7. Video recorders for high-definition signals

7.1 Real performance

Recording a signal obtained from 25 or 30 images per second, each made up of over 1,000 lines, is obviously no easy task. But VCR manufacturers have risen to the challenge.

The story goes back to 1987 when Sony introduced an analog VCR directly derived from its 1′′C format, the HDD-1000. Japan took the opportunity to start broadcasting analog high-definition television (HDTV) on June 3, 1989.

Since then, digital technologies have made their mark with a degree of signal standardization. After much discussion, a format has now been established...