a simple timebase corrector had been developed to correct for the
mechanical deficiencies in the format, Betamax had run away with the home VCR
market. American Videonetics just quietly went out of business.
Format name: ED Beta SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced:1987 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): BII: 2 cm/sec.
BIII: 1.33 cm/sec.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): Up to 5 hours
Cassette dimensions: Similar to consumer Beta, but using metal tape.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 6.8 mHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 9.3 MHz Color carrier frequency: 688.373 kHz
--Component color channel color under
Chroma encoding: Composite
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: Sony just didn't have any luck with anything associated with
consumer beta! Introduced as a competiton to S-VHS, this format just
about rolled over and died. This probably occured because beta was just
about dead by this time ED Beta came along. Interestingly enough, Sony
still makes ED Beta machines (12-00) and sells them mainly in Japan.
. There may be some errors in the data above; I am still researching this.
Format name: S-VHS SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1987 Developer: JVC Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 1.3 ips
Tape thickness: .8 mil Playing time(s): 120 minutes
Cassette dimensions: same as VHS
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 2.3 mils Track angle: 5.8 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 2.44" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 228 ips Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 5.4 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 7.0 MHz Color carrier frequency: 629.040 kHz
--Component color channel color under
Chroma encoding: composite
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies: ?
No. of digital channels: 2/4 Sampling rate: 48/32 kHz
No. of bits: 16/12
Recorded on a 3 MHz carrier on the AFM tracks.
TIME CODE: Probably recorded longitudnally over control track.
Some machines probably use VITC.
REMARKS: S-VHS easily won the consumer component format war by simply
being related to VHS. Like it competitor ED-Beta, S-VHS records
luminance and chrominance on seperate tracks. Unlike the professional
component formats, the chroma is in it's modulated form. Many S-VHS
decks will also record and play standard VHS. There may be some errors
in the data in this section; I am still researching this. A new feature
showing up in some S-VHS machines is 'Dynamic Drum', a novel feature
where the tilt angle of the video head drum is changed to accomodate
slow motion.
Format name: Video 2000 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1979 Developer:Phillips/Grundig Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 24.4 mm/s(LP speed)
Tape thickness: 14 microns Playing time(s): up to 8 hours (Large)
up to 4 hours (Small)
Cassette dimensions: Large: 183 x 110 x 86 mm
Small: 108 x 72 x 21 mm
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 22.6 microns Track angle: 15 deg
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 65mm Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 5.08 m/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: .3 mm Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 3.4 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.75 MHz Color carrier frequency: 625 kHz
color under
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: .65 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: The European alternative to VHS and Beta. In Germany, it was as
successful as Beta, but soon (and suddenly!) overtaken by VHS.
Cassettes could be written on both sides (like audio cassettes).
Some people claim picture quality is better than VHS and beta,
because of a dynamic tracking system. The dynamic tracking system is
very similar to the system used in professional VTR's, employing
heads mounted on piezoelectric bimorphs. This machine also apparently
supported multiple speeds and two cassette sizes (with an adaptor).
Click here for a picture of a Video 2000 Machine.
Photo Credit Michael Bennett. Used by permission.
Format name: VCR Standard SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head half wrap helical
Year introduced: 1972 Developer: Philips/Grundig Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 14.29 cm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 60 min (VC60 cassette)
Cassette dimensions: A cassette with coaxial reels was used
VIDEO: Track length: 165 mm Track width: 130 micron Track angle: 3 deg 41 min
Guard band width: 57 micron (Track pitch 187 micron)
Headwheel diameter: 105 mm Speed: 1500 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed: 8.1 m/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): Not employed
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: .3 mm Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 3 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 4.4 MHz Color carrier frequency: 562.5 kHz
--Component color channel color under
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: .7 mm (both tracks)
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: An apparently popular early European cassette format. It was the
first of a family of incompatible standards that used the same coaxial
cassette. See 'VCR Long Play' and 'Supervideo' in the following
sections for details on the derivitave formats. Note that though
this format and it's derivitives had two audio channels specified,
few, if any machines actually used both channels. Representative
machines for this format were the Philips N1500 and N1502. The N1500
was the first true 'consumer' VTR, featuring a tuner-timer. Also, this
machine represented the first use of the term 'VCR'.
Click here for a picture of a Philips N1500 VCR.
Photo Credit: Michael Bennett. Used by permission.
Format name: VCR Longplay SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: 1975 Developer: Philips/Grundig Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
NOTE: See 'VCR Standard' above for most details. Only the differences
are noted here.
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 6.56 cm/sec.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 130 min (VC60 cassette)
Cassette dimensions: A cassette with coaxial reels was used
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): Azimuth recording was used.
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency: ?
--Component color channel color under
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: A derivitive of 'VCR Standard', it was incompatible,
thus it's listing as a seperate format. (The same coaxial cassete
was employed, however.) It featured more than double the playing
time over 'VCR Standard'. This was acheived by halving the tape
speed and employing azimuth recording. A representitive model of
this format is the Philips N1700.
Click here for a picture of a Philips N1700 VCR.
Photo credit: Michael Bennett. Used By permission.
Format name: Supervideo SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: 1978 Developer: Grundig Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
NOTE: See 'VCR Standard' (2 formats back) for most details!
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 240 min (VC60 cassette)
Cassette dimensions: A coaxial cassette was used
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency: ?
--Component color channel color under
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: The final derivitive of 'VCR Standard'. It was not compatible
with either 'VCR Standard' and 'VCR Longplay'. It seems only
Grundig manufactured this machine. It used video tracks half the
width of 'VCR Longplay' and a further tape speed reduction to nearly
double the playing time. In any case, Video 2000 and PAL VHS brought an
end to this series of standards. No other technical details are known.
A typical model number for this format is the Grundig SVR 4004.
Click here for a picture of a Supervideo VCR. Thanks,
Klaus Carstens!
Format name: Betacam (Also known as oxide betacam or oxide beta) SMPTE type: L
Format type: analog component Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1982 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 4.67 ips
Tape thickness: .8 mils Playing time(s): 30 minutes
Cassette dimensions: 126 X 96 X 25 mm (Same as consumer Beta)
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 3.39 mils (Y)Track angle: 4.679 deg
2.87 mils (C)
Guard band width: .2 mils Headwheel diameter: 2.9" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 276 in/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 4.4 MHz Blanking frequency: 5.0 MHz
Peak white frequency: 6.4 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding: CTDM (Compressed Time Divison Multiplexing) R-Y,B-Y
Sync tip frequency: 4.9 MHz Center frequency: 4.0 MHz
Negative peak frequency: 4.5 MHz Positive peak frequency: 3.5 MHz
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 23.6 mils
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal time code track. VITC?
REMARKS: A very sucessful component video recording format, although the
vast majority of users use the composite in/outs exclusively (This
goes for all of the professional analog component formats.) Although
the newer SP machines are a lot more common, a lot of users still
use them to record standard ('oxide') betacam.
Format name: M SMPTE type:
Format type: analog component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1982 Developer: RCA/Panasonic Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 8.05 IPS
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 20 minutes.
Cassette dimensions: 162 X 104 X 25 mm (VHS)
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 6.89 mil (Y) Track angle:
2.56 mil (C)
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: 2.44 in. Speed: 1800 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed: 221.7 in./sec
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 4.3 MHz Blanking frequency: 4.8 MHz
Peak white frequency: 5.9 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding: I,Q, frequency domain multiplexing.
(I channel)
Sync tip frequency: 4.6 MHz Center frequency: 5.5 MHz
Negative peak frequency: 5.0 MHz Positive peak frequency: 6.0 MHz
(Q channel)
Sync tip frequency: no sync Center frequency: 1.0 MHz
Negative peak frequency: .75 MHz Positive peak frequency: 1.25 MHz
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 27.56 mil
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ? Seperate longitudinal time code track.
REMARKS: Also known as RECAM, M format was the first component format. It used
the I and Q color components for recording. It never caught on,
probably because Sony had learned their lesson from consumer beta, had
a slightly better product, and RCA Broadcast went out of business
shortly after it was introduced. I have finally obtained an M-format
machine, and hope to have more information in the near future.
Click here for a picture of an M-format VTR.
Format name: Betacam SP (or beta SP) SMPTE type: L
Format type: analog component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1986 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 4.67 ips
Tape thickness: .55 mils metal particle Playing time(s): 31/94 minutes
(Small, Large cassettes)
Cassette dimensions: Small: 156 X 96 X 25 mm
Large:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 3.39 mils (Y) Track angle: 4.603 deg
2.87 mils (C)
Guard band width: .22 mils Headwheel diameter: 2.93" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 276.2 ips
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 5.7 MHz Blanking frequency: 6.27 MHz
Peak white frequency: 7.7 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding: CTDM R-Y, B-Y
Sync tip frequency: 6.35 MHz Center frequency: 5.3 MHz
Negative peak frequency: 5.8 MHz Positive peak frequency: 4.8 MHz
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 23.62 mils
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies: 310 kHz, 540 kHz
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal time code track + VITC.
REMARKS: Beta SP is the current de facto broadcast industry standard. It is a
'hi-banded' Betacam, using metal particle tape, higher modulation
frequencies, and has 2 AFM audio channels in addition to the longitudnal
channels. The fact that this format has become a standard is remarkable
in the fact that Sony is the only supplier of transports for this
format. There are three grades of Betacam SP machines available: the
pro broadcast BVW series, the hi-end industrial PVW series, and the
low end industrial UVW series. They differ markedly in the quality of
their construction, with the PVW machines seeming to be the least well
built. The PVW machines also use an 'M' tape wrap, while the other
machines are U-wrap.
Click here for a picture of a Beta SP VTR.
Format name: M II SMPTE type: M-2
Format type: analog component Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1986 Developer: Panasonic Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 2.67 ips
Tape thickness: .55 mils Playing time(s): 23/95 min. (Small,
Standard cassette)
Cassette dimensions: Standard: 188 X 106 X 25 mm
Small: 130 X 87 X 25 mm
VIDEO: Track length: 4.65568" Track width: 1.73 (Y) 1.42 (C)
Track angle: 4.2906 deg.
Guard band width: .16 mils Headwheel diameter: 3" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 283 in/sec. Gap width: .36 micron
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 15 deg.
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: 15.8 mils Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 5.6 MHz Blanking frequency: 6.2 MHz
Peak white frequency: 7.7 MHz Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding: CTCM (Chrominance Time Compressed Multiplex), R-Y, B-Y
Sync tip frequency: 4.2 MHz Center frequency: 5.5 MHz
Negative peak frequency: 4.8 MHz Positive peak frequency: 6.2 MHz
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 23.6 mils
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies: 400 kHz, 700 kHz
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal time code track + VITC.
REMARKS: M II was introduced as a competitor to Beta SP. Although nearly
identical to Beta SP, it never caught on like it could have. Part of
this is due to a poor reputation for servicability that Panasonic
seems to have. Also, it is not compatible with it's predecessor, M.
Nevertheless, NBC uses a lot of MII, and it seems to be popular on the
West coast.
Click here for a picture of an M II machine.
Format name: D3 SMPTE type: D3
Format type: digital composite Scanning system: multi head helical scan
Year introduced: 1991 Developer: Panasonic Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: Tape speed(s): 83.88 mm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 65/125/245 minutes (small,
medium, large cassettes)
Cassette dimensions: Small: 161 X98 X 25 mm
Medium: 212 X 124 X 25 mm
Large: 296 X 167 X 25 mm
VIDEO: Track length: 117.67 mm Track width: 20 um Track pitch: 4.9192 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 3" Speed: 5394 rpm?
Head-to-tape writing speed: 21.5 m/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 20 deg.
No. of segments/field: 6 No. of lines/segment: 42.5 (2 heads/segment)
Control track width: .4 mm Recorded waveform: Square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: 14.31818 (4fsc) MHz, sampling on I and Q axes.
No. of bits: 8
Data encoding system: EFM (Eight To Fourteen Modulation) Data rate:
Audio segment location: end of tracks
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: .6 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 20
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal time code track + VITC.
REMARKS: D3 was developed by NHK as an all-around, general purpose 1/2" digital
videotape format. Unfortunately, the only company that has chosen to
manufacture this format is Panasonic. This prevented this otherwise
good format to be less than completely sucessful. This is due to
Panasonic's lackluster approach to customer service issues. For
example, video heads are not considered field changeable, necessitating
shipping the tape transport into the factory for a video head change.
(Their heads are no harder to change than a typical Sony design! I've
discussed this with their service people.) Audio editing is also
somewhat of a problem with this format. Nonetheless, NBC and PBS use a
lot of D3.
Format name: Digital Betacam SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head helical scan
Year introduced: 1993 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 3.8 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 40/124 minutes (Small,
Large cassette)
Cassette dimensions: Small:
Large:
VIDEO: Track length: 122.9 mm Track width: 20 um Track angle: 4.630 deg.
Guard band width: 3.4 um Headwheel diameter: 3.2" Speed: 5400 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 15.25 deg.
No. of segments/field: 6 No. of lines/segment: 43.75
Control track width: .4 mm, Pilot tones on helical tracks used in
addition to longitudnal control track.
Recorded CT waveform: Square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: CCIR 601 (Y 13.5 MHz; R-Y, B-Y 6.75 MHz) No. of bits: 10
2.34:1 DCT-based digital compression
Data encoding system: NRZI Data rate: 127.76 Mb/s
Audio segment location: center of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width:
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 20
TIME CODE: seperate longitudnal time code track + VITC.
REMARKS: Digital Betacam is Sony's answer to DCT and D5. It uses 1/2" wide
tape and 2:1 compression to make all the data fit. The 2:1 compression
is essentially transparent. The format uses a 400kHz and 4 MHz pilot
tone to control tracking and improve edit accuracy. This format has
become the accepted high-end SDTV tape format.
Format name: D5 (D5 HD) SMPTE type: D5
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head helical
Year introduced: 1994 Developer: Panasonic Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 167.228 mm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 23/63/124 min
Cassette dimensions: Small: 161 X98 X 25 mm
Medium: 212 X 124 X 25 mm
Large: 296 X 167 X 25 mm
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 18 uM Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: 76.2 mm Speed: 5394 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 21.5 m/sec
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 20 deg.
No. of segments: 6 No. of lines/segment: 42.5 (4 heads/segment)
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: CCIR 601 (13.5 MHz Y; 6.75 MHz R-Y, B-Y)
No. of bits: 8 or 10, (Depends on format of input signal)
No compression!
Data encoding system: EFM Data rate: 288 Mb/sec
Audio segment location: Middle of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 20
TIME CODE: Seperate longitudnal time code track + VITC.
REMARKS: This is another Panasonic 'me too' format. It is the only second
generation 1/2" component digital format that does not use video
compression. As a result, it should be a very well accepted format.
This product was delivered almost two years late. This coupled with
Panasonic's poor reputation for service may cripple what otherwise is
a fine product. This format is supposedly very similar to D3 in terms
of transport geometry, and some machines are reportedly able to play
D3 recordings. An adaptor is now available to allow D5 to record HDTV
at 5:1 compession, and one model of machine now has this feature built
in. (Format is the same, but the pre-compression sampling rate is
Y: 74.25 MHz, P-r, P-b: 37.125 MHz (22:11:11) Encoding is 10 bits. Data
rate is still 288 Mb/sec on tape.) After a slow start, the move to DTV
has caused sales of these machines to increase considerably.
Format name: Betacam SX SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1996 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 2.345 in/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 60 min (S), 180 min (L)
Cassette dimensions: same as analog Betacam SP
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 10 No. of lines/segment: 50.7 (507 lines/frame)
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
MPEG2 compression studio (4:2:2) profile @ main level (Approx. 10:1)
Data encoding system: Data rate: 18 MB/s.
Auddio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 16
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS:This is an all-new format intended for low-cost general professional
use. Although introduced as a field-acquisition format, Sony beleives
it will occupy an important niche in day-to-day operations in a DTV
broadcast facility. The tape used is the same tape used for analog
Beta SP, and some machines can play back analog Betacam as well. Sales
of this format was good for just a short while, and has dropped off
quite a bit.
Click here for a picture of a Betacam SX VTR.
Format name: MPEG IMX SMPTE type: D10
Format type: digital component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 2000? Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 64.467 mm/sec (525)
53.776 mm/sec (625)
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 184 min 525, 220 min 625
Cassette dimensions: same as analog Betacam SP
VIDEO: Track length: 113.04 mm Track width: 20 um Track angle: 4.607 deg.
Guard band width: .7 um Headwheel diameter: 81.4 mm Speed: 3596 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed: approx. 15.3 m/sec.
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 15.25 deg. nominal.
No. of segments: 8 (2 tracks per scan.) No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: .4 mm Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
MPEG2 compression studio (4:2:2) profile @ main level (Intra frame)
Data encoding system: 8 bit, CCIR 601 or MPEG SDTI
Data rate: 54.8427 MB/s.
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: none Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 or 8 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits:
Either 8 channels of 16 bits or 4 channels of 24 bits.
TIME CODE: Yes (Longitudnal)
REMARKS:This is an all-new format intended for mid-level quality work in a
variety of day-to-day broadcast applications. This includes feeds for
video servers, tape delay, program/news production, and nonlinear
editing. This format has an excellent chance of being a big hit, due to
it's high data rate from MPEG. This machine is scaleable, and can be
adapted to the new HD scanning formats with a card change. One of the
unique features of this machine is it's ability to play back all
Betacam-based formats except HDCAM. It is capable of full slo-motion in
these other formats as well! There are also a variety of support
equipment available for this format, including a hard disk recorder.
This format has recently been assigned the format name D-10 by SMPTE.
Format name: D9 (Digital S) SMPTE type: D9
Format type: digital component Scanning system: 4 head half wrap helical
Year introduced: 1996 Developer: JVC Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 2.27 in/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 124 minutes/T120
Cassette dimensions: Same as VHS/SVHS
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 20 micron Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 4500 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 15 deg
No. of segments: 10 No. of lines/segment: 52.5
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
Uses linear control track and autotracking signal in helical tracks.
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
DCT based compression, intraframe 3.3:1
Data encoding system: S-INRZI/24-25 Data rate: 50 MB/s
Audio segment location: Center of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 (Cue tracks) Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48kHz No. of bits: 16
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This format uses metal particle tape in a standard VHS/SVHS
cassette. It employs CCIR 601 4:2:2 sampling and less compression
than it's rival, Betacam SX. Digital-S machines can also play back
S-VHS tapes. The compression algorithm used is apparently an
extension of the ever-popular consumer DV format. (Picture coming soon!)
One neat feature in some machines is 'Dynamic Drum'. The head drum's
angle is tipped ever so slightly to facilitate faster-than-real-time
playback. The scanner is also a 3-part scanner like early consumer
Beta machines. Digital-S is really beginning to take off in the
marketplace, and early adopters are reporting phenominal head life!
The 100 Mb version of this format has recently been released.
Click here for a picture of a D9 Machine.
Format name: D-VHS SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1997 Developer: JVC/Matsushita? Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s): 33.35/16.67/2.38 mm/sec.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 3.5/7/49(!) hrs HS/STD/LS
Cassette dimensions: Same as SVHS, but with different tape
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Records only pre-encoded bitstreams directly off satellite.
Data encoding system: Data rates: 28.2/14.1/2.0 MB/s
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This is a consumer digital videotape format designed for use
with the small satellite dish systems such as DSS and DVB.
This format has been nearly done in by copyright people, who are
concerned that the viewing public can make illegal copies of the
'pristine digital signal'. After just a few months on the market,
all unsold machines were pulled off the shelf. Rumor has it that this
format will make a comeback when the legal situation is straightened
out. One unique thing this format can do, which makes it a winner,
is the ability to directly record an ATSC 19.39 megabit bitstream!
(Probably not in the 49 hour mode, either!)
Format name: 1/2" analog HDTV 'UniHi' SMPTE type:
Format type: analog component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1989 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for HDTV, 1125/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: I know very little about this format; I have seen refrences to it
in the SMPTE journal. Apparently, this was the de-facto standard for
analog HDTV production. It has now been superceded by digital HDTV
formats. It was apparently based on an M-II tape transport. The format
had limited chroma bandwidth, and tended to be electrically noisy.
Machines were built by Sony, Panasonic and Toshiba; a rare example of
cooperaion in the post U-matic era.
Format name: W-VHS SMPTE type:
Format type: analog component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1995 (1984?) Developer: JVC Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for HDTV, 1125/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: Same as VHS/S-VHS.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This is an interesting analog HDTV format. It was introduced
several years back, and never seemed to do much. Now, with
DTV just around the corner, W-VHS is becoming the 'VHS' of the
HDTV world. There are even serious videophiles using the
inexpensive (~$8,000) machines in high-end home theater
installations! Apparently, laboratories have been using this
format for instrumentation recording for some years. These machines
also record and play standard and S-VHS. Little is known about
W-VHS's apparently novel recording system, but it appears to use a
form of frame interleaving. It is also rumored that Digital-S (D-9)
cassettes can be used in these machines, and are much less expensive
than the 'W-VHS' branded cassettes.
Click here for a picture of a W-VHS VTR.
Format name: HDCAM SMPTE type: D11
Format type: Digital Scanning system: Helical
Year introduced: 1997 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for HDTV, 1920 x 1035, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2"? Tape speed(s): 96.7 mm/sec.
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 40/64/124 minutes
Cassette dimensions: 3 cassette sizes, 2 similar to Digital
Betacam
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: 15:5:5 (3:1:1) subsampling and adaptive
intraframe DCT-based encoding.Sampling rates: Y: 56 MHz,
P-r,P-b: 14 MHz. 8 bits. Data rate: 140 Mb/sec
Audio segment location: Center of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 20
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This machine was introduced at the 1997 NAB convention. It is
a compressed digital HDTV recorder that employs both subsampling
and compression to reduce data bandwidth. First, the video is
subsampled at '3:1:1' to yield 1440 samples per line. This is
compressed using normal (i.e. lossy) video compression methods
to deliver an overall data rate reduction of about 7:1. The
format bears a strong family resembelence to Digital Betacam,
but is apparently not compatible. Interestingly enough, the
machine has an analog 525:60 output in addition to serial HD
ins/outs. A new feature for HDCAM is the ability to support the
new 1080P/24 HD format. This format has recently been designated as
SMPTE D-11.
Click here for a picture of an HDCAM VTR.
Format name: D5-HD SMPTE type HD-D5
REMARKS: See the entry for D5 above. The VTR format is not any different, just
the signal encoding method. SMPTE has recently assigned this format
variant the designation HD-D5. The information for this format variant
is described in the same standards documents as D-5.
Format name: D-9HD (Digital S-100) SMPTE type: D9
Format type: Digital Scanning system: 8 head half wrap Helical
Year introduced: 1998 Developer: JVC Was format sucessful?
[All figures are for HDTV, 1920 x 1035, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/2"? Tape speed(s): 115.5 mm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): > 60 min (T-120)
Cassette dimensions: Same as VHS/S-VHS/D-9
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 4500 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 15 degrees
No. of segments: 10 progressive, 20 interlaced.
No. of lines/segment: 36 progressive, 54 interlaced.
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: DV (DCT) based intraframe compression,
overall about 14:1 for HDTV Data rate: 100 Mb/sec
Audio segment location: Center of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 8 Sampling rate: Uncompressed No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This new format is the 'Digital-S' of HDTV. It is just now starting
to show up in the marketplace. It is apparently being well accepted.
The machine will accept 1080i and 720p. It will also play back regualr
D-9 recordings, but apparently can't record in this format. Although the
format can support 8 channels of digital audio, current machines can
only do 4 channels internally. An external adaptor allows access to the
other four channels.
Format name: BASF LVR SMPTE type:
Format type: analog composite Scanning system: longitudnal
Year introduced: ? 1979 Developer: BASF/Eumig Sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 8 mm Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 2 hours, 150 seconds for each
track. Cassette contained 600 meters of tape.
Cassette dimensions: 11.4 X 10.6 X 1.7 cm
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 72 longitudnal tracks, 1 track
used at a time. Tracks were 68 microns wide.
Track angle:
Guard band width: 28 um Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: An attempt at a longitudnal consumer VCR that very nearly made it to
market. The tape was a single reel in a clamshell case, that apparently
opened when inserted. A large capstan stabilized the tape run over the
head. When the end of the tape was reached, the head dropped down 1
track, and the tape reversed direction. It took about .1 second for the
track switch, which was hidden by some sort of video memory. There were
plans to increase the number of tracks. The format was apparently
capable of color. The machine was cancelled on the eve of production
when it had a cool reception at the 1979 CES show.
Click here for a picture of a BASF LVR VCR.
Thanks, Marcel Snijders for the picture and info on this format!
Format name: 8 millimeter SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1983 Developer: EIAJ and others Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 8 mm Tape speed(s): .57 ips
Tape thickness: .55 mils (metal particle) or .4 mils (evaporated metal)
Playing time(s): 120 minutes
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: .81 mils Track angle: 4.88 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 1.6" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 150 in/sec. Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 4.2 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency:5.4 MHz Color carrier frequency: 743 KHz
--Component clor channel color under
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: 2? Carrier frequencies: 1.5 MHz, 1.7 MHz
No. of digital channels: 2? Sampling rate: 32 No. of bits: 12?
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This was a joint venture between most Japanese manufacturers and
some American companies (Kodak, GE, Polaroid(!)) to develop a
replacement for 1/2" videotape. Unlike Beta and VHS, the manufacturers
attempted to agree on a standard. For some reason, probably relating
to picture quality, it never took off like the developers intended,
although machines have sold in reasonably steady numbers over the
years. Hi 8 has reversed this trend, and now 8 mm is very popular for
low-cost field acqusition. One unique feature was combining PCM and
AFM audio. AFM is recorded with the video track, and PCM as a burst
at the end of the video track. The first machines marketed were
apparently offered by Kodak, GE and Polaroid!
Format name: Hi-8 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced:1990? Developer: Sony? Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 8 mm Tape speed(s): .57 ips
Tape thickness: .4 mils (evaporated metal) or .55 mils (metal particle)
Playing time(s): 120 minutes
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: .81 mils Track angle: 4.88 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 1.58" Speed: 1800 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 150 ips Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 5.7 MHz Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 7.7 MHz Color carrier frequency: 743 kHz
--Component color channel N/A color under
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only: N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: 2 Carrier frequencies: 1.5 MHz, 1.7 MHz
No. of digital channels: 2 Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Recorded on the video tracks. It is between the video and the
PCM data.
REMARKS: This is a 'high banded' version of 8 mm using a hot new tape
technology: evaporated metal. (It is so hot, a few experimental tapes
started themselves on fire!) It gives very good pictures, but can't
seem to give much in the way of multigenerations. 8 mm has been slow
to be accepted by consumers, although it is now more popular than ever.
Format name: Digital 8 SMPTE type:
Format type: digital Scanning system: ? head helical scan
Year introduced: 1999 Developer: Sony and others Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 8 mm Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: .55 mils (metal particle) or .4 mils (evaporated metal)
Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component clor channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: 2? Carrier frequencies: 1.5 MHz, 1.7 MHz
No. of digital channels: 2? Sampling rate: 32 No. of bits: 12?
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This is a very new format that I heard about being in stores before
I read that it even exists. I know very little about it at this time.
It apparently uses some form of motion-JPEG type compression to allow
easy editing and slow motion. It is most likely a variant of the DV
compresson algorithm. Although it designed to use the evaporated metal
Hi-8 tape, it will also work with reduced performance with standard 8
mm tapes. Stay tuned; this format has the possibility of being a real
winner!
Format name: Ampex VR303 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: Longitudnal
Year introduced: 1965 Developer: Ampex
Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s): 100 i.p.s.
Tape thickness: See notes Playing time(s): 50 minutes
Cassette dimensions: 12 1/2" open reel
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle: 0
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This machine was introduced circa 1965 for industrial or
educational use. It is a longitudnal standard, with a tape speed of
100 ips. It featured a whopping 1.5 MHz of video bandwidth! The tape
used was 'Ampex 143 Video Tape'. This tape was exceedingly thin for
it's day (.5 mils.), and a 12 1/2" reel of tape held 12,600 feet! The
machine was in a cabinet very similar to their type 'A' machines, and
weighed 95 pounds. Cost was, $3,950, which was a lot in 1965. It was
also available in a roll-around cart, along with a camera, picture
monitor and other accessories. (System cost was $6,000.) I seriously
doubt many were made, and anyone finding one will have found a
historically interesting machine.
Click here for a picture of a VR303 VTR.
Format name: Hi-Scan B SMPTE type:
Format type:Analog Scanning system: Longitudinal
Year introduced: 1999 Developer: Samuel Hunt Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for Hi-Scan Mechanical, 72/25/1:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" or 6.35 mm Tape speed(s): 15ips
Tape thickness: .0015" Open reel audio tape
Playing time(s): up to 2 hours
Cassette dimensions: N/A
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Standard 1/4" stereo audio
Track angle: 0 (Longitudinal)
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: 15ips Gap width: Standard for audio reel
to reel running at 4.8cm/s (Improved high frequency)
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments/field: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Video signal is AM modulated around 116.64kHz
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: Reel to reel standard
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: (Notes by Samuel Hunt) This is used for mechanical Scan TV. This is
the super high quality variant. The picture quality is excellent for
mechanical scan. A standard 4.8cm/s reel to reel player is used, then
the gearing is changed to make the tape run at 15ips. This gives
improved bandwidth, needed for the high frequencies required. This is
about the maximum speed you run a tape at before you turn it into a
helical or transverse system. Video is on the left channel, audio is on
the right. To get Hi-Scan B to work, you normally need to do some
fairly major work to the tape player, since it really is something to
get tape to run at 15ips. Also, the whole machine is tuned for 4.8cm/s,
not 15ips, so there needs to be some fairly major work done, since the
tape is running nearly 10 times as fast. However, this is an amateur
format, for use with home-made recievers, so any work that needs doing
is not as major as building a reciever.
Format name: Akai X-500/Roberts 1000 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: 1968 Developer: Akai/Roberts Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Standard audio open reel tape! Playing time(s): 40 min.
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This is one of the more interesting machines I have come across.
It is a combination open reel video/audio recorder. The machine is
layed out like a standard audio open reel, except there is a video
scanner between the reels. You had your choice when threading the
machine to either thread the conventional audio heads, or threading
the video head (Which apparently had it's own capstan, and possibly
narrow track audio heads. This machine was color capable. This machine
was also built for Roberts by Akai, who marketed it as the Roberts
1000.
Click here for a picture of the Roberts 1000.
Format name: Akai 1/4" European open reel, VT100 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head, half wrap helical
Year introduced: Developer: Akai Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for CCIR, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s): 23.85 cm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 20 min on 5" reel, 1100'
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 1500 RPM
Head-to-tape writing speed: 18.49 m/sec. (?) Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This format used 1/4" Chromium Dioxide audio tape. It was used
a lot for recording sporting events for later analysis. Video
bandwidth was a paltry 2.5 MHz.
Click here for a picture of a VT-100 VTR. Thanks,
Klaus Carstens!
Format name: Akai 1/4" European open reel, VT150 SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head half wrap helical
Year introduced: Developer: Akai Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s): 20.77 cm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 30 min (5" reel)
Cassette dimensions:
Machine was color-capable.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 20.77 cm/sec.
Head-to-tape writing speed: 618.41 cm/sec Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This machine is a slightly different format than the VT100/110/120
/700. The main difference is the machine is capable of color. It
apparently boasts a resolution of 230 lines.
Format name: Lineplex (Quartercam) SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: helical
Year introduced: 81 Developer: Bosch Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s):11.8 cm/s
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions:
VIDEO: Track length:94.24 mm Track width: 55 microns Track angle: 2.7 deg
Guard band width: ? Headwheel diameter: 60 mm Speed:25 1/s (?)
Head-to-tape writing speed: 4.71 m/s
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 3.82 -> 2.55 MHz (expanded)
Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 5.39 -> 3.59 MHz (expanded)
Color carrier frequency:
Luminance is FM recorded following Time-expansion.
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 2 Track width: 0.35 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: 1 Track, 0.3 mm
REMARKS: This apparently was an experimental portable VTR developed for
electronic news gathering (ENG). Whatever it was, it never caught on.
For this system, an analogue data-compression system was developed,
using time-expansion for Y, time compression for C and multiplexing Y
and C on two tracks. This system was also known as Quartercam.
Click here for a picture of a Lineplex VTR.
Thanks, Klaus Carstens!
Format name: 1/4" Technicolor (CVC) SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: 2 head helical scan
Year introduced: 1980 Developer: Funai Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: A cassette was used.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE: Not used.
REMARKS: A small VTR format developed for small sales presentation units
and the like. It worked quite well for this purpose. I have actually
worked on a couple of these. Bosch and Hitachi supposedly used CVC
as the basis for a professional/broadcast format that was never
marketed.
Click here for a picture of a CVC VTR. Thanks, BRUNO!
Format name: DV or DVC SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head helical scan
Year introduced: 1996 Developer: EIAJ Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 6.35 mm Tape speed(s): 18.831 mm/sec.
Tape thickness: 8.8 microns Playing time(s): approx. 3 1/2 hr
(Large Cassette)
Cassette dimensions: Small: ?
Large: 4 15/16 X 3 X 9/16 in.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: 21.7 mm Speed: 9000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 9.9 m/sec
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): 20 deg.
No. of segments: 10 No. of lines/segment: 26.2
Control track width: none used Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: Y: 13.5 MHz; R-Y, B-Y:3.375 MHz No. of bits: 8
5:1 DCT-based video compression
Data encoding system: Data rate: 25 Mb/Sec.
Audio segment location: End of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: none Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 2 Sampling rate: 48 KHz No. of bits: 16,
or, 4 channels at 32 kHz, 12 bits.
TIME CODE: Yes, recorded in a segment with video and audio.
REMARKS: This is the new consumer digital format. Although it uses 5:1
compression, this format should deliver pictures that we would have
called full broadcast quality ten years ago. Numerous companies have
worked together to make DVC a reality. Although the format was slow to
catch on, it is now selling well in the consumer market. There is also
rumors that there are now multiple tape speeds for this format, the
longer-playing one featuring a track spacing of 7.7 microns.
Click here for a picture of a consumer DV camcorder.
Format name: DVCPRO SMPTE type: D7
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head helical scan
Year introduced: 1995 Developer: Panasonic/EIAJ Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 6.35 mm Tape speed(s): 33.8539 mm/sec.
Tape thickness: 8.8 microns Playing time(s): 63 min (Medium)
123 min (Large)
Cassette dimensions: (Medium) 3 13/16 X 2 1/2 X 9/16 in.
(Large) 4 15/16 X 3X 9/16 in.
VIDEO: Track length: 32.842 mm Track width: 18 um Track angle: 9.1784 deg.
Guard band width: 0 Headwheel diameter: 21.7 mm Speed: 9000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 10.2 m/sec
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): -19.97,+20.03 deg. (unequal)
No. of segments: 10 No. of lines/segment: 52.5
Control track width: .4 mm Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: Y: 13.5 MHz; R-Y,B-Y: 3.375 MHz No. of bits: 8
5:1 video compression DCT/DV, intraframe
Data encoding system: 24-25 modulation Data rate: 25 mb/sec.
Audio segment location: end of track
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width: .35 mm
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 2 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 16
TIME CODE: Longitudnal and VITC.
REMARKS: This is the professional version of the new consumer digital format.
It uses 5:1 compression, and many other features of the consumer
format. However, it's tape speed is almost twice as great, which
improves bit error rate and improves editability. It also uses metal
particle tape. This allows the use of a longitudnal control and cue
track. (Apparently, evaporated metal tape cannot handle longitudnal
tracks.) There are some other more minor differences as well. The pro
decks can play back the consumer format, but not vice versa. The pro
format also does not use the small cassette size. The newest machines
will also play back DVCAM(!) An extensive article on this format
appears in the July 1996 SMPTE Journal. This format and DVCPRO50 are
quickly taking over the field acqusition end of the marketplace!
Click here for a picture of DVCPRO VTR's.
Format name: DVCPRO 50 SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head helical scan
Year introduced: 1995 Developer: Panasonic Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 6.35 mm Tape speed(s): 67.6 mm/sec.
Tape thickness: 8.8 microns Playing time(s): 33 min (Medium)
(Same tape as DVCPRO) 94 min (Large)
Cassette dimensions: (Medium) 3 13/16 X 2 1/2 X 9/16 in.
(Large) 4 15/16 X 3X 9/16 in.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate: Y: 13.5 MHz; R-Y,B-Y: 6.75 MHz No. of bits: 8
3.3:1 video compression DCT/DV, intraframe
Data encoding system: Data rate: 50 mb/sec.
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 (cue) Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 4 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 16
TIME CODE: Longitudnal and VITC.
REMARKS: This is an extension of the DVCPRO format featuring 4:2:2 sampling
and milder compression. Additionally, the machines have two more
digital audio channels and will play back DVCPRO standard tapes.
I suspect that most of the transport/encoding parameters are similar
to DVCPRO, but until I am sure, they are left blank. Although a very
new format, it is apparently selling quite well. See the HDTV 6.35 MM
area for a further extension of this format, DVCPRO 100.
Format name: DVCAM SMPTE type:
Format type: digital component Scanning system: 2 head helical
Year introduced: 1996 Developer: Sony Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 6.35 mm Tape speed(s): 28.2 mm/sec
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 40 min (Small)
184 min (Large)
Cassette dimensions: 4 15/16 X 3 X 9/16" (Standard DV cass.)
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: 15 um Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed: 9000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: 2 Sampling rate: 48 kHz No. of bits: 16
(Or, 4 32 kHz, 12 bit channels)
TIME CODE: ?
REMARKS: This is yet another 'me-too' format; it is Sony's answer to DVC
Pro. The format uses only evaporated metal tape, and has some
compatability with DVC. It is not compatible with DVC Pro. In a
market that had finally come up with a good standard, all we need
is yet another format war! It should be a good one, too as DVCAM
looks to be an excellent format. Still, sales has not been as good
as DVCPRO.
Click here for a picture of a DVCAM VTR.
Format name: DVCPRO 100 SMPTE type: D12
Format type: digital component Scanning system: multi head helical scan
Year introduced: 1998 (Not released yet) Developer: Panasonic
Was format sucessful? ?
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 6.35 mm Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: 8.8 microns Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: (Medium) 3 13/16 X 2 1/2 X 9/16 in.
(Large) 4 15/16 X 3X 9/16 in.
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle:
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Sampling rate:
Data encoding system: Data rate: 100 mb/sec.
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: This new format, now available, is the HDTV version of DVCPRO.
Almost nothing about it is known, although it is starting to sell
well. Tape speed is apparently 4 times that of DVCPRO. Stay tuned for
further info!
Format name: Proscan 250 SMPTE type: N/A
Format type: analog Scanning system: 8 head helical
Year introduced: still under development Developer: SuperSam Group
Was format sucessful? ??
[All figures are for PAL, 625/50/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s): 1 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 3.3 Hours
Cassette dimensions: open reel
VIDEO: Track length: 1/4" Track width: .2 micron Track angle: 90 deg.
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: 3" Speed: 72000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 3000 in/sec? Gap width:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): None
No. of segments: 1 No. of lines/segment: 625
Control track width: 0 Recorded waveform: square wave
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: 41 MHz Blanking frequency: 91 MHz
Peak white frequency: 79 MHz Color carrier frequency: 50MHz
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 0
Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies: 50MHz
No. of digital channels: 5 Sampling rate: 48000 No. of bits: 24
TIME CODE: Digitally encoded at 40MHz
REMARKS: This is a totally new analog format, designed for electronic cinema.
The very high head-to-tape writing speeds allow for the use of the
very high modulating frequencies. Some very novel new technologies are
employed, as well as some old ones (air bearings) to get scanner rotation
speeds as high as they are. Although some work remains to be done, the
format is basically perfected, and is expected out sometime in 2001.
Thanks to Samuel Hunt, of SuperSam Group, for sharing details of their new
formats. This is the first time I have been able to list formats under active
development!
Format name: Proscan 270 SMPTE type: N/A
Format type: analog Scanning system: 75 head traverse
Year introduced: still under development Developer: SuperSam Group
Was format sucessful? ??
[All figures are for Cinema PAL, 1 700 000/24/1:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 1/4" Tape speed(s): 15 ips
Tape thickness: Playing time(s): 2.5 Hours
Cassette dimensions: open reel
VIDEO: Track length: 1/4" Track width: 0.03mm Track angle: 90 deg.
Guard band width: 0.02mm Headwheel diameter: 12" Speed: 8000 rpm
Head-to-tape writing speed: 150000 in/sec Gap width: 0.02mm
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): None
No. of segments: ? No. of lines/segment: ?
Control track width: 0 Recorded waveform: square wave (380MHz)
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: 380MHz Color carrier frequency: 380MHz
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 0
Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies: 260MHz
No. of digital channels: 5 Sampling rate: 48000 No. of bits: 24
TIME CODE: Digitally encoded at 40MHz, along with subtitles and two mono
digital channels
REMARKS: This is a very unusual new format from the SuperSam group in
England. Designed for no-compromise electronic cinema, the format features an
unbeliveable resolution of 9 million lines(!). The head is very large in
diameter to keep the speed down (And reduce the precision of the female guide,
I would imagine.). As a result, 75 heads are required! It employs head
switching right on the drum to eliminate crosstalk from so many heads. It will
be interesting to see what will come of this format and Proscan 250. They
certainly represent the most significant developments in VTR technology in
a decade and a half.
Thanks to Samuel Hunt, of SuperSam Group, for sharing details of their new
formats. This is the first time I have been able to list formats under active
development!
Format name: Fisher-Price video format SMPTE type:
Format type: analog Scanning system: Longitudnal
Year introduced: early '90s Developer: Fischer-Price Was format sucessful? N
[All figures are for NTSC, 525/60/2:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: Tape speed(s):
Tape thickness: Playing time(s):
Cassette dimensions: Standard high bias audio cassette
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Track angle: 0
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed:
Head azimuth offset angle (one head):
No. of segments: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Sync tip frequency: Blanking frequency:
Peak white frequency: Color carrier frequency:
--Component color channel
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: Track width:
No. of AFM channels: Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: I am not making this up! Fisher-Price introduced a toy camcorder
that was supposed to work 'just like daddy's', without the delicate
rotary head VTR inside. They came up with a black and white, semi
real time videotape system that worked with fixed heads and an audio
cassette. The system included a small black and white TV that
functioned as a monitor for the system as well as an ordinary TV.
I guess kids wanted real camcorders, as the product wasn't around very
long. It is already considered a collector's item. I have recently
acquired the electronics from one of these machines, and should have
no trouble getting it to work. More, later.
Format name: Junior AM SMPTE type:
Format type:Analog Scanning system: Longitudinal
Year introduced: 1999 Developer: Samuel Hunt Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for Junior Mechanical, 24/12.5/1:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 3mm (Compact Cassette) Tape speed(s): 4.8cm/s
Tape thickness: .0015" Playing time(s): up to 2 hours
Cassette dimensions: Same as Philips Compact Cassette
VIDEO: Track length:
Track width: Stereo Compact Casette standard.
Track angle: 0 (longitudinal)
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: 4.8cm/s
Gap width: 4 micron (About standard)
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments/field: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Video signal is AM modulated around 12kHz
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: Stereo Compact
Cassette Standard
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: (Notes by Samuel Hunt) This is used for mechanical Scan TV. The tape
runs at compact cassette standard, and the video is AM modulated around
12kHz, recorded on the left channel. Audio is on the right channel.
Format name: Hi-Scan C SMPTE type:
Format type:Analog Scanning system: Longitudinal
Year introduced: 1999 Developer: Samuel Hunt Was format sucessful? Y
[All figures are for Hi-Scan Mechanical, 72/12.5/1:1, unless noted.]
PHYSICAL DATA: Tape width: 3mm (Compact Cassette) Tape speed(s): 13.9968cm/s
Tape thickness: .0015" Playing time(s): up to 31 minutes
Cassette dimensions: Same as Philips compact cassette
VIDEO: Track length: Track width: Stereo Compact Cassette standard
Track angle: 0 (Longitudinal)
Guard band width: Headwheel diameter: Speed:
Head-to-tape writing speed: 13.9968 cm/s Gap width: Standard for
compact cassette running at 4.8cm/s (Improved high frequency)
Head azimuth offset angle (one head): N/A
No. of segments/field: No. of lines/segment:
Control track width: Recorded waveform:
--Video modulation or Component luminance channel
Video signal is AM modulated around 29.16kHz
--Component color channel N/A
Chroma encoding:
Sync tip frequency: Center frequency:
Negative peak frequency: Positive peak frequency:
--Digital only N/A
Data encoding system: Data rate:
Audio segment location:
AUDIO: No. of longitudnal channels: 1 Track width: Compact Cassette standard
No. of AFM channels: N/A Carrier frequencies:
No. of digital channels: N/A Sampling rate: No. of bits:
TIME CODE:
REMARKS: (Notes by Samuel Hunt) This is used for mechanical Scan TV. This
offers better quality than Junior AM, for the enthusiast with a 72 line
set. However, it is not so difficult to use as Hi-Scan B, since you
don't need to have tape running at very high speeds. All that is needed
is a modified compact cassette player. A change of motor can do the
trick, since it only needs to run 3 times faster. Some people have been
very brave, and put 9V through a 3V motor. Others have been more
sensible, and changed the pulleys. However, something needs to be done
to speed it up. However, this is an amateur format, for use with
home-made recievers, so any work that needs doing is not as major as
building a reciever.
There are a couple of VTR formats not listed above, because I don't yet have sufficient data to classify them.
An example would be a Russian version of quad that used 3" wide tape! Another is a failed consumer format introduced by Ampex, called 'Instavision'. Yet another is a format General Electric developed using 3/4" tape. Supposedly, only the prototype exists.
There are undoubtedly some foreign or historic formats not listed here. If you have any information about any format that would help 'fill in blanks' or make the listing more complete, or correct an error, please email it to the address below. Thank you in advance!
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