Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!ucsd!ucbvax!van-bc!rsoft!mindlink!a45
From: Ken_Cooper@mindlink.UUCP (Ken Cooper)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.graphics
Subject: Re: Single Frame recorders
Message-ID: <5240@mindlink.UUCP>
Date: 22 Mar 91 23:08:47 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada
Lines: 25

Brian YAMANAKA/Sony Corporation, Personal Video Group writes:

 Time-code is a RSN feature of some consumer products (look at my sig
 and see how I know), but this still won't allow inexpensive
 single-frame recording.  The problem is not in the electronics, but in
 the mechanical constraints.  Single frame recording records the VCR
 to remain in pause for a considerable amount of the time. Contrary
 to what some might believe, this puts the most amount of wear on a
 VCR and the tape.  (That's why most VCR's will release pause after
 several minutes.) In addition to pause the VCR must backspace and
 pre-roll to the next insert point to insure proper video sync.

------

As limited as my knowledge is regarding the mechanics of VCR's, it seems that
there should be a simple solution for single framing. Just look at how a 35mm
cine setup is constructed. The film is in position, registered and just sits
there. No stretching, no motors running etc. When some data is finally dumped
onto the film, an iteration happens and its back to standby mode again.

I get the feeling that when using a VCR, we are using a thorough-bred unit,
when all we need is something that works like a mule :)

There should be a lever that when flipped, releases all the current built-in
pressures and puts the machine into another work state.