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Tape intro
Hints and tips

PART 6: TAPES

by Christina Fox

At the heart of the recorder is a rapidly rotating drum, set at an angle, with the recording heads mounted on it. The tape is wrapped around the drum as it is loaded into the recorder. As the tape passes across the drum, the heads convert the electronic video signal from the camera into magnetic pulses and 'write' the signal onto the tape. Because of the angle of the drum, the video signal is recorded diagonally across the tape in a helical pattern. The sound heads are also mounted on the drum and the hi-fi audio signals are encoded in the picture track.

DON'T LEAVE TAPES:

• in the sun, on radiators or near car windows on hot days
• in a cold place then move them somewhere warm as moisture will condense on the tape
• near a magnetic field (e.g. hi-fi speakers and electric motors)
• near mobile phones. If the phone receives a call it can effect the pictures on your tape
• where they'll get wet
• where they'll get dusty or dirty
• in the player for long periods of time

HINTS AND TIPS

• The start of the tape can become mechanically damaged in manufacture when it is secured to the spool. Try not to use this possibly damaged tape by recording colour bars or something unimportant for the first minute. If there are time constraints fast forward through the tape.
• Ideally you should record around 1minute of bars and 1KHz tone at the start of the tape. This can help to identify camera faults.
• Don't try to flip the cassette over to record on both sides - it won't. Plus, you'll damage the tape transport mechanism.
• Make sure you have plenty of tapes with you at all times.
• Don't be tempted to touch the tape, the natural oils on your fingers will damage it.
• Label each tape with the date, story name and the camerawoman/man's name - a simple description of what you've shot on the box may save time later in the edit suite.
• As soon as the tape is taken out of the machine, engage the protection tab to prevent someone accidentally recording over your story.

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Part 7: TIME CODE

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Part 5: BATTERIES

Christina Fox