Videotape formats

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.

Thanks are due to the following people!

Updated 10-19-2004 Email address updated.)

Sites are listed in order of decreasing tape width.

I hope you find this site useful!


Table of contents:


Very early experimental formats

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.

Formats using 2 inch wide tape.

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.
Click here for a closeup of the VR8000's scanner.
Click here for a picture of a VR8000 video head.
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.

Formats using 1 inch wide tape.

Standard definition formats

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.
Click here for a picture of a LDL3402 VTR. Thanks, Klaus Carstens!
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!
Here's a different view of a type B VTR. Thank You, Sebastian Sekinger!
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.

1 inch High definition TV formats.

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!


Formats using 3/4 inch (19 mm) wide tape.

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.

Formats using 2/3 inch wide tape.

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.
This may be another picture of this format.

Formats using 1/2 inch wide tape

Composite formats


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.
Another picture of this format. Thanks, Klaus Carstens!
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!
Visit the VERA webpage for more information.
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!
Click here for a picture of a LDL1000.Thanks, Servus Cassandro!
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!
Click here for a picture of a VTC-7300 Vcord deck.
Click here for pictures of V-cord cassettes. Thanks BRUNO!
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.
Click here for a picture of VT-300 cassette. Thanks, BRUNO!
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.
Another later model Video 2000 Machine. Thanks, Claus Karstens!
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!

1/2 inch component formats.

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.

1/2 inch digital formats.

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!)

HDTV 1/2 inch formats.

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.
 

Formats using 8 millimeter wide tape.

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!

SDTV Formats using 1/4 inch wide tape.

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.

HDTV formats using 6.35 mm (1/4") tape

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!

Formats using audio cassette tape

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.

Miscellaneous VTR formats

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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Tim Stoffel
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