A Study of Compact Hi-Vision VCR Using ME Tape

Compact, light weight Hi-Vision recorders with low power consumption are very much desired. Our investigation of design concepts shows that a tape transport system with a small scanner, non-segmented format and high recording density would be suitable for reducing size, weight and power consumption. With respect to high recording density where a minimum recorded wavelength is less than 0.4, um, metal evaporated (ME) tapes with a high performance head have the potential to achieve such a short recorded wavelength. We have studied these tapes from the viewpoint of both magnetic recording characteristics and durability. Based on these studies, we have built an experimental Hi-Vision recorder. The diameter of the scanner in the transport system is 76 mm. This machine also has baseband bandwidth luminance of 20 MHz and baseband bandwidth chrominance of 7 MHz, a minimum recorded wavelength of 0.37 gm which is the shortest ever reported, and S/N luminance of 41 dB and S/N chrominance of 45 dB.