|
Many premium models have an EDIT switch that provides special options when recording from one Beta to another. Located on the front, as illustrated in the examples above, these switches and buttons served different functions depending on the model. The most basic EDIT switch altered only the video. If turned ON, some of the circuits that are normally used to compensate for tape faults (anomalies or dropouts) are turned off. (All tapes have minor flaws) The dropout circuit is used during normal playback to compensate for flaws. With edit left OFF these circuits make the video more suitable for viewing on a television monitor. It adds detail to the picture and cleans it up. But when recordings are being transferred to another device this added processing is passed on and can overcompensate the output. It can make the edges around figures darker and the colors can be overdone. The advantage of turning on EDIT is these picture enhancements are not passed on to the second machine. The result is the copy almost replicates the original recorded signal. When the copied tape is played back the edit switch would be off, activating the picture circuits, and once again producing something more closely duplicating the original picture. The outcome using this method produces results that are worth the effort. this is why the edit switch is made available. The copy (2nd generation) looks nearly as good as the original. (Repeated picture degradation, loss of detail, and over-saturation is called generational loss from the original recording.) Sony later improved this feature and added Syncro Edit, that not only turned off the video processing but also added benefit of letting the playback machine assume control over both machines. To use this feature requires both units be connected together using a Control-S cable, or a infrared repeater. To initiate controlled editing the playback unit is put in pause at the location where the beginning of the new material to be added. Then the target recorder is placed in record pause where the edit is to begin. To activate the function you press the SYNCRO-EDIT button on the player. You then only have to press PAUSE on the playback machine to start both machines at once. The recorder is controlled by the playback unit. To stop the edit press pause again. This method eliminates the need to press pause on both machines at the same time to start and end an edit. It is easy and very functional. In all other playback instances the edit switch should be set to off, this lets the final video stages do their work for the benefit of the picture output. Note: For the best quality possible when making transfers it is recommended that A/V cables be used. For a list of the VCRs that came with an EDIT switch click here. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage |