Videotape playback and recording for MCCNM courses has been standardized on the S-VHS (Super VHS) format. Tapes for recording of MCCNM 226 class projects will be provided by the department as part of your lab fee for MCCNM 226. Tapes for MCCNM 326 may be purchased from the USC Bookstore on campus. S-VHS recorded tapes will not play back properly in most standard VHS VCRs. Some newer VHS VCRs will play back an S-VHS tape but at regular VHS resolution.
Dubs from S-VHS to VHS may be requested and are encouraged for the purpose of your portfolio.
The playback videotape machine is an Panasonic AG-7650 while the record videotape machine is a Panasonic AG-7750. Both VT (videotape) machines will playback VHS or S-VHS signals, while the 7750 will also record VHS or S-VHS signals.
NOTE: The S-VHS VCRs will play back a VHS tape, but only those recorded at standard speed (SP).
Tapes may be cued by using control track (CTL) pulses or time code (TC). Both longitudinal time code (LTC) and vertical interval time code (VITC) are available. VITC is preferable with CTL as the second option. When CTL is used, the counter may be reset to 00:00:00 and the auto stop feature may be used.
An internal Time Base Corrector (TBC) corrects jitter, allows the VCR output to be timed to the KTSC house system, and allows nominal control of picture quality, e.g. video level, set up, hue and chroma level. Unless instructed otherwise, leave these controls in the detent position. A clear cover is used to prevent accidental adjustment of TBC controls.
Tape transport is controlled by buttons and a shuttle knob. Buttons include: stop, play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and search. Once the search button is activated the shuttle knob becomes the means to advance or rewind tape with a visible picture. In shuttle the tape can be advanced or rewound at 0-32x normal speed. In the jog mode, tape can be advanced or rewound frame-by-frame by rotating the shuttle knob.
The READY button is used to turn the tape protection mode on and off. The 7650 must be in READY mode before playing or cueing tape. However, when the 7650 is inactive for an extended period of time, it automatically goes into tape protection mode to protect the tape and tape heads from unnecessary wear and tear. You may activate or deactivate the tape protection mode by pressing the READY button.
The 7650 is available for videotape playback and is selected on the Ampex Vista switcher as input number 18 on the routing switcher (R.S.) input. Both and VHS and S-VHS (Super VHS) tapes may be played back by the 7650. (NOTE: the 7650 senses which type of tape is inserted and responds accordingly. An S-VHS indicator light glows to indicate that an S-VHS tape has been inserted).
Tapes with normal as well as Hi-Fi audio may be played back. Always use Hi-Fi audio if available. Audio from the 7650 is available on the Howe audio board as input A on channel 10, and is labeled BSM #13. Audio playback levels for Normal audio channels 1 & 2 and Hi-Fi audio channels 1 & 2 are available just below the VU meters. Normal position for these controls is in the detent position.
Tracking adjustments may need to be made, especially for tapes that were recorded elsewhere. If picture noise occurs, adjust the tracking for the clearest picture possible. NOTE: Please return the tracking control to FIX when you have finished with that particular tape!
Class projects for MCCNM 226 will be recorded using the 7750 VCR. Standard procedures include recording program audio on Normal and Hi-Fi audio channel 1, with Normal and Hi-Fi audio channel 2 reserved for the recording of Director's PL.
Prior to recording make sure that video from the Ampex Vista switcher program out is patched into the line input to the 7750. The input select switch on the 7750 must be set to LINE. Audio channel 1 input should be from the Howe program audio, and audio channel 2 should be patched from the Clear-Com intercom system. Please consult with the lab instructor if you are unsure of any of the patching procedures!
Confirmation of proper video patching can be made by monitoring the video on the 7750 video monitor (the right monitor just above the A-800 edit controller). Confirmation of proper audio patching and record levels for audio channels 1 & 2 can be made by asking the audio engineer to feed tone at 0 dB and confirming the level on A1's VU meter. Set record levels for both channels with tone at 0 dB and PL audio peaking below 0 dB. Use headphones to confirm the audio content on both channels.
Before beginning to record, confirm that you are cued to the proper position on the tape and that nothing of importance will be erased when you begin recording. Ideally, you will begin recording approximately 10 seconds past the end of the last recorded program. Enter the record mode by holding the REC button while pressing the PLAY button. Once you record the program, continue to record at least 10 seconds of black video and silence before stopping tape! This is very important as it serves to separate each program with a bit of black and prevents the ends of programs from being erased inadvertently by the following recording.
When recording is complete, rewind the tape a bit and play back to confirm that audio and video have been recorded successfully and that technical problems with the recording do not exist. Once you have reported this to the director, await the director's command to either wrap or re-cue the tape for an additional recording. Projects will be recorded as often as time allows, but only the last recording will be saved. Previous recordings will be recorded over during each successive recording. Before leaving your post, communicate with the next VT operator to ensure that he/she understands the record tape's current position.
Return to CSU-Pueblo Television Production Handbook home page.