Appendix
Glossary
Audio recording mode
In the DVCAM format, the sound is recorded in either 16 bit (Fs48k) or 12 bit (Fs32k) mode.
A chrominance signal determined by subtracting the Y (luminance) signal from the B (blue) signal. One of the component signals.
Chrominance signal
Color signal containing color information such as hue and saturation. Also called C signal.
Clipping
The waveform tops are flattened because the input to the amplifier exceeded the dynamic range.
Component signal
A video signal consisting of a luminance signal (Y) and two chrominance signals
Composite signal
A composite video signal containing video, burst and sync signals.
Condensation
Condensation of moisture on the tape transport mechanisms of VCRs including the head drum. If moisture condenses on the head drum, the tape adheres to the drum and causes malfunctions.
Drop frame mode
In NTSC format, the actual number of frames per second is approximately 29.97, while that for the SMPTE time code is specified as 30. Drop frame mode is a mode in which time code is advanced in such a way that the difference in frame value between real time and time code is corrected. In this mode, two frames are skipped at the beginning of each minute, except for every tenth minute, so that the frame value for time code matches that for real time. See also
EBU
European Broadcasting Union. Established by broadcasting and related organizations in Europe.
EE (Electric to Electric)
The electric signals of the images or sound input to the VCR recording circuit are output via only the electric circuit by bypassing the magnetic conversion circuit, such as a tape or head. You can check the input signals and adjust the input level in this mode. This is also called the EE mode.
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.
Loading
When being loaded, the tape is pulled out of the cassette case and threaded along the specified tape path and wrapped round the drum to be ready for recording or playback. Generally, this is done automatically when you place the cassette at the cassette entrance of the VCR. Also called threading.
Luminance signal
The signal that determines the brightness of the picture. Also called Y signal. One of the component signals.
A mode of advancing time code in such a way that the difference in frame value between real time and time code is neglected. Using this mode produces a difference of approximately 86 seconds per day between real time and time code, which may cause problems when editing programs in units of seconds using the number of frames as a reference.
PCM audio
PCM stands for “pulse code modulation”. PCM audio means audio signals that have been processed by pulse code modulation. Each analog audio signal is converted into pulses that are generated in rapid succession, and each pulse is recorded as a digital signal having a value of 0 or 1.
A chrominance signal determined by subtracting the Y (luminance) signal from the R (red) signal. One of the component signals.
Reference video signal
A video signal consisting of a sync signal or sync and burst signals, used as a reference.
S/N
Abbreviation of
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.
SMPTE
Abbreviation of Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. Established by broadcasting and related organizations in USA.
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.
104 (GB) Appendix