Think it. Feel it. Shoot it.

One Inch VCR

One-inch VTR, a professional-grade video tape format in the ’70s, revolutionized broadcasting, offering high-quality recordings pivotal in early television production.

Sony BVH-3100PS

Let me introduce you to our old friend. This machine gets its own page on our web-site – it is good to highlight because they are now hard to find.  Students who have never seen (or sometimes it seems, even heard of video tape) are amazed when they see what they regard as a dinosaur come to life.

But in fact, many archive libraries still have 1 inch tapes.

Our one-inch recorder is about 45 years old. We keep it running in A1 condition.

We use it mainly to make digital copies, either onto tape or captured as a digital file. It is increasingly difficult to find one in reliable working order, which is one reason why ours is so popular. It is available to hire on-site for a day rate basis of £120.00. Occasionally it has gone out for a few days, but it requires special care.

A VCR, or videocassette recorder, is a device used to play and record videos on videocassettes.
The main-stay of broadcasters in the 1970’s to 1980’s.
VCR tracks: A close-up image of a VCR tape with multiple tracks visible. Each track contains audio or video data.
It was normal to use two tracks for stereo. A third track is used for time code. Sometimes the 4th track was used for alternative audio.
A close-up of a VCR machine with a cord attached.
These machines weigh 67 kg. They work a bit like a tape recorder.
A close-up of a one-inch recording machine with numerous controls.
You might think it looks a little primitive, but they produce a good quality picture and were generally reliable.

The machine has a timebase corrector built in and so it is perfectly possible to digitise the programme directly. The actual video signal is composite. There are a bewildering number of digital formats and opinions will vary as to which is best to use for computer ingest. And of course over time this will change. Making a digibeta or beta SX copy at the same time can future proof your time and effort.

Ready to start your next project?

You can Contact us Via Email or Phone: 

Mail: hello at cardinalbroadcast.co.uk

Robert: 07809 158965

Andrew: 07860 370879

If we cannot provide an immediate response, please email us.