Laser-Beam Recorder for Color Television Film Transfer

The research and development of a new laser TV film recording system is described, which satisfies the needs of quality color TV broadcast film-distribution functions. In the past, direct color TV recording has been limited to the 3-kine-scope, or “trinescope,” recorder, and photography from a shadow-mask color CRT. Other techniques utilize the encoding of the color information into a pattern which is subsequently retrieved in a special playback instrument. The new direct color laser film recording system described in this paper uses conventional color motion-picture film, processing and projection equipment. It provides high resolution, high color purity, low noise, low optical flare, wide dynamic range, excellent scan linearity and perfect color registration throughout the picture. Major design considerations, such as film and laser selection, optical and scanner design, and circuit and control system design, are covered. The main ingredients of this new system are the availability of adequate laser power to overcome optical losses and the utilization of precision light-scanning techniques to apply selected laser colors on compatible film emulsions. Careful electronic control of these factors provides a significant advance in the quality of color-film transfer from NTSC signals.

Print ISSN

0361-4573

Published

1971-09

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J05744