How Video Works

CHAPTER 20

Overview of Operations

Operational procedures for playing back and recording an analog video signal follow general principles regardless of the format, television standard, or the content of the signal. Digital video, because it is a serial stream of bits, is not subject to the errors, changes, and corrections required by analog signals and therefore the setup process is minimal.

VTR and VCR Components

All videotape machines have the same basic functions and parts. On open-reel machines, the parts are visible and accessible (Figure 20.1). On cassette-based machines, some of the parts are internal and are accessible only by opening the machine housing. The function controls may vary in their placement, but all machines have controls ...