104
(GB)
Appendix
Appendix
Glossary
Glossary
Audio recording mode
In the DVCAM format, the sound is
recorded in either 16 bit (Fs48k) or 12 bit
(Fs32k) mode.
B-Y signal
A chrominance signal determined by
subtracting the Y (luminance) signal from
the B (blue) signal. One of the component
signals.
Chrominance signal
Color signal containing color information
such as hue and saturation. Also called C
signal.
Clipping
The waveform tops are flattened because
the input to the amplifier exceeded the
dynamic range.
Component signal
A video signal consisting of a luminance
signal (Y) and two chrominance signals
(R-Y, B-Y).
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 malfunctions.
Drop frame mode
In NTSC format, the actual number of
frames per second is approximately 29.97,
while that for the 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 “Non-drop frame
mode.”
EBU
European Broadcasting Union. Established
by broadcasting and related organizations
in Europe.
EE (Electric to Electric)
The electric signals of the images or sound
input to the VCR recording circuit are
output via only the electric circuit by
bypassing the magnetic conversion circuit,
such as a tape or head. You can check the
input signals and adjust the input level in
this mode. This is also called the EE mode.
Head drum
A metal cylinder to which a video head is
attached. This drum is rotated at high
speeds in synchronization with the sync
signal during recording and playback.
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.
Luminance signal
The signal that determines the brightness
of the picture. Also called Y signal. One of
the component signals.
Non-drop frame mode
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 may cause problems when editing
programs in units of seconds using the
number of frames as a reference.
PCM audio
PCM stands for “pulse code modulation.”
PCM audio means audio signals that have
been processed by pulse code modulation.
Each analog audio signal is converted into
pulses that are generated in rapid
succession, and each pulse is recorded as a
digital signal having a value of 0 or 1.
R-Y signal
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.
S/N
Abbreviation of Signal-to-Noise (ratio).
The higher the S/N value, the less noise
and higher the picture quality.
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.
SMPTE
Abbreviation of Society of Motion Picture
and Television Engineers. Established by
broadcasting and related organizations in
USA.
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.
