Video tape

Video tape is wider than the audio tape and should deal with a much larger amount of data per unit time. This is simply because the video signal contains far more information than the audio signal. A picture is, worth many words, or in this case, there are several magnetized particles!

The videocassette recorder (VCR) is used to generate the video tapes. These devices have become so common that most of the families today own and use them in same way that 8-mm film cameras and projectors were used once. The VCR literally records and plays back a fast scan television signal.The most common videocassette tape is called as VHS. The tape itself comes in cassettes that measure 7-3/8 × 4 inches and are about an inch thick. The tape is half inch wide.

The video tracks on the video tape run slantwise with respect to tape, instead of lengthwise. This facilitates a higher scanning speed as tape moves through VCR than would be possible if tracks were parallel to edges of tape. Each slantwise track represents the video frame. The audio and control tracks run parallel with respect to edges of tape.

            Figure--On video tape, image data is recorded diagonally; audio and control signals are recorded lengthwise.

A characteristic VCR can use a camera for recording home video, or is connected to a TV set to record movies, newscasts, etc. Playback is done through the TV set. A VCR allows you to fast-forward and rewind, such that you can skip over parts of a recording or replay several parts. Slow-motion and stop-motion features are  alsoincluded in many VCRs.Video tape, like audio tape, should be protected from the magnetic fields and from excessive heat.