Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request
From: jeh@cmkrnl.uucp
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Needed: long recording times! Help
Message-ID: <12760@uwm.edu>
Date: 4 Jun 91 12:50:49 GMT
Article-I.D.: uwm.12760
Sender: news@uwm.edu
Lines: 84
Approved: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <12726@uwm.edu>, decwrl!well.sf.ca.us!well!winkler@uunet.UU.NET 
(Dan Winkler) writes:
> It's surprising, but for some purposes a VCR is a much better audio
> deck than any dedicated audio deck I know of.  I use my VHS Hi-Fi VCR
> to do timed recording of of a 2 hour radio show every week.  

I do much the same thing with a local jazz show.  Only that one is five hours,
sometimes stretching to nearly six.  

> I can fit
> 2 hours on a normal video cassette without even using the slower LP or
> SLP recording modes and without going to a longer tape.  I can set up
> the record time in advance and have recording start and stop without my
> being there.  And the audio quality seems superb.

"seems" is the operative word here.  The high S/N ratio of VHS HiFi is achieved
through the use of a very aggressive, high-ratio (about 2.5:1) compander.  As
with all companders, its action is sometimes noticeable.  But, for recording
from FM where the dynamic range is fairly limited anyway (much like tv audio,
though not quite as bad as that), it isn't bad.  

> One thing I don't have though is the ability to direct tune to
> different stations.  Right now, I can do timed recording, but only of
> one station.  I wish there were an audio tape recorder that could
> really do everything a VCR does for video -- store large amounts on 1
> tape, do timed recording, and automatically tune to different
> stations.  Does anyone know of such a thing?

A VCR all by itself could do this.  The FM broadcast band starts just where
the low-VHF band ends, so with a few mods to the tuner synthesizer and a 
different stereo decoder you could program FM recording into your VCR (assuming
that the stations you wanted were on the cable; but while we're dreaming, why
not add another antenna input, switchable via programming).  

I doubt anyone will ever market such a thing, though, because the market isn't
very large.  Most of the public does not perceive radio as a source of 
"programs" that happen at specific times; rather, it's aural wallpaper, to be
switched on and off as desired.  

But if you are willing to buy some additional equipment, you may be able to do 
what you want, even with off-the-shelf hardware.  There isn't (to my knowledge)
one single unit that will do what you want, but:  

	- There is at least one portable radio with the capability to switch on
	automatically at four different times (one-day, four-event, in VCR 
	terms), with a different station and different duration for each time.  
	It's the Sony ICF 2010, a shortwave portable -- but it includes FM 
	(mono only).  On-time duration can be 15, 30, or 60 minutes.  

	- Several fancy component FM tuners have a "program" capability.  The 
	stations you want to record in sequence must be among those stored in 
	the tuner's presets.  You push the "program" button, then push the 
	preset-recall buttons in the desired order.  You then put the tuner 
	into "auto" mode and plug it into a timer.  Then, each time the timer 
	supplies power, the tuner advances to the next preset in the program.  
	At minimum this requires you to buy one of these tuners, plus an 
	outboard AC timer.  

	- The "outboard AC timer" could be an X-10 appliance module and timer
	controller; the timer controller provides two "on" and two "off" times
	per module ID (one-day repeating, two-event).  Or, if you are into 
	home automation, use the X-10 computer interface, which can store LOTS 
	of on/off cycles (7-day, 255 events).  Or it could be an "audio 
	timer".  Lots of manufacturers used to sell these.  Essentially this is
	just a digital alarm clock in a cabinet that will fit with a stack of 
	audio gear, and controlling a switched outlet rather than a buzzer.  

	For both the "programmable" tuner and the timer, check your local used 
	audio equipment dealers.  My JVC tuner does this, and I have an Akai 
	audio timer that has a seven-day, four-event program capacity; it cost 
	me all of $95 used.  Also, an audio timer shows up in the DAK catalog 
	every now and then.  

	- I've seen several JVC VCRs with back-panel AC outlets that can be set
	to be switched on and off along with the rest of the VCR, rather than
	staying on all the time.  This would obviously provide the most 
	convenient way to use a programmable tuner -- program the station 
	sequence into the tuner, program the VCR with the start and end times, 
	and plug the tuner into the back of the VCR.  If you're contemplating 
	buying a VCR anytime soon, you might look for one with this feature.  

	--- Jamie Hanrahan, Kernel Mode Consulting, San Diego CA
Internet:  jeh@dcs.simpact.com, hanrahan@eisner.decus.org, or jeh@crash.cts.com
Uucp:  ...{crash,scubed,decwrl}!simpact!cmkrnl!jeh