BETAMAX (Video = IEC 767) (FM Audio = IEC 1053-1)
This was the first standardised consumer video cassette format. Most recorders for Europe have offered a single tape speed, whereas versions for the USA offered several speeds from the outset. The format uses azimuth and 'colour under' (i.e LF sub-carrier conversion) recording techniques.
| Signal system |
| Analogue, composite, 'colour under'. |
| Scanner |
| Geometry |
Helical |
| No. of rotating heads |
2 * |
| Scanner diameter |
74.487 |
mm |
| Rotation speed |
25 |
rev/s |
| Tracks/revolution |
2 |
| Head-to-tape speed |
5.83 |
m/s |
| Video track angle |
5.02 |
degree |
| Track width |
33.0 |
µm |
| Track pitch |
33.0 |
µm |
| Azimuth |
±7.0 |
degree |
| Tape Properties |
| Coercivity |
650 |
Oe |
| Type |
Cobalt modified oxide or chromium dioxide |
| Width |
12.65 |
mm |
| Thickness (total) |
25.0 (max) |
µm |
| Tape Consumption |
| Linear |
18.70 |
mm/s |
| Areal |
0.014 |
m²/min |
| Shelf volume |
166(L-500) |
cm³/h |
| Electrical Characteristics |
| Sync tip carrier frequ. |
3.8 |
MHz |
| Peak white |
5.2 ** |
MHz |
| Chroma s/c |
0.688 ** |
MHz |
| Shortest wavelength |
1.12 |
µm |
* More heads may be provided for improved slow motion etc.
** Strictly, peak white = 5.2 MHz and (5.2 MHz+fh/2) on alternate tracks. Also fSc=(44
±Vs)f^ on alternate tracks.
IEC 767 FM Audio IEC 1053-1
