CompuServe Messages

Hello Tom, The term "Broadcast Quality" is subject to a lot of opinion. Some people will say that S-VHS is broadcast quality, while others would say that Betacam isn't good enough. It all comes down to your requirements. More important than deciding something is broadcast quality, you should look at the expected type of work you plan to do. You may want a format that holds up well after many generations (layers of video). You also want machines with durability, time-code (frame accuracy), insert capability, split edit capability, and audio or video only editing capability. So, with all that in mind… still can't decide,eh? Well, S-VHS is a decent start. Good for a Toaster system, not so good for adding layer upon layer, and audio editing can be confusing (Hi-Fi tracks). Hi-8 is a decent aquistion format, and nice small cameras, too. People complain that too many playbacks of Hi-8 causes tape stretch and dropouts. 3/4 is still robust and is a format most stations accept for adding to their cart machines. It holds up well and can take maybe three generations without horrible losses. Betacam & MII are nearly similar with Betacam being more popular (but typically more expensive.) These formats are used all the way from acquistion to master. Many stations use Beta cart systems. Also good for four and five generations as long as you stay in component format (out of the Toaster's league.) One inch is used primarly in post production and becomes your edited master. It holds up for five to six generations and is a composite system. Now your into Digital… D-1, D-2, and D-3 (along with the new emerging digital formats) are capable of 20 or more layers with little degredation, as long as you stay digital in your processing. We have a D-3 machine in a composite bay- this only allows for about 9 generations before it gets ugly. So my suggestion? If you can afford it, go Betacam. MII isn't popular enough (You'd probably have to get you master bumped to another format for broadcast – another generation loss.) 3/4 would be next, although S-VHS may have a better image (it may not), you'll get equipment that is durable and popular. Also, with linear audio tracks, easier audio editing. Otherwise get S-VHS, but be sure to get those that use timecode.