HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: ecl@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (Evelyn C. Leeper)
Subject: Re: Tape rewinder (Re: Tape snapped at beginning of tape)
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 00:48:25 GMT

In article <1993Jan08.220215.19925%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu> mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu (Mike S.) writes:
> karr@cs.cornell.edu (David Karr) writes:
> 
> >My impression is the heads will be nowhere near the tape when you
> >rewind it.  I thought the reason was supposed to be to save wear on
> >other parts, e.g. motors.
> 
> If your VCR has a real-time counter (hh:mm.ss) rather than a tape
> length counter (nnnnn), the heads are in constant contact with the
> tape during rewind/fast forward to detect the tape record mode.

Bzztt!  On our Panasonic, when you stop the tape, the time-remaining
display shows the time remaining at whatever the default record speed
is set to.  It is obviously not reading the tape then, or during
rewind/fast-forward.  (It *does* read the tape during fast-scan and
reverse-scan, but that's not what's being discussed.)

Evelyn C. Leeper  |  +1 908 957 2070  |  att!mtgzy!ecl or  ecl@mtgzy.att.com
--
"To make the point [that homosexuals hamper military effectiveness] I'd
say that you would have to sift through your military history till you
find an instance in which failure has been attributed to the presence
of homosexuals on the losing side.  I'm not aware of any such case in
the past 2500 years, but I'd be interested to hear what you find."
-Nathan Engle
From: jeh@cmkrnl.com
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: service manual for NEC DS8000U vcr
Date: 12 Jan 93 08:25:28 PST
Organization: Kernel Mode Consulting, San Diego, CA

In article <1993Jan11.222558.19470@aio.jsc.nasa.gov>,
 schmitt@sweetpea.jsc.nasa.gov (Leonard Schmitt 283-4150) writes:
> Does anyone know where I can get a service manual for my
> NEC DS8000U vcr?  The clock backup battery has died and
> I would like to replace it.

I did this fix to mine without the manual.  Disassembly is relatively 
straightforward and it was easy to get back together.  (It worked afterwards,
too!  :-)  

The battery is in the general area behind the right side of the display (ie
behind the part of the display with the counter).  The case top and the front
panel both have to come off.  The controls-in-the-swing-down-door connect to
the machine via a flat flexible cable that is its own connector -- just pull it
out gently. If I remember right there's another PC board that has to be removed
to get to the battery, but everything that has to be disconnected is done with
plugs-and-sockets -- no soldering needed. 

I couldn't find a replacement NiCad of the correct size (2.4V, sized about like
a pair of calculator batteries).  Probing the battery contacts with a DMM
showed charging voltage present -- ie the machine expects a NiCad and will
likely not supply enough current to charge something easily available, e.g., a
pair of NiCad AA cells.  

I ended up using a largish 3.6 V lithium battery (about the size of a single AA
cell) in series with a diode.  The 1V forward drop of the diode takes care of
the voltage mismatch and the diode also prevents the deck's charging current
from getting to the lithium battery.  

	--- Jamie Hanrahan, Kernel Mode Consulting, San Diego CA
Internet:  jeh@cmkrnl.com, hanrahan@eisner.decus.org, or jeh@crash.cts.com
Uucp:  ...{crash,eisner,uunet}!cmkrnl!jeh
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: guru@camelot.bradley.edu (Jerry Whelan)
Subject: Dolby Prologic for non-dolby recordings
Organization: The Smelly Ditch
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 93 08:54:39 GMT

	As I understand it the job of the circuitry in my Dolby Prologic
decoder is to provide a center channel of sound so that a listener does
not have to be in the ``sweet spot'' of the stereo speaker to get decent
imaging.  I believe the Prologic circuitry also includes some Dolby B
noise reduction, but let's ignore that for now.  Let's assume that I set
the decoder to use the `3 channel' mode which does not make use of the
rear surround speakers.  Let's also assume that all three forward speakers
(i.e. left, right and center) are identical and equally powered in terms
of wattage.
	Shouldn't I be able to take a normal stereo recording (such as that
from a music CD), run it through the above describe Dolby Prologic system
and get superior imaging of the stereo recording for all inhabitants of
the listening room?
	(Note, I've tried it and it sounds different, but I don't have a
decent center speaker yet).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``written by a drunken insane pathological liar''        guru@stasi.bradley.edu
From: chrism@col.hp.com (Chris Magnuson)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Need Video Editing Recommendations
Date: 5 Jan 1993 21:11:54 GMT
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division
NNTP-Posting-Host: la.col.hp.com

  I would like to produce an amateur video, but would like it to look
professional.  What I envision is that I could have 2 different source tapes
combined through a mixer into a master, with the source tapes under remote
control to control playback points, etc.

  I would be interested in hearing from others about what kind of equipment
they have to accomplish this process.  I also will need to do things like
fades, wipes, character gen, etc.

Thanks in advance,
Chris Magnuson
chrism@col.hp.com
From: sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Video Animation
Date: 8 Jan 93 17:10:42 GMT
Article-I.D.: das.1993Jan8.171042.28947
Reply-To: sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki)
Organization: Harvard University


I know that this was discussed in this group, but I didn't pay
attention at the time. Now I need a way to do simple animation and the
thought of using a super-8 movie camera, getting the film processed,
and then getting the film transferred to video gives me a headache.

So, is there a way to animation with inexpensive video equipment? The
animation will be of objects that move and change shape (some
claymation, some just moving things around).
--
Marty Sasaki               Harvard University           Sasaki Kite Fabrications
sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu  Network Operations Division  26 Green Street
                           10 Ware Street               Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
                           Cambridge, MA 02138-4002     phone/fax: 617-522-8546
From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Date: 11 Jan 93 02:46:30 GMT
Reply-To: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Vidiot's Hangout

In article <1993Jan10.120606.615@hnrc.tufts.edu> jerry@hnrc.tufts.edu (Jerry Dallal) writes:
<In article <4744@vidiot.UUCP>, brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
<> If there isn't backup of the clock and
<> timer functions, when the power goes out, the VCR doesn't go into my house.
<
<I'm curious.  Which makes and models of machines satisfy these criteria?
<(No need for an exhaustive list.  An example or two will suffice.)

Since all of the JVC models that I have ever own had backup, I'd start with
them.
-- 
      harvard\                          spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown
Vidiot  ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown
      rutgers/            INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu
                                   brown@wi.extrel.com
From: scottcr@wkuvx1.bitnet
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: Impedence matching the video line
Date: 12 Jan 93 20:05:43 CST
Followup-To: rec.video
Distribution: na
Organization: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

In article <43401@sdcc12.ucsd.edu>, dlou@sdcc3.ucsd.edu (Dennis Lou) writes:
> 
> I have a cable TV line coming into my house.  After it comes out of
> the ground (flooded cable), it splices into a 30ft section of cable
> (drop cable) and ends in a signal splitter.  The problem is that one
> side  of the splitter uses different cable from the other side.  One
> side uses the same type of cable as the short 30ft section between the
> underground cable and the splitter.  The other side is cheap cable
> bought from the hardware store (RG59, I think.  The drop cable I think
> is RG58).  Obviously, all these are 75 Ohm coax lines.  Out of the
> splitter, the cheap side is about 85ft and the drop cable is about
> 50ft.
> 
> My problem is that on channel 8 and 10, I get ghosting.  My best guess
> is that I'm getting a reflection from the two different types of cable
> out of the splitter.
> 
> My question is if there is anything I can do to get rid of the
> ghosting without laying down new cable?  Will an attenuator get rid of
> the reflection?  The system seems to work okay if one branch of the
> split is not connected.
> 
> 
RG-58 is of course 50 ohms; it normally does not allow use of
"F" connectors; RG-6 is commonly used for drops as it is 75
ohms and less loss than RG-59.
I would suggest looking into where the other cable goes, an 
antenna perhaps?  If you can place a terminator on the other
port and clear up the ghost, clearly all is not according to
Hoyle at the other end.  If you have no access to the other end
one might try placing a 10 dB line amp (cheap) in line and a 10
dB attenuater; this will greatly reduce backfeed from the other
side.
Lastly, if the problem channels are the same programing as off-air
reception provides, it could be due to leakage (into the set).

Watch out for the cable cops; they're now authorized use
of deadly force. :-)

Chris

-- 
Chris Scott,  C/E Public Radio,  Western KY Univ,  (502) 745-3834
SCOTTCR@WKUVX1.BITNET      fx off: 745-2084     fx hm: 781-1232  
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: wdieteri@nyx.cs.du.edu (William Dieterich)
Subject: Device to time on tape
Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept.
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 13:01:37 GMT


I am looking for a company that produces  a device taht will hook up
between a video camera and a VCR and modify the signal so that the time is
added to the picture that is then recorded on the tape.
The name and address of the company would be great, or is this asking to
much and should I be looking at a new camera or recorder?

Thanks
 
William Dieterich
wdieteri@nyx.cs.du.edu

Newsgroups: rec.video
From: hankin@sauron.osf.org (Scott Hankin)
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Keywords: vcr+
Organization: Open Software Foundation
Distribution: usa
Date:  6 Jan 93 15:27:06 GMT

brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:

><>Would somebody explain to me why you would go to all the trouble 
><>of firing up a PC to create VCR+ codes and then entering them 
><>instead of just programming your damn VCR the regular way?
><
><Because some VCRs can't be programmed both ways at the same time. Either
><you set the time and date on the VCR every time the power goes off for 2
><seconds and then program everything into the VCR, or you push a few
><buttons on a VCR+ once and let it take care of everything.

>Get a VCR that doesn't lose track of time right after the power goes out.
>Mine at least lasts for 1/2 hour (or more).

    I see - rather than buy a $50 device which handles my current VCR, I
    should go out and buy a new VCR instead.  Ah - good plan!

- Scott

-- 
Scott Hankin (hankin@osf.org)
Open Software Foundation
11 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
From: bill@bilver.uucp (Bill Vermillion)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: VCR+ as problem solution
Date: 7 Jan 93 02:23:11 GMT
Distribution: rec
Organization: W. J. Vermillion - Winter Park, FL

In article <TIM.93Jan5194900@ear-ache.mit.edu> tim@ear-ache.mit.edu (Tim Wilson) writes:
>The VCR+ strikes me as a great example of creative problem solving.
>The paradigm of VCR programming promulgated by most of the
>manufacturers has been counterintuitive to the way many consumers
>(many North American consumers anyway) interact with their appliances.
>Start time?  Stop time?  What channel?  How many times a week?  Every
>day?  Every week?  What tape speed?  Anyone who's been on the other
>end of the telephone trying to talk their parents through setting up
>the VCR to record a single event knows this.  Throw in a cable
>decoder, and you've got a paradigm that doesn't work.  

The first part of the problem lies in the way most VCR
programming is done.   My personal opinion is that the way the
high end Sony units (Beta for sure - I don't know about the
R-5) do it is really nice.

When you use the on-screen method (optional) the first thing
you see is a calendar for the current month showing the next 14
days starting today.

Rotate the jog wheel to the day/date (and it confirms the day
in words on the bottom as you go past the date), press next,
and the screen split into two bars labeled AM and PM and 1-12.

Jog to the start hour, and then the screen comes to a
horizontal bar labeled 1-60.  Jog to the start minute.

Repeat the above for the stop hour and minute.

Then the last is the channel, or which of the two video inputs
you want the VCR to record (including split video/audio for the
first video input.   You can record video from the VCR tuner
and audio from the first aux input to handle simulcasts).     
I had the latter feature on on older NEC beta machine - but
don't know how common that is on other manufacturers today.

The display of the calendar is probably the best feature.

-- 
Bill Vermillion - bill@bilver.oau.org  bill@bilver.uucp
                - ..!{peora|tous|tarpit}!bilver!bill
Newsgroups: rec.video,misc.consumers
From: karr@cs.cornell.edu (David Karr)
Subject: Re: Tape rewinder (Re: Tape snapped at beginning of tape)
Organization: Cornell Univ. CS Dept, Ithaca NY 14853
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 18:09:01 GMT

In article <C0HuDw.6qy@news.cso.uiuc.edu> acheng@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Albert Cheng) writes:
>I have heard recommendation of using the rewinder instead the VCR to
>rewind tapes.  The reason is to reduce wear on my expensive VCR head
>mechanism.

My impression is the heads will be nowhere near the tape when you
rewind it.  I thought the reason was supposed to be to save wear on
other parts, e.g. motors.

-- David Karr (karr@cs.cornell.edu)
From: jeh@cmkrnl.com
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: Figuring BTU/hours for equipment
Date: 10 Jan 93 12:24:03 PST
Followup-To: rec.video
Distribution: usa
Organization: Kernel Mode Consulting, San Diego, CA

In article <8335@news.duke.edu>, klg@panda.mc.duke.edu (Kim Greer -- rjj) writes:
>   If one knows the KW used by a particular device, say 0.8 KW for a laser
> printer, can this be converted to a reasonably accurate BTU/Hour value?

Yes and no.  The conversion btw KWH and BTU (as given by Norm Strong) is 
exact unless the device is doing real physical work (eg lifting weights that
don't get dropped in the same room; winding up springs; recharging batteries;
etc.).  However you need to remember that the figures on a machine's data plate
may be only the maximum usage.  A laser printer is a good example -- its fuser
heater cycles off and on and the machine only draws its maximum wattage while
the heater is on.  Using these ratings will usually give the maximum power
usage you can expect, but actual usage may be quite a bit lower. 

	--- Jamie Hanrahan, Kernel Mode Consulting, San Diego CA
Internet:  jeh@cmkrnl.com, hanrahan@eisner.decus.org, or jeh@crash.cts.com
Uucp:  ...{crash,eisner,uunet}!cmkrnl!jeh
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: jeremym@ravel.udel.edu (Jeremy A Moskowitz)
Subject: Re: VCR PLUS code conflicts in TV Guide
Keywords: vcr+
Organization: University of Delaware
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1993 02:34:06 GMT


You would want to buy a VCR+ for your parents, like I did, and when
you go home, you want to use it. Nonwithstanding, I also have 
my TV at my parents house as follows:

	Cable Box ->VCR->TV (with picture in picture)
      |                        ^
      -------------------------^

This way, any change in the Cable Box is the channel in the PIP
and the channel to record on the VCR (if set on 3).

This is a highly brainless way to get things done with the VCR+.
(change the cable channel, turn on VCR, record.)

Answered?
-- 
     // Email: jeremym@brahms.udel.edu------\  Monitor of---------------\
    //  Registered Commodore Amiga Developer|  Comp.sys.amiga.EMULATIONS| 
\\ //   "I'm spellunking."- BAB   "There's medicine you can take for that." - BB
 \X/           My Life Needs Cheap Dubbed in Sound Effects - Anon. 
Newsgroups: rec.video,misc.consumers
From: chou@cs.washington.edu (Pai Hsiang Chou)
Subject: Re: Tape snapped at beginning of tape
Organization: Computer Science & Engineering, U. of Washington, Seattle
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 93 21:23:21 GMT

In article <C0EMsu.Lpy@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> creps@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Steve Creps) writes:
>In article <1id2nrINNq9g@shelley.u.washington.edu> roger@wrq.com (Roger Fulton) writes:
>>Is it possible to repair a VHS tape that has
>>broken from the take-up (right-side) reel?
>>My rewinder broke this tape, and I'd like to
>>fix it (the tape). 

Yes, I did it once with a TDK tape.  Your cassette
might work too.

(1) The reel has a small tab (mine was red) which clips one
    end of the tape to the reel.  Use a paperclip to push
    and slide this tab vertically up to release the broken
    end of the tape.

(2) pull enough tape over where the tab was, and snap the
    tab back in (just push hard with your thumb) so that
    the tape is firmly latched.


however, there may be a downside to this.
I think most VCRs have an optical sensor which detects the
end of tape when you rewind.  This is why the beginning of
the tape is transparent.  Without this transparent section,
your VCR probably needs to rely on the tension sensor to
stop rewinding.  I don't know if this could cause problems
in the long run.  If you have indexing, then you might want
to mark an index at or near the beginning of the tape and
stop there instead.


>   If it is really at the very beginning of the tape, it's probably
>safe to use Scotch tape to repair it.  I'm assuming that since the
>repair would be done at the beginning of the tape, the Scotch tape
>would never pass across the heads.  If there is still too much slack
>(i.e. the splice would pass over the heads), I suppose you could cut
>the slack off the tape if you're sure you wouldn't lose anything.


I would not use Scotch tape.  I don't think it is strong enough.

Pai
From: colint@spider.co.uk (Colin Tinto)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Sound problems with Mits. HS-M55
Date: 8 Jan 93 11:41:34 GMT
Followup-To: rec.video
Organization: Spider Systems Limited, Edinburgh, UK

I've just noticed recently some strange sound problems on my new Mitsubishi
HS-M55 video.

When playing back pre-recorded tapes, I can hear a sort of Burr in the 
background.   Most of the time it is only present when the sound level
is above a certain point (about -4db I think), but it appears very
occasionaly when there is hardly any sound.

I didn't notice it until I was listening through headphones (both from the
videos own socket, and with the Audio out through a stereo as well)

This doesn't happen when just watching TV, or things taped from TV.

Do I have a faulty unit ?   Or has anyone else experienced similar problems ?


-- 
/--------------------------------------------------------------------------\
!   Colin Tinto		     !  Time Travel Parcel Deliveries Inc          !
!   colint@spider.co.uk	     !  The only courier with previous day service.!
\--------------------------------------------------------------------------/
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: pcw@flutter.tv.tek.com (Patrick C. Wilkins)
Subject: Re: Baseband to MTS
Organization: Tektronix TV Products
Distribution: na
Date: 8 Jan 93 10:31:48

David, decoding the MTS signal is cheaply done with a consumer grade chip
set but encoding has no simple chip set and is left at a professional
level. You could by a Scientific Atlanta 6380A encoder if you are
willing to spend $2k.
--

-------------------------------------------------------------------
    Pat Wilkins II
    A.K.A. Clif
    Email pcw@flutter.tv.tek.com
    Work 503-627-6525

-------------------------------------------------------------------
    Is Deja-vu real or is life just redundant???????
-------------------------------------------------------------------
From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: Help with Wireless Mike purchase
Date: 8 Jan 93 03:34:52 GMT
Reply-To: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot)
Organization: Vidiot's Hangout

In article <C0GIMD.LwC@world.std.com> asl@world.std.com (ASL Sinclair) writes:
<I am looking for a great quality wireless lavalier mike
<to use with my camcorder.  I tried Radio Shack's 3 mike
<unit which xmits in FM.  The hum & interference were
<horrible.  I'm lead to believe that the Nady & Azden
<units, which xmit in VHF, are much better.  Any comments
<on which to purchase?  Has anyone used more than one
<xmitting mike at a time?  Thanks in advance for any
<responses here or at my Email jose@world.std.com

Terminology problem.  You want a transmitter that uses FM, as it will be
cleaner.  But, RS used a radio frequency that was prone to interference.
The better units are UHF, but are extremely expensive.  The VHF units are
just fine.  All of them use FM modulation.
-- 
      harvard\                          spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown
Vidiot  ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown
      rutgers/            INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu
                                   brown@wi.extrel.com
Newsgroups: rec.video
From: ds@netcom.com (David Schachter)
Subject: Re: Bent vertical lines near top of screen
Keywords: MacroVision
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1993 02:44:44 GMT

In the old days, bent vertical lines meant skew problems, and the old EIAJ
1/2" reel-to-reel machines we had included a skew adjustment to fix this.
(The problem was, more or less, uneven tension between the top and bottom of
the tape.)  Could this be the cause of the problem you are having, or is
skew no longer an issue?

					-- David Schachter
-- 
 ____________________________________________________________________________
 David Schachter                                david@llustig.palo-alto.ca.us
 801 Middlefield Road, #8                            ...!decwrl!llustig!david
 Palo Alto, CA  94301-2916 USA      After 10 am, voice & fax: +1 415 328 7425
From: jerry@hnrc.tufts.edu (Jerry Dallal)
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: Any way to *CREATE* VCR Plus codes??
Date: 5 Jan 93 14:04:21 GMT
Organization: USDA HNRC at Tufts University

In article <4681@vidiot.UUCP>, brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) writes:
> This may sound stupid, but ever thought of actually programming your VCR?

To summarize:

1) VCR+ won't get wiped out by a power failure.  (Why don't VCR manufactures
      give us battery backup?  Clock radio manufacturers (the *same* people!)
      do!)

2) A VCR+ can change channels on a cable box.  Great if your cable hookup
      requires your VCR to be set on channel 3 always.

3) Depending on the A/V hookup, it may be easier to use a VCR+ than call up
      the VCR's programming screen.

4) Some VCR's are a real pain to program.  For example, one of my Panasonics
      does not allow me to enter the start time directly.  When I enter a 
      program, it sets the start time at the current time and requires me 
      to press a START button which advances the start time 1 minute for each 
      press and in 10 minute jumps when the button is held down (at the rate 
      of about 1 jump every half second).  I get tired of waiting around for 
      the clock to advance.

5) You can't program your VCR while it's recording, but you can program the
      VCR+.

6) Programming the VCR invariably means interrupting the show that's currently
      being viewed in order to call up the on-screen programming.  Not so for
      the VCR+.

An aside . . .

7) I have heard it said (but not verified) that one of the reasons for the need
      to generate VCR+ codes is that it will enable satellite dish owners to
      use them for taping.