Decoding video jargon - video tape recording and editing - Brief Article - Glossary

PSA Journal, Jan, 1998 by Gerald W. Turk

When you try to get started in video one of the problems is to know what everybody is talking about and what you need for the projects you have in mind.

VHS Camcorder:

It takes a full size tape that you can put in a regular VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) that plays tapes just like those you buy or rent. Resolution (the sharpness -- same as grain in film) 240 pixels per line. It is a full size camcorder and is useful for someone who only does family events and an occasional vacation.

8mm Camcorder:

It is small, lightweight, and uses 8mm tape. It can play through a regular VCR with an adapter which is usually furnished. Resolution 280 pixels per line because of a slightly sharper tape. A lighter camera for traveling. It is slightly better than the VHS camcorder.

HI-8 Camcorder:

This is very similar in size and appearance to the 8mm, but is equipped to play a higher grade tape for more sharpness. Resolution 400 pixels per line. If you want the best quality for more serious work, this is the one.

Mike Input, Etc.

Mike Input is used to plug in an accessory mike. Earphone Input is used to plug in earphones to monitor sound (a must). A LANC or L Control Input is used to plug in an edit controller (most edit controllers will use this method of remote control). Manual Control White Balance corrects the color of the light. The above features are all necessities. If the camcorder doesn't have these features, don't buy it.

Generation Loss:

When you copy (dub) a tape from one tape to another you lose about 10 percent of the pixels with each copy.

Digital, SVHS, and the Compact VHS and SVHS would be better left till later in your career.

VCR = Video Cassette Recorder

All will play or record a tape. All will have RCA Input and Output Jacks. These are the points where you connect the wires from video in or out and audio in or out. All will have a Coaxial Cable in and out where you connect a wire that has a pin in the middle. This wire carries both audio and video at the same time. (Not as good as splitting the two signals but can output a signal to a monitor if you are recording to another VCR.)

Jog Shuttle:

An electronic control of forward and reverse that can move the tape as slowly as one frame at a time, enabling easy and accurate finding of a specific point.

Audio insert:

Built-in wiring in a deck to allow insertion of an audio track without disturbing the video. A real advantage if you wish to add music or narration to a tape.

Video insert:

Built-in wiring that allows changing the video and leaving the audio intact (as in a speech or music).

VHS VCR:

This is your common VCR found in most homes. If you have a VHS Camcorder this is for you. Make sure it has four heads for glitch-free editing, a jog shuttle, and audio insert.

SVHS VCR:

This copies with 400 lines of resolution. You can run HI-8 or SVHS tape into it. Most of these will have the features you need. Jog, Audio, Video Input, and four heads. This is the deck on which an HI-8 shooter makes a master tape. When this tape is finished he makes copies onto VHS tape.

HI-8 VCR:

This deck will edit HI-8 tape only. All HI-8 decks that are not digital in the prosumer (amateur) category do not Video Insert.

Editing:

The process of copying a tape to another tape leaving out the parts (clips) or rearranging the parts in a different order. At the same time you copy the audio for that clip, you may modify the sound with an Audio Mixer.

Audio Mixer:

An electronic device that allows the input of ambient sound recorded on the original tape, from a mike (narration) and a music source (CD, tape or record). You can change volume and some qualities. A must.

Edit Controller:

An electronic switch which helps make precise copies by electronically remembering when to turn your player and recorder on and off with roll time (the time it takes your equipment to get up to recording speed -- usually two seconds). This piece of equipment is a convenience, not a necessity.