Appendixes

Glossary

User bits

These are also referred to as “user’s bits”. The user bits are a 32-bit segment of the timecode 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 timecode data or ID numbers for tape reels or programs.

V (vertical)-blanking

The portion of the video signal that occurs between the end of one field and the beginning of the next. During this time, the electron beams in monitors are turned off so that they can return from the bottom of the screen to the top without showing tracks of movement on the screen. When the position of v-blanking is not adjusted correctly, a horizontal black bar appears on the screen.

Video gain

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

VITC

Abbreviation of “Vertical Interval Time Code”. This timecode is inserted in the vertical blanking interval and recorded on the video tracks. It can be read at low speeds and during still playback, but not during high-speed playback.

See also “LTC”.

Y signal

See “Luminance signal”.

146 Appendixes