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From: dtynan@cadvax (Dermot Tynan)
Newsgroups: net.micro.pc
Subject: Re: composite video -> VCR hookup
Message-ID: <140@cadvax>
Date: Mon, 18-Mar-85 18:59:54 EST
Article-I.D.: cadvax.140
Posted: Mon Mar 18 18:59:54 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 26-Mar-85 03:47:52 EST
References: <202@sdcc12.UUCP>
Organization: Megatest Corp., San Jose, CA
Lines: 34



Disclaimer: I have never tried to do the hookup you suggest, but can offer
some useful information.

For one, if you have a composite video input on you VCR, you don't need an RF
converter.  You can take the direct video from the system, to the VCR.  This
gives a better signal than using a $5 RF converter, as those things have real
"el cheapo" RF oscillators.  I know that on my VCR, there is a composite input
and output, for both video and audio.  There are two phono sockets at the
back, for audio and video output, and two on the front for input.  From what
I'm told, VCR's use a mechanical sync. (Yeugh!!!), whereby the rotating heads
are actually in sync. with the incoming signal.  TV stations keep their sync
signal *precise*, so once the VCR locks in, it will hold.  Unfortunately,
a lot of personal computers use el cheapo sync. circuitry as well, thus the
VCR *may* have trouble staying in sync with the computer.  This problem arises
with either a direct-connect, or an RF converter -- be warned.  It shows up
characteristically, as screen-roll (loss of vertical sync), or as a screen
with diagonal bars (I don't know what the tech term for this is, but it's
caused by loss of horizontal sync).  As a matter of interest (or trivia), most
video protection schemes involve a slight variation in the sync field, which
(supposedly) screws up the recording on a second VCR.  It can also show up
as "interference" on the playback VCR, hence the protection scheme is normally
injected at the beginning, during the credits.  Anyway, back to your question:
I would suggest a direct hookup, and watch out for bad sync.  If you do get a
poor picture from the VCR, I wouldn't dash out and buy an RF converter, as it
won't help your problem, you'll just have to wait until they start digitizing
VCR's.  I hope this is some help...
		- Der Tynan

PS: Excuse the posting, but I couldn't send mail...

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