Appendixes

GlossaryGlossary

AES/EBU format

A unified format for digital audio signals. It allows a single XLR connector to carry the signals for two channels.

Assemble editing

Editing in which new video/audio is added in sequence to the end of existing recorded video/audio. See also “Insert editing”.

Bridge connection

A connection which allows a signal input to an input terminal to pass through the unit and exit from an output terminal as input to external equipment.

B–Y signal

One of the color difference signals, the B (blue) signal minus Y (luminance) signal.

C signal

See “Chrominance signal”.

Capstan

A drive mechanism that moves the tape at a specified speed regardless of the direction (forward or reverse).

Chrominance signal

A signal which carries information about hue and saturation. Also called “C signal”.

Condensation

Moisture which condensed on tape transport mechanisms. If there is condensation on the head drum, tape sticks to drum and the VCR may malfunction.

Component video signal

A signal that consists of a luminance signal (Y) and two chrominance signals (R–Y, B–Y).

Composite video signal

A signal that consists of video, sync and color burst signals.

Digital VCR

On a digital VCR, video and audio signals are recorded on magnetic tape and, unlike on an analog VCR, can be played back without any quality deterioration.

Drop frame mode

Time code runs at 30 frames/sec. The NTSC system, however, runs at about

29.97frames/sec. Drop frame mode adjusts this difference. The timecode and video are synchronized by dropping the first two frames of the timecode every minute, except at the ten-minute marks.

Drum

See “Head drum”.

E-E mode

Abbreviation of “Electric to Electric” mode. In this mode, video and audio signals input to the VCR are output after passing through internal electric circuits, but not through magnetic conversion circuits such as heads and tapes. This can be used to check input signals and for adjusting input signal levels.

Emphasis

The signal is emphasized at high frequencies. During playback, it is de- emphasized. This suppresses noise without affecting the original signal.

External lock/Gen-lock

Synchronizing one equipment (controlled or slave unit) to another (controlling or master unit). The signal and tape run of the VCRs used for editing, player and recorder, are usually synchronized.

Gen-lock (generator lock)

See “External lock”.

Head drum

A metal cylinder to which a video head is attached. This drum is rotated at high speeds in synchronization with the sync signal during recording and playback.

Insert editing

Editing in which new video/audio is added into the middle of existing recorded video/ audio. You can freely select both video and audio, video only, or audio only, for an insert editing. You cannot use a blank tape for an insert editing: it is necessary to record time code and for example color bar signals on your tape in advance. See also “Assemble editing”.

IRE

A unit for representing a video level laid down by the IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers). The IRE is now the IEEE (Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers).

Linear editing

Editing while playing back video and audio signals recorded on video tape. See also “Non-linear editing”.

Loading

Also called “threading”. To pull the tape out of the cassette case, thread it along the specified tape path, and wrap it on the drum in order to prepare it for recording or playback. The VCR automatically loads the cassette tape when you insert the cassette into the cassette compartment. There are two loading modes: standby-on mode and standby-off mode.

Loop-through connection

See “Bridge connection”.

LTC

Abbreviation of “Longitudinal Time Code”. This timecode is recorded on a longitudinal track on the tape. Reading is unreliable at low speeds, and not possible at all during still playback. See also “VITC”.

Luminance signal

A signal that determined the brightness of the picture. Also called “Y signal”.

Non-drop frame mode

The number of frames of the timecode and video run is not adjusted. When you use the timecode in non-drop frame mode, the real playback time will be about 86 seconds shorter per day than the timecode. If you edit frame by frame or if you determine the length of a shot by counting the timecode, use drop frame mode.

Non-linear editing

Editing while playing back video and audio signals recorded on hard disks. Video scenes stored on disk can be cued up quickly, for increased editing efficiency. See also “Linear editing”.

PCM audio

This is an audio signal represented by pulse code modulation. The analog audio signal is first broken down into a sequence of pulses, and these are then represented digitally.

Preroll

Running of a video tape to a prior to an edit-start point to enable the tape to reach a steady speed and to be synchronized with other video tapes.

Reference video signal

A video signal which contains a sync signal or sync and burst signals, used as a reference for synchronization of video equipment.

144 Appendixes