[net.audio] Beta vs. VHS

lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (12/01/83)

I could write screens-full on this topic, but I'll keep it simple and
only mention one of the primary points that video professionals often
discuss.  The Beta format is actually a scaled-down version of the
heavily used and proven U-MATIC 3/4 inch cassette format (used primarily
in professional broadcast and other industrial applications).  The format
provides an almost complete "wrap" around the video drum (greater than
270 degrees, as I recall) which means that tape tension is distributed
over a long segment of tape with no "sharp" tape turns.  On the other hand,
VHS (Video HOME System) only provides about a 180 degree wrap, and has
2 *very* sharp turns for the tape on each side of the drum.  The end
result is that VHS is "rougher" on the tape, which results in more
long-term instability in recordings -- e.g. the tapes you recorded
a year ago will have more problems when played back if recorded on
VHS than Beta, all else being equal.  There are short-term effects
as well.

One obvious effect of the "rougher" handling of VHS is evidenced
by the fact that VHS machines always withdraw the tape back into
the cassette for rewind or regular fast forward operations (making editing
[even of the simple variety] almost impossible on home units), while
Beta leaves the tape on the drum for such operations and thusly
doesn't have VHS's problem of losing edit index points.  VHS simply
*cannot* move the tape too quickly given the sharp turns in the tape
path.

As I mentioned above, there are numerous other points, but this is
one of the most important factors.

--Lauren--