Glossary

AES/EBU format

A standard format for the transfer of digital audio signals. In this format, two audio signals can be input/output through one XLR-type connector.

Assemble editing

An edit mode for adding new scenes to the end of previously recorded scenes. In this mode, all video, audio, and control signals are newly recorded. Though the result is the coexistence of two different CTL signals on the tape, continuity of CTL signals at the edit points is maintained electrically.

Backspace editing

Also called phase matching. During backspace editing, the VTR automatically rewinds the tape a few seconds after recording of a scene has been completed. This allows the tape to attain a stable speed before the start of recording of the next scene, thus maintaining signal continuity during editing.

Bridging connection

A connection that allows a signal input to an input terminal to pass throuth the unit and exit from an output terminal for input to a third piece of equipment.

Capstan

A drive mechanism that moves the tape at a specified speed. Its rotation is normally synchronized with a reference sync signal.

Color frame

A color subcarrier phase having one cycle that consists of two frames (four fields) in the NTSC format and four frames (eight fields) in the PAL format.

Color frame locking

A procedure in which the time code frame value is set to an odd number for the first and second color fields, and to an even number for the third and fourth color fields.

Color framing

A method used by the VTR to maintain continuity of the color subcarrier phase between each two-frame cycle (NTSC) or four-frame cycle (PAL) to avoid picture fluctuation at edit points.

Component video signal

A video signal that consists of a luminance signal (Y) and two chrominance (color- difference) signals (R-Y, B-Y).

Composite video signal

A signal that consists of video (luminance and color sub carrier), sync (horizontal and vertical), and color burst signals.

Condensation

Moisture that collects on the head drum of the tape transport mechanism, causing damage to the tape and malfunction of the VTR.

CONFI (confidence) heads

Confidence heads are additional heads that play back signals currently being recorded. A VTR with the CONFI heads allows you to verify that the audio and video signals are being recorded correctly.

CTL

Abbreviation for control signal. A pulse signal that can be counted, to determine the number of frames, and therefore the tape’s running time. Used mainly for adjusting the tracking position of video heads, and to achieve time code continuity during continuous recording. This signal is recorded on a longitudinal tape track.

Cue point

A point used to mark the beginning of a section of tape so that it can be located for later playback or editing.

Drop frame mode

In the NTSC system, the actual number of frames per second is approximately 29.97, while the time code value advances one second every 30 frames. In drop frame mode, the time code is advaced in such a way that this difference in the value between real time and the time codes is corrected. Specifically, two frames are skipped at the beginning of each minute, except for every tenth minute, so that the frame value for time codes matches that for real time.

See also Non-drop frame mode.

E-E mode

Abbreviation for Electric-to-Electric mode. Input signals are passed through the recorder’s electronics and output through the output connectors. This mode is used for confirming input signals or adjusting the input level.

Emphasis

Emphasizing the high frequencies of a signal before processing (pre-emphasis) and de-emphasizing those high frequencies before output (de-emphasis). This reduces deterioration of the signal-to-noise ratio in the high frequency range.

Insert editing

An edit mode for inserting new scenes into the middle of previously recorded scenes. In this mode, only video and audio signals can be recorded separately. The VTR uses the prerecorded CTL signals on the tape to control tape travel. Therefore, before editing can be done in this mode, CTL signals must be recorded over the entire length of the tape.

Longitudinal time code

See LTC.

LTC

Abbreviation for Longitudinal Time Code. This is the time code recorded onto a longitudinal track of the tape. During the playback of still pictures, LTC cannnot be read since the tape is not moving. During slow playback, the LTC output is so small that it may not be read correctly, depending on the playback speed.

See also VITC.

Luminance signal

A signal that determines the brightness of the picture. Also called the Y signal.

Non-drop frame mode

A mode of advancing the time code in such a way that the difference in frame values between real time and the time code is neglected. Using this mode produces a difference of approximately 86 seconds per day between real time and the time code, which causes problems when editing programs in units of seconds using the number of frames as a refernce.

See also Drop frame mode.

Preroll

The rewinding of a video tape in the player or recorder VTR by a certain length before an edit point, allowing the tape to attain a stable speed at the edit point and synchronization with the other video tape during editing.

Appendix

Appendix A-5