Glossary
A/B roll editing
An editing method that uses two or more playback VCRs to create special effects such as dissolve and wipe, and uses one record VCR to record the results of the editing. Using an editing controller allows efficient control of the VCRs and very precise editing.
A chrominance signal determined by subtracting the Y (luminance) signal from the B (blue) signal. One of the component signals.
Capstan
A drive mechanism that moves the tape at a specified speed. Its rotation normally synchronizes with a reference sync signal.
Chrominance signal
Color signal containing color information such as hue and saturation. Also called C signal.
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 malfunction.
Drop frame mode
In NTSC format, the actual number of frames per second is approximately 29.97, while that for 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 mode
EEis an abbreviation of “Electric to Electric”. Video and audio signals are supplied to the VCR’s internal circuits, but not to the recording heads.
Linear editing
Editing while playing back video and audio signals recorded on video tape. See also
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.
A connection which allows a signal input to an input connector to pass through the unit and exit from an output connector as input to external equipment. Also called bridging connection.
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 causes problems when editing programs in units of seconds using the number of frames as a reference.
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”.
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.
SMPTE
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
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.
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, hue.
Superimpose
To put a set of characters onto a picture so that both can be seen at the same time.
Appendix
Appendix 81