[net.audio] videotaping at "slow" speeds

lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (12/06/83)

A recent message from someone pointing out that they left their VTR
set at BETA III since they "saw no noticeable difference in picture
quality" jars me into posting two cautions regarding taping at slow
speeds on either BETA or VHS units:

1) Except with the new Beta Hi-Fi system, it is of course the case that
   slower taping results in degraded audio as well as video.  Often,
   the audio degradation is far more serious than the accompanying
   video degradation.

2) This is the BIG problem.  While you may not see any immediate difference
   with slow tape speeds, you may be likely to notice differences in six
   months or a year on those same tapes.  The reason?  At lower speeds
   (with both of the casette recording systems) control track information
   is squeezed into a smaller area per unit of recording time.  This renders
   the tape much more vulnerable to sync glitches and other undesirable
   video and audio problems as the tape ages.  The problem is difficult
   to avoid without storing your tapes in a good temperature and humidity
   controlled environment -- this would help prevent the tape stretching and
   shrinkage that will otherwise occur over time.  Of course, just regular
   tape use also stresses the tape and can cause these same effects.

   Now, if you're recording something for short-term use and don't
   plan to keep it around a long time, you needn't worry about these
   issues, and slower speeds should be fine.  But for longer-term
   storage, it is better to stick with higher speeds to be on the safe
   side.

--Lauren--