Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site nic_vax.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!uwvax!astroatc!nic_vax!brown
From: brown@nic_vax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Re: Beta HiFi and Cable (Question.)
Message-ID: <130@nic_vax.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 12-Apr-85 23:15:12 EST
Article-I.D.: nic_vax.130
Posted: Fri Apr 12 23:15:12 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 15-Apr-85 04:16:57 EST
References: <1600@ukma.UUCP>
Organization: Nicolet Instrument Corp. Madison WI
Lines: 57

> 
>      I just  bought  a  Beta  HiFi  VCR.   I've  heard  that
> Moviechannel broadcasts in stereo,  and I've also heard that
> HBO and Cinemax will soon begin doing so.
> 
>      So my question is this:   Do  I  still  recieve  stereo
> *after*  the  signal  has been pushed through the cable con-
> verter, or do I have to pull the stereo signal off before it
> is  run  through  the  converter  as an F.M. station.  Or is
> there another way I don't know about.

So far no one broadcasts stereo via the MTS method on a cable system.
At least not to my knowledge.  There is a big hassle about the must-carry
rule from the FCC.  As it stands now, the FCC has said that the MTS
signal is NOT included in the must carry rule.  But, you say, must carry
is for broadcast stations.  Correct.  But, with most cable companys in
financial trouble as it is, why should they but in equipment for MTS
(if it even exists in any kind of quantity) for pay channels when they
don't even have to install it for local/import stations.  There is still
the technical discussion about how MTS will work with scrambled pay
channels, as most pay channel systems using a AM modulated sine-wave
(of 1fh or 2fh) placed on the audio carrier to re-sync the sync and
they don't know what the wider FM audio bandwidth will do to the sine-
wave signal.  So say it will work and others say it will cause problems.

What has all of this got to do with the original question, you may ask?
Well, what it means is that the stereo signal cannot be obtained thru
the MTS method (at least not today).  A cable company normally places
the stero audio portion on the FM band, ie, MTV, VH1, TNN (The Nashville
Network), The Movie Channel and The Disney Channel.  MTV and VH1 HAVE to be
carried in stereo as an FM hook-up or the cable company CANNOT carry either
of these two services (unless the equipment is on order).  We have all
of the above listed stuff, but only MTV, TNN are in stereo.  VH1 will be
as soon and the equipment arrives.  HBO will be in stereo as soon as the
signal and the equipment arrive.

So, to receive the stereo signal, you will need a two-way splitter,
with one output going to your FM receiver and the other going to the
PSD (Pay Service Decoder) or the VCR.  You will then have to use the
simulcast recording method of recording stereo.  If you bought a MTS
capable VCR, sorry, can't use that feature just yet.

Here is the neat part.  If your local stations start broadcasting in MTS
stereo, don't count on it being in stereo on cable using MTS (reason
discussed above).  You will have to disconnect the cable and hook up the
obsolete antenna again.  Now, our cable company has all of the local
TV stations (and imports as well) on the FM band.  Their plans (at the
moment anyway) are to put the stereo on the FM band.  The sound quality
will be better than MTS could provide anyway.  I have heard bad things
about MTS quality.  Video magazine has not said nice things about it
when reviewing equipment that has it.  Our cable company has DIRECT
connections to the local TV stations so will be able to get high
quality (well maybe :-)) stereo sound feeds from them.

Now, what was the original question?

Mr. Video