VideoPreservation Website

Chapter 11

Basic Videocassette Systems

Videocassette recording and playback systems represent a significant advance over 3/4-inch EIAJ systems. Since the tape remains in a sealed container and is threaded automatically in a videocassette system, the trouble-free life of the tape and the video unit is greatly extended. Videocassette machines are particularly ideal for playback and recording situations where a variety of untrained people must operate a video machine.

U-Matic 3/4inch Videocassette Recorders

The operational controls on a U-Matic 3/4-inch VCR (Videocassette Recorder) differ somewhat from one series of the same machine to another and also within the same manufacturer's models. Nevertheless, all videocassette machines must include additional controls such as PAUSE/STILL FRAME, RECORD, AUDIO DUB, and EDIT. Also,VCR plugs and connectors are basically identical to reel-to-reel VTRs. Earlier model Sony VCRs such as the VP-1200, VO-1600 and VO1800 utilized mechanical function buttons which required the operator to wait between modes to prevent the machine from jamming. The Sony Type II machines and most JVC VCRs feature feather-touch SOLENOID CONTROLS and LOCK-OUT LOGIC which nearly eliminate operator control error.

Special Features of Most Sony Type II and other sophisticated VCRs:

• LOGIC CONTROL SYSTEM—A LOCK OUT LOGIC feature prevents the activation of the "wrong button." Any button can be pressed at any time without going first to the STOP mode or damaging the tape or the machine. The logic control circuits remember which buttons have been pushed but permit only the correct sequence of machine operations to occur, thus eliminating any chance of operator-control error. Most of us could surely use one of these, couldn't we?

• IMPROVED PICTURE QUALITY and Signal-toNoise Ratio—Type I I VCRs have a 45 db signal-to-noise ratio vs. 40-42 db for EIAJ VTRs. An increase of 5 db represents a noticeable and significant increase in picture quality and purity. This improvement allows copies to be made with very little loss in quality.

•PAUSE CONTROL—The tape motion can be stopped or started in either recording or playback mode without dethreading the tape. This is an essential feature for cueing or editing.

• AUTO/MANUAL LIMITER for Audio Recording—This control allows the selection of automatic or manual modes for audio recording. When the limiter is on, high level peaks and distortion are reduced without altering the dynamic range of the sound. Older AGC (automatic gain control) circuits would boost low sounds and extraneous noise,causing undesirable audio elements to be recorded on the tape.

• FULL AUTOMATIC REWIND—When the tape stops at the end of the program, the machine rewinds it automatically.

•AUTOMATIC REPLAY/CONTINUOUS REPLAY—The machine rewinds and continuously replays the tape. This is very useful for sales demonstrations and informational situations.

•PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY—The VCR will automatically return to a preselected point in the tape.

• REMOTE CONTROL—Optional remote control devices allow computer or distant operator control of the machine's tape functions.

U-Matic Videocassette Systems—Controls and Operations

We will feature the Sony VO-2600 VCR because it is a Type I I VCR, and its controls and operations are representative of most popular videocassette machines.

Sony VO-2600 Controls

1.  TAKE-UP REEL SPINDLE—A full reel of tape goes here.

2.  TAPE COUNTER—Indicates the amount of tape used. Always reset to 000.

3.  TAPE COUNTER AND RESET BUTTON—Push button to 000 at start of first picture.

4.  PI LOT LAMP—Indicates the VCR is ON.

5.  POWER BUTTON—Depress to turn on the VCR.

6.  HEADPHONES JACK—Use low impedance 8 ohm headphones.

7.  AUDIO MONITOR SELECTOR—Allows selection of audio track No. 1, track No. 2 or a MIX of both. The switch does not operate in RECORD mode,

8.  CASSETTE COMPARTMENT—Insert a videocassette here,

9.  RECORD BUTTON/LAMP—Places the VCR in RECORD mode. The indicator lamp will light.

10. STAND BY LAMP—Indicates the VCR is in the process of threading the tape.

NOTE: The stand by lamp will light and stay lit when the special tape protection device is activated if improper tape motion is sensed. if this happens, rewind and play the tape again. If the machine stops automatically a second time at the same spot, try another tape. See Videocassette Winding Problems—Chapter 14, Maintenance and Troubleshooting.

11. F FWD BUTTON/LAMP—Commands the VCR to wind the tape forward at high speed .

12. FWD BUTTON/LAMP—Places the VCR in PLAY mode for standard recording and playback.

13. SUPPLY REEL SPINDLE—An empty ree of tape goes here.

14. TRACKING CONTROL—Operates in playback mode only. Adjust this control if the picture is distorted, otherwise leave the control in the FIX position.

15. AUDIO LEVEL CONTROLS AND METERS—Allow manual or automatic control of audio levels. Adjust each control so the sound level averages at "0" db.

16. INPUT SELECTOR SWITCH—Use LINE position for camera or second VTR. Use TV for recording off-the-air with a TV tuner or monitor/receiver.

17. MIC IN JACKS—Plug 1 or 2 microphones in here. Use microphones with mini jacks and 250 to 600 ohm impedance.

18. AUDIO LIMITER SWITCH—In the ON position, the limiter will reduce the peak sounds that are too loud but will not affect the quiet sounds. This switch is best left in the ON position for most circumstances. The manual control usually works best when recording with live microphones. Always make a test recording first and try recording with the limiter and without it. See which method works best.

19. PAUSE BUTTON/LAMP—Activating PAUSE causes the tape to stop and display a still frame. This only works with tape designed for still frame picture playback, such as the KCA series videocassette tapes and most post-1975 tapes designed for this purpose. Older non-still frame tape will cause the VCR to black out the picture until the PAUSE control is reactivated.

20. EJECT BUTTON—Push to eject tape. The button can be activated while the machine is in operation for al I Type I I series VCRs.

21. AUTO OFF/LAMP—The illumination of this lamp indicates activation of a moisture sensor which temporarily disables the VCR in case of condensation on the video head drum surface. If the light comes on when the power switch is depressed, turn the power off and wait 10 minutes and then restart the machine. When the light is on, do not try to remove or to insert the videocassette. The AUTO-OFF lamp will also be activated when the automatic stop mechanism at the end of the tape fails. When this failure occurs, the machine will become deactivated and must be taken to a Sony Service Station for repair.

22. DUB/CH-1 BUTTON/LAMP—Allows audio to be added later to track No. 1 during playback.

23. REWIND BUTTON/LAMP—Allows rewinding of the tape.

24. STOP BUTTON—Stang the tape motion.

Connectors:

1. RF OUT CONNECTOR—Insert an RF cable here and connect it to a TV set.

2. RF ADAPTOR COMPARTMENT—Insert optional RF unit.

3. REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTOR—Connect the 20-Pin optional remote control unit (Sony RM 420) here.

4. GROUND TERMINATION—Connect a wire to a good ground if a hum is present in the audio.

5. VIDEO IN CONNECTOR—Plug in a camera or a VTR here; this connection brings only video into the VCR.

6. LINE IN CONNECTOR—Use this input to transfer sound into the VCR from a microphone mixer or output (LINE OUT) of a second VTR. DO NOT plug a microphone in here. Either audio track can be used separately, or both utilized simultaneously except when audio dubbing.

7. AUDIO MONITOR JACK—Connect to an audio input on a TV monitor if needed.

8. COLOR LOCK CONTROL—Do not adjust unless the correct hues cannot be maintained. Use a small screwdriver and turn the knob until the colors stabilize. The control should remain in the DETENT (notched) position.

9. AC POWER CONNECTION—Connect to a wall socket with the AC cord.

10. LINE OUT JACK—This output carries the sound out of the VCR. Connect it to a stereo amplifier or a second VCR.

11. VIDEO OUT JACK—This output takes the video out of the machine.

12. TV 8-PIN CONNECTOR—Connect to a video monitor or monitor/receiver.

Videocassette Tape Information

The full width of the tape is used for recording, and the tape cannot be used in the reverse direction. You cannot "turn over and record on the other side" as with audiotape.

Always rewind the tape fully for storage and mailing and store the videocassette in its case. If tapes are not rewound, they tend to develop slack on the reel, which causes the automatic devices on the VCR to shut down the machine and stop the tape as it is playing. Sometimes the tape will not play until it is run in the F. FWD and REWIND modes several times to even out the tension in the tape. This happens primarily because of the overlapping design of the two reels inside the cassette.

Use only KCA or KCS series videocassettes if still framing is required. These tapes are specially formulated for the heavy abrasion and wear produced on them during still framing. A small access hole underneath the cassette activates a sensor which al lows the picture to appear. Older cassettes such as the KC series will not display a picture during the PAUSE mode because these cassettes do not contain the special indicator hole.

The smaller and more compact series KCS 3/4- inch videocassettes will also play on any large VCR. However, Sony recommends the use of the KA-1 adaptor to insure a better fit and protection of the delicate plastic guide that keeps the small cassette in its correct alignment.

All videocassettes contain a red safety button on the bottom of the tape to prevent accidental erasure. This red button must be in place to initiate any recording on the tape. Once you are finished recording, remove the red button to safeguard the tape, otherwise the taped material will be erased when the. VCR is placed in the RECORD mode.

VIDEOCASSETTE OPERATIONS PROCEDURES Inserting and Removing the Cassette—Sony Type II Systems

Step 1   Turn the VCR ON.

Step 2   Press the EJECT button and the cassette carriage will pop up.

Step 3   Insert the cassette, pushing it back as far as it will go.

Step 4   Press down the cassette compartment until it drops into the PLAY position.

Step 5   Push the EJECT button to remove the cassette. The power must be ON to remove

the cassette.

Procedure for Inserting and Removing Cassette—Sony pre-Type II Systems and All JVC Systems: Note: VCR need not be on

Step 1   Pull the EJECT lever forward and the carriage will pop up.

Step 2   Insert the cassette, and push it back as far as it will go.

Step 3   Press down the cassette compartment until it drops into the PLAY position.

Step 4   Pull the EJECT lever when the tape is finished and the stand by light goes out.

Step 5   Remove the cassette.

CAUTION: The cassette carriage drops fast, so get your hands out of the way rapidly after you push the cassette in—it bites!

Panasonic Automatic Elevator Step 1   Turn the VCR ON.

Step 2   Push the EJECT button and wait for the cassette elevator to rise into position and stop.

Step 3   Insert the cassette, pushing it as far back as it will go, and then push the PLAY button.

Step 4   Push the EJECT button to raise the elevator again.

Step 5   Remove the cassette.

CAUTION:

• Before turning off the power, be sure to remove the cassettes from the Sony Type II and Panasonic automatic elevator VCRs.

-Be gentle—avoid subjecting the cassette compartment to unnecessary shock or impact.

• Use extreme care when inserting compact cassettes into the large cassette carriages, or you

will break off the fragile plastic guide strip on the bottom of the cassette compartment.

This will necessitate complete replacement of the cassette carriage. If the guide is broken,

the compact cassettes will not line up properly with the threading mechanism.

VIDEOCASSETTE OPERATION—Playback Mode—All Models:

Step 1 Connect a TV monitor or a TV receiver to the VCR. Use the 8-Pin cable with a TV monitor or a monitor/receiver and the R F cable with a standard TV receiver. See RF Adaptor Installation-Chapter 8—Making the Right Connections.

Step 2   Turn everything ON.

Step 3   Insert a prerecorded videocassette.

Step 4   Press the FWD (forward) button.

Step 5   Adjust the AUDIO MONITOR Selector on the VCR to the proper position—usually the MIX mode.

Step 6 Adjust the sound level on the monitor or the TV set. The audio level meters will indicate the levels in playback mode, but are not affected by the controls. This is a good way to know whether or not there is a program on the tape, and the VCR is in fact

playing the program.

Step 7   Sit back, relax and enjoy the program.

Step 8 At the end of the tape, the VCR will stop automatically. Rewind the tape and remove the cassette. The tape may be stopped and restarted at any point in the playback by pushing the STOP or PAUSE button. Push the PAUSE button a second time to restart the tape.

CAUTION: Do not hold the PAUSE mode for more than 30 seconds as this may clog the video heads.

VIDEOCASSETTE OPERATION—
Record Mode—All Models

Recording Off-The-Air

The discontinued Sony VO-1800 and all Type II recorders require an external or "outboard" TV TUNER to receive off-the-air TV programs. The Sony recorders can use the discontinued TT-100 tuner/timer or the newer TT-300 LED display 2-hour automatic shut-off tuner/timer. If only a timer is needed, you can use the DT-10A digital timer. Automatic unattended recording can then be made with any Sony U-Matic recorder with the supplied FA-2A timer recording adaptor.

Internal Timer-Tuner Systems

Many VCRs do not require external timer and tuners as they are built in. Examples are the Sony VO-1600 (discontinued), the Panasonic NV-2125, and the JVC CR-6100U and CR-6300U VCRs_ With these systems simply insert the cassette, tune in the correct channel, set the INPUT SE LECTOR on the VCR to TV, put the VCR in the record mode, and preset the timer for the correct time. Recording will take place automatically.

JVC—CR-6100U and CR-6300U

The clocks on the timer must be set accurately if you don't want to miss the first part of a program or run out of tape too soon. The JVC timer runs on batteries and is quite noisy. Also, it is difficult to set it accurately to + or - 2 to 5 minutes. The digital clocks in other timer-tuner systems have a greater accuracy and are easier to set.

Off-The-Air Recording Hints

Recording by the timer method tapes the commercials along with the program which is certainly not desirable. By stopping the VCR or placing it in the PAUSE mode during commercials, they can be eliminated. Unfortunately, decommercialized 90 minute TV programs will still not quite fit on one 60 minute cassette. Since it's a drag having to use a 60 and a 30 minute cassette for a 90 minute program, the extended play 90 minute cassette

might be the way to go. Also, with the single 90 minute cassette, a 90 minute TV program could be recorded unattended by the automatic timer-tuner.

Erasing

In R ECord mode, the erase head is energized, automatically erasing the previous material on the tape. If you want to erase only a portion of the tape without adding a new picture and sound, simply disconnect all inputs and run the tape in record mode. Be sure to make sure the red safety button on the bottom of the cassette is in place.

Recording Procedure with Timer-Tuner

Step 1   Connect the tuner to the VCR.

Step 2   Turn everything ON.

Step 3   Adjust the tuner to the correct TV channel.

Step 4   Insert the cassette and make sure the red safety button is in place. Step 5 Set the VCR INPUT SELECTOR to the TV mode.

Step 6   Adjust the audio level if necessary.

Step 7   Set the turn-on time on the timer ( leave the recorder ON ).

Step 8   Turn off the video monitor or the TV set.

Step 9 Attach the FA-20 TIMER RECORDING ADAPTOR. The Recorder will start and record at the preset time. At the end of the tape, the VCR will stop automatically, but it will not rewind until the recording adaptor is removed.

NOTE: Playback with the preset timer is possible when the red button on the bottom of the cassette is removed.

Procedure for Recording from a Camera Source

Step 1   Properly connect the camera, the microphones, and the TV receiver to the videocas sette recorder.

Step 2   Press the POWER button and the lamp will light.

Step 3   Insert the cassette, making sure the red safety button is in place on the bottom of the

cassette.

Step 4   Set the VCR INPUT SELECTOR switch for the proper input

Step 5 Press the RECord button to monitor the picture and the sound. The recording lamp will light, and the picture and sound should come through the monitor or the TV set (E to E mode).

Step 6 Adjust the AUDIO INPUT SE LECTOR on the VCR (MIX is best) and select MAN UAL or LIMITER control of sound. Set the audio controls for the proper levels. See Audio Notes.

Setting Correct Sound Levels—Turn off the limiter. The meters should swing up to but not beyond the red zone level. Turn the limiter back on. Distortion on peak sounds should be prevented by the limiter.

AUDIO NOTE No. 1—If using only 1 microphone, only one channel will activate. Be sure to plug the mic in the proper channel, because you can only dub over the sound on the L (left) CHANNEL or CHANNEL NO. 1. So, if you want to keep the original sound and add a second track later, be sure you record the first sound on TRACK NO. 2. To avoid confusion, buy a Y-PLUG that allows you to feed both channels simultaneously. This eliminates tons of problems later. If only one microphone input is used, turn off the control of the other sound input to eliminate extraneous noises.

AUDIO NOTE No. 2—When you use the TV 8-Pin plug with a video monitor, the sound will be recorded on audio track NO. 2 ONLY (right channel).

AUDIO NOTE No. 3—If the MIC IN and LINE IN jacks of the same channel are used simultaneously, the MIC IN jack has priority and the LINE IN input will NOT record.

Step 7   Adjust the monitor or the TV receiver for good color.

Step 8   Adjust the camera, lights and microphones for best quality.

Step 9   Set the VCR to 000 by pressing the reset button.

Step 10 Press the RECord and FWD buttons simultaneously, the recording will start, and the automatic controls will take over. Be sure to watch the audio levels if using the manual audio controls.

Step 11 The machine will automatically stop at the end of the tape, but everything can be

halted momentarily by pressing the PAUSE button, even when the machine is in the

RECORD mode. The machine will continue in the RECORD mode again when the

PAUSE button is pushed a second time.

AUDIO DUBBING

Audio dubbing allows new sound to be added to a previously recorded tape. However, sound can only be added on Channel No. 1 (the left channel). No dubbing will take place if the sound source is connected to Channel No. 2 (the right channel). This seems backwards, doesn't it? But that's the way they did it. You could record voice on the first channel (CH-2) when you shoot, and add music later on the dub channel (CH-1). Then play back the tape in the MIX mode.

Audio Dubbing Procedure

Step 1   Connect proper sound source to VCR.

Step 2   Turn everything ON, and insert the videocassette. Make sure the red safety button is in the cassette.

Step 3   Set the VCR INPUT SELECTOR to LINE.

Step 4   Press the RECord or DUB/CH-1 button and check sound level.

Step 5   Check and adjust the sound level and select either MANUAL control or LIMITER control.

Step 6   Press the STOP button.

Step 7   Start the tape playing by activating the FWD button.

Step 8 Stop the tape where the new audio insertion is to start. Press the PAUSE button to stop the tape. Now press the DUB/CH-1 button. The machine is ready to start recording new sound.

Step 9   Press the PAUSE button again and the tape will start recording. New sound will begin recording.

CAUTION: Make sure you don't push REC and FWD accidently at once as this will erase everything.

VIDEOCASSETTE EDITING

Electronic Editing

Recommended for this purpose are the Sony VO-2800, VO-2850, VO-2860A, and the JVC CR-6600U, CR-8200U, CR-8300U, CR-8500U and the Panasonic NV-9500, NV-9600 and AU-700. These VCRs are CAPSTAN SERVO electronic editors and can be used to make perfect edits.

JVC CR-6100 and CR-6300 VCRs

A rough edit or "crash" edit feature on these machines allows you to place the machine in full video and audio recording mode while the machine is running. Although not an extremely clean edit, it is adequate for certain purposes.

Editing Procedure—Manual Backspacing

Step 1   Connect the editing VCR to an input source—camera, VTR, or monitor/receiver.

Step 2   Turn everything ON.

Step 3   Insert the cassette.

Step 4   Place the VCR in the REC (or E to E mode) and adjust the cameras, microphones, and VCR for the best sound and picture.

Step 5   Rewind the tape to a point before the new scene is to be added. Note the digit counter number where the new scene is to begin.

Step 6   Play back the tape and push the EDIT button when the new scene is to begin.

Step 7   Stop the tape at the end of the scene.

NOTE: The old scene and sound will be erased when the new scene begins.

How Videocassette Editing Works

Editing presents special problems for videocassettes. Rapid locating of specific points on the tape and precisely cueing scenes to be edited is much more difficult with VCRs than with reel-to-reel machines. Special designs for editing VCRs had to be developed; in particular, a method of fast searching that did not require the tape to be dethreaded every time the machine changed modes.

Precise cueing of a VCR manually is almost impossible, so electronic controllers were developed that can automatically cue each VCR to the precise point for an edit. Then, on command, the machines start up and make the edit at the operator selected point.

Video editing essentially involves copying out the best segments of your master tapes. Thus you always need 2 VCRs to edit—one to play back and one to record. The original tapes are not cut as in film because this would destroy the tape. Rather, the scenes are assembled sequentially on a new blank tape which is placed on a second VCR. The EDITED MASTER, as the new composite tape is called, is a SECOND GENERATION tape. Probably that tape will again be copied for distribution, and these copies will then become THI RD GENERATION tapes.

Basic Editing Methods

The basic method of editing is called ASSEMBLE EDITING which is just the simple linear assembly of sequences. For example, segment A is followed by segment B which is followed by segment C and so on. An assemble edited tape might look like this:

The other process of editing is called the INSERT EDITING method which allows scenes to be added to an assemble edited tape. Only sophisticated electronic editors can do this, though

Both the picture and the sound are usually edited simultaneously, but new sound can be added later to the tape by using the AUDIO DUB feature on most VCRs. Also, good electronic editors allow picture and sound to be edited separately in all kinds of combinations.

Basic Videocassette Controller Editing Systems

There are several basic automatic editing systems which include the editing controller and 2 VCRs. All of the basic systems allow you to search for your scenes in a special SEARCH mode which moves the tape slower or faster than the normal tape speed. When the scenes are located, the edit points are logged into memory; each tape is automatically PRE-ROLLED (backed up), and then both VCRs start, roll, and the editing VCR makes the edit automatically.

Simple editing controllers keep track of the edit points on the tape by counting the control track pulses. This method is not as accurate as the TIME CODE system which creates an individual index number for each frame on the tape, but it works well for simple editing that does not involve great amounts of similar-looking material. The more sophisticated controllers like the Panasonic AU-A70 and the Sony BVE-500 use the time code system

Panasonic NV-9500/NV-A950 — This older Panasonic system does provide an edit rehearsal feature and a memory for entry and exit points for audio and video insert edits. The NV-A950 controller also lacks a digital counter. The Panasonic NV-9500 VCR provides vertical sync and subcarrier inputs for use with external sync lock systems and time base correctors. A chroma adjustment is also provided. In addition, this Panasonic system allows use of a less costly non-editing VCR (the NV-9200), as the playback machine, a factor which lowers the overall cost of the system ($9,500).

Panasonic AU-700/AU-A70 — This newer Panasonic editing system is quite sophisticated and is ideal for broadcasters and professional users. The AU-700 editing VCR has two tracks for audio and a third track for time code. This is very useful for editing because you don't have to sacrifice one of your audio tracks if you want