28

The on-board VTR

28.1 The HDCAM format

The HDCAM format writes the information to the tape in exactly the same way whether it is recording a progressive scan or an interlace scan image. Every frame in either scanning format is recorded as a totally separate and individual part of the recording. Each picture frame is recorded in 12 diagonal stripes across the tape. This, and the phenomenal head to tape speed required to record such a huge amount of information, is achieved by using a helical scanning drum (see below).

Four playback and record heads are used, with newly introduced signal processing and error correction and concealment circuits so powerful that perfect pictures can be recorded and replayed even if one of the four heads completely ...

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