S/N

Abbreviation of Signal-to-Noise (ratio). The higher the S/N value, the less noise and higher the picture quality.

Search mode

A VCR operating mode used when searching for specific scenes, by viewing the video output or time code values while playing back the tape at various speeds in forward or reverse direction.

Servo lock

Synchronizing the drum rotation phase and tape transport phase with a reference signal during playback and recording so that the video heads scan the tape in the same pattern during playback and recording.

Standby Off mode

One of two conditions in the stop mode. The drum does not rotate and tape is slackened. There is no damage to the video heads and the tape, but the VCR is not ready for immediate recording or playback.

Standby On mode

One of two conditions in the stop mode. The drum is rotating and the tape is wrapped round the drum. The VCR is ready for recording or playback, so a still picture can be obtained.

Subcarrier

A sine wave imposed on the luminance portion of a video signal and modulated to carry color information. Its amplitude represents color saturation and its phase represents hue.

Superimpose

To put a set of characters onto a picture so that both can be seen at the same time.

S-video

A signal format in which Y (luminance) and C (chrominance) signals are separated to reduce interference between them so that noiseless images are reproduced.

Sync signal

A reference signal consisting of vertical and horizontal sync signals used for synchronizing the scanning patterns of the video camera and the monitor.

TBC

Abbreviation of Time Base Corrector. Electronic circuits to electrically stabilize the playback signals by removing color variation and roll in the playback picture caused by irregularity in drum rotation and tape movement. Time base correction reduces deterioration of picture quality when transmitting or copying playback signals.

Threading

See “Loading.”

Time code

Signals recorded on the tape to supply information on tape position such as the hour, minute, second and frame, to assist in setting edit points or searching for particular scenes.

Unloading

When the EJECT button is pressed, the VCR automatically winds the tape back into the cassette case. Also called “Unthreading.”

User bits

Sections of time code information consisting of a total of 32 bits that can be used for recording information such as date, tape ID number, program ID number, etc.

Appendixes

Glossary 121