An Overview of Longitudinal Video Recording Technology
Seemingly innovative technological advancements are sometimes no more than restructured versions of a basic invention. This is certainly the case in the field of longitudinal videotape recording (LVR). The earliest attempts at videotape recording were of the longitudinal type, and after 80 years of progress in VTR design we are now coming back again to longitudinal videotape recording. The introduction of the highly successful rotary-head video recorder in 1956 slowed the development of the LVR concept for a number of years; and so did the introduction of the so-called U-format. As a need for VTRs in the consumer market arose, the LVR development received new impulse. High technical standards must be set, and the limitations of the helical VTR must be overcome for general consumer applications. New avenues in LVR design are described. They depart from the Newell tape transport system, and comprise the BASF and the endless loop transport systems. Recent examples of advanced LVR design are embodied in the Toshiba LVR, and in the latest BASF recorder. Application of the LVR concept to digital video recording may benefit from the high packing density possible in digital recording. Smaller, lightweight LVRs with reduced tape area consumption may soon become a possibility for both industrial and home consumer applications.
- Print ISSN
- 0036-1682
- Published
- 1980-07
- Content type
- Original Research
- DOI
- 10.5594/J00462