caf@cdi.UUCP (caf) (11/27/83)
The Beta Hi-Fi system used FM subcarriers recorded by the video heads. Reports in magazines indicate great sound: 20-20000, 80 db dynamic range, distortion and flutter nil. Because the sound and video are recorded by the video heads, "dubbing" where only the audio is replaced is impossible with Beta Hi-Fi, likewise with the video. You'd have to make a copy between two VCR's to substitute either the audio or the video. The VHS camp is coming out with a similar system, supposedly already available in Japan. Standardization of the VHS specs and US availability should happen in 1984. There are some subtleties to Beta Hi-Fi; check the recent Audio and/or High Fidelity issues for more discussion. -- Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX CDI Portland OR (503)-646-1599 cdi!caf