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From: sgcpal@watdcsu.UUCP (Paul Layman [EE-SiDIC])
Newsgroups: net.video,net.analog
Subject: Re: How does Beta HiFi audio avoid head switching transients
Message-ID: <1125@watdcsu.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 18-Mar-85 13:03:55 EST
Article-I.D.: watdcsu.1125
Posted: Mon Mar 18 13:03:55 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 19-Mar-85 03:40:58 EST
References: <116@hydra.UUCP>, <106@nic_vax.UUCP> <465@cadovax.UUCP>
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 26
Xref: watmath net.video:1065 net.analog:205

> 
> [.......]
> 
> I heard a rumor that the HiFi audio signals are actually recorded
> digitally.  If this is true, it is easy to see ways where head
> switching would not be a problem.  However, I don't really know
> if these signals are digital or not.  Does anyone else?  If they're
> not, then how do they achieve any better sound than conventional
> audio recorders? (or do they?)
> 
> Keith Doyle
> #  {ucbvax,ihnp4,decvax}!trwrb!cadovax!keithd
> "PAYing to know what I REALLY think!"

They are *not* recorded digitally.  They are analog recordings of frequency
modulated audio.  Wow and flutter is eliminated by the high tape speed, and
the signal to noise ratio is improved by using a 2:1 dynamic range compression.
Therefore 80 dB of audio dynamic range requires only 40 dB on the recording
medium.  You could buy a dBX compressor/expander and get roughly the same
results on your conventional tape recorder.

However you can buy digitizers for use with your VCR.  Does anyone
own one of these units?  What are your opinions on their relative merits?
Respond via mail and I'll post to the net.

Paul Layman (sgcpal@watdcsu)