Helical Videotape Interchangeability Requirements

The necessity for recordings to be playable on any number of players in a variety of locations generally was not a serious consideration in the initial applications for helical videotape recording and playback equipment. More recently, however, with the increased use of helical color videotape in fully automated cable and hotel pay-TV origination systems, for advertising and sales promotion, and for expanded education non-interconnected networks, the need for optimum interchangeable performance has become acute. — The situation has been compounded, first by the large number of organizations providing a recording service, and second by the increasing number of manufacturing sources and formats for equipment and tape. The problems have grown to such proportions that they are no longer amenable to standardization on any one format through the work of industry technical committees. Instead, the question of the best format for each application undoubtedly will be answered in the market place by the users. On the other hand, industry activity appears likely to be directed toward the development of recommended practices for each of the different formats which are available from two or more manufacturing sources. — The following is a review in general terms of the requirements for interchange-ability and the joint action being undertaken by the industry technical organizations in the development of appropriate recommendations for standardization.

Print ISSN

0361-4573

Published

1974-06

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J08761