Appendix

Glossary

S/N

Signal-to-Noise ratio. The relation of the strength of the desired signal to the accompanying electronic interference, the noise. If S/N is high, sounds are reproduced with less noise and pictures are reproduced clearly without snow.

Search

The search function enables recorded images or time codes to be viewed while the tape is played back at various forward or reverse speeds, as a means of locating a particular scene in the taped program.

Standby-off mode

One of the stop modes. In this mode, head drum rotation is stopped and the tape tension is slackened. It is not possible to switch instantaneously from this mode to recording or playback mode. This mode is not harmful to the tape or heads.

Standby-on mode

One of the stop modes. In this mode, the head drum continues rotating and the tape remains wound onto the drum. This mode enables instantaneous switching to recording or playback mode. To prevent damage to the tape or heads, the device automatically switches from standby-on mode to standby-off mode after a certain period of time.

S video connectors Input/output connectors for separate Y (luminance) and C (chroma) signals. This method eliminates interference between Y and C signals that can occur in conventional composite video signals to obtain a higher- resolution picture.

Sync

This refers to the sync (synchronization) signal. The sync signal is used as a reference signal for duplicating the scanning patterns recorded via a camera when playing back the recording on a monitor. The sync signal actually includes two signals: a horizontal sync signal and a vertical sync signal.

Time code

The time code is a tape position information signal that includes time and frame data that are recorded onto the tape when shooting so as to facilitate searching of editing points and recorded scenes when viewing or editing.

User bits

These are also referred to as “users’ bits”. The user bits are a 32-bit segment of the time code recording area. The user can select what to record in this segment and how to use the recorded data. For example, it can be used to record date information in addition to the time code data or ID numbers for tape reels or programs.

Video gain

Amount of amplification for video signals, expressed in decibels (dB).

White balance adjustment In the light of a particular color temperature, to adjust the white levels of the R, G, and B channels of a color video camera so that any white object shot in that light is reproduced as a truly white image.

Zebra pattern

Striped patterns which appear in the viewfinder to indicate areas of the image where the video level is about 70 IRE (NTSC) or 70% (PAL). This unit can show areas where the video level is 100 IRE (NTSC) or 100% (PAL).

158 Appendix