Professional recording of the standard PAL signal

Abstract

Quadruplex video tape recording was introduced in 1956 by the Ampex Corporation of America and was soon adopted by broadcasters throughout the world. During the subsequent 21 years many improvements have been made, but the same basic format is still used for most high quality broadcasting. Advanced video-recording head design, sophisticated velocity-error compensation, the use of digital techniques and improvements in recording tape have all contributed to the development of modern colour-capable recorders. Electronic editing equipment and cassette machines have been introduced to provide comprehensive production facilities. However, the use of multigeneration recording shows that further improvements in timing stability and a reduction in head banding and moire would be desirable. Furthermore, there is a need to reduce capital and revenue costs. New helical formats can now provide broadcast quality at much reduced cost, and a new quadruplex format offers improved quality with some cost reduction. The broadcaster is faced with a difficult choice that may ultimately be influenced by the advent of digital recording.