Steve_Graham@ub.cc.umich.edu (02/07/90)
Here at WUOM we've been using Beta decks and two different PCM encoders to record concerts in the so-called "F1" format for the past three years at least. (We have a cheap Technics 14-bit unit and two Sony 601s that are switchable 14 or 16 bit, and two different Beta Hifi decks). We have had one or two dropouts at random, shortly after recording (and one bad batch of tape that clogged the video heads, but that doesn't count) but so far we have been able to play old tapes just fine. We almost always use the Beta II speed. My main concern with this system is the lack of off-tape monitoring. The time the heads got clogged we though t everything was fine until we tried to play back the tape. Nothing there at all (except for the unusable linear mono Beta track). I would be interested in hearing from other users of video "hifi audio" equipped decks. One of our decks records Beta Hifi just fine, the other has nasty buzzing noises when certain sounds are recorded. SuperBeta does not get along well with Beta Hifi either, in my experience. Also, does anyone know what the best setting for the sharpness control is when using PCM encoders with the VCR? Setting for minimum sharpness usually makes the tracking indicator happy, but not the audio. Should it be set in the centered position, or fully sharp, and why? Any hints for adjustment of VCRs for PCM use (and/or video hifi) would also be appreciated. Information of this sort is hard to find.