Many Beta models show the tapes position in linear (real) time, that is in hours, minutes and seconds. A (typical) example is shown above. The fluorescent display can convey a lot of information to the operator like how much time has passed during recording or where a particular location is on a tape. Counters are useful but knowing the exact position in real time can be of paramount importance. In the example shown above just a quick glance tells us that one hour, thirty-eight minutes and twenty seconds has passed on the tape. This is direct and easy to understand. It also helps too that the display also tells us that this is a timer recording in using channel fourteen, and that we are viewing the video from the recorder, not from the TV (because the VTR indicator is lit). Beta VCRs started telling us the real time (also called HMS) early on. It is made possible because Betamax always keeps the tape in the path. During the recording process a stationary magnetic head places a pulse along the bottom edge of the tape. Called the control track pulse (or burst) it is used during playback for tracking control and to start each picture frame. It is also counted by a special processor that turns it into a real time readout for the display. Simply nifty and most helpful it is one of the many benefits of owning a Betamax. VHS couldn't duplicate this feature because their formats path subjected the tape to too many twists and turns. Their system required that it wind the tape back into the cassette for most of its functions. This takes the tape away from their control track head. Boo-hoo. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage