Sony CCD-VX3 Operation Manual page 93

Hi8 (High Eight) Video System
The 8 mm video system employs a metal powder tape. This means the video camera recorder is capable of
recording a large amouht of information and enhances picture quality. Taking advantage of the 8 mm video
system, the Hié video system has been developed. The main characteristics of the Hi8 video system are as
follows:
The information capacity is a key element for picture improvement. It can be increased by shifting up the FM
carrier frequency range. In the Hi8 video system, the FM carrier frequency range of the luminance signal is
shifted up to 5.7 - 7.7 MHz. This is higher than the 4.2 — 5.4 MHz range of the standard 8 mm video system.
Thanks to this, the horizontal resolution is improved to more than 400 lines. [a] [b}
Metal evaporated tape is ideal for video systems because it has large magnetic energy that allows for high-
density recording. The Hi8 video camera recorder uses such high-grade tape for the Hi8 video system, covering
a wide frequency range, to achieve a high-quality video signal for recording/playback.
[a} Frequency allocation of the [b] Frequency allocation of the Hi8
standard 8 mm video system video system
Frequency deviation
2.0MHz
Frequency deviation
1.2 MH
. Luminance signal
Chroma
FM
signal udio
signal
Luminance signal
4 5 ' 6 7 ' 8
5.7 MHz 7.7 MHz 4.2MHz 5.4 MHz
HI-Fi Stereo System
On the 8 mm video standard track the sound is conventionally recorded/played back in AFM hi-fi monaural. On
this camcorder, an AFM hi-fi stereo sound can be recorded on the standard track.
The AFM hi-fi stereo sound is recorded as L+R on the 1.5 MHz carrier and L-R on the 1.7 MHz carrier in FM as
illustrated [c]. This method was adopted to maintain compatibility with the conventional AFM hi-fi monaural
sound.
When playing back the tape recorded in this hi-fi stereo system, a matrix circuit is used to produce the L and R
stereo sounds separately.
When a conventional AFM hi-fi monaural model is used to play back a tape recorded by this camcorder in AFM
hi-fi stereo, the playback sound will be in an L+R monaural sound. This is because the manaural models will
play back only the sound recorded in the 1.5 MHz carrier.
The AFM hi-fi stereo system of this camcorder enables you to enjoy a live stereo sound atmosphere.
Compatibility with the conventional 8 mm video format
When you play back a tape recorded in AFM stereo hi-fi on a conventional 8 mm video equipment, the sound
will be in monaural.
[(c] Frequency allocation of the hi-fi system
Luminance signal
Chroma
FM
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