A Self-Contained Underwater Television Recording System

Abstract

A Self-Contained Underwater Television Recording System (SUTRS) has been developed to permit underwater television recording and playing back of videotapes, without the difficulties resulting from operation with cables for power and signal transmission. Following several prototypes, more advanced systems have been built with such features as full-field recording, a 4-in (10.2-cm) CRT viewfinder which can be used to check videotapes under water, a full enunciator panel and automatic lens cap to prevent vidicon tube burning. Systems with silicon diode tubes for low-light-level operation are also available. The batteries used are rechargeable more than 450 times and they last up to 12 h on a full charge. The U.S. Navy now has two operational units and is awaiting two more for low-light applications.