Introduced soon after Betamax, the Video Home System format has become the dominant consumer standard. For camcorders, the VHS-C concept was introduced, using a smaller cassette which can be used with an adaptor in a full-size machine. The Hi-Fi version buries a longer wavelength FM audio carrier under the short wavelength video in the depth of the tape coating to escape the limitations of longitudinal audio tracks at low tape speeds.
| Signal system |
| Analogue, composite, 'Colour under'. |
| Scanner |
| Geometry |
Helical |
| No. of rotating heads |
2 * |
| Scanner diameter |
62 |
mm |
| Rotation speed |
25 |
rev/s |
| Tracks/revolution |
2 |
| Head-to-tape speed |
4.85 |
m/s |
| Video track angle |
5.96 |
degree |
| Track width |
58.0 |
µm |
| Track pitch |
58.0 |
µm |
| Azimuth |
±6.0 |
degree |
| Tape Properties |
| Coercivity |
650 |
Oe |
| Type |
Cobalt modified oxide or chromium dioxide |
| Width |
12.65 |
mm |
| Thickness (total) |
21.0 (max) |
µm |
| Tape Consumption |
| Linear |
23.39 |
mm/s |
| Areal |
0.018 |
m²/min |
| Shelf volume |
120 (E-240) |
cm³/h |
| Electrical Characteristics |
| Sync tip carrier frequ. |
3.8 |
MHz |
| Peak white |
4.8 |
MHz |
| Chroma s/c |
0.627 ** |
MHz |
| Shortest wavelength |
0.78 |
µm |
* More heads are sometimes provided for improved slow-motion etc.
** Strictly fsc = (44fn + 1,953) Hz.
IEC 774
VHS-C IEC 1077