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| Media type | Video recording media |
|---|---|
| Encoding | FM on magnetic tape |
| Developed by | Funai, Technicolor |
| Usage | Audio/Video Storage |
Compact Video Cassette (CVC) was the one of the first videocassette formats to use a tape smaller than its earlier predecessors of VHS and Betamax, and was developed by Funai Electronics of Japan. The first model of VCR for the format was the Model 212, introduced in 1980 by both Funai and Technicolor. The two companies had created a joint venture to manufacture and introduce the format to the home video market. The system, which included the VCR and a handheld camera, was very small and lightweight for its time.
The CVC format used a cassette slightly larger than an audio cassette (about 4.124" x 2.625" x 0.5" in size) and was loaded with 1/4" videotape. Unlike most other video cassette formats that have two spools fixed in diameter, the cassette size was able to be made smaller by re-using the space vacated by one spool as the other spool filled up, similar to a standard audio cassette. The tapes for the CVC format came in VC-30 (30 minute) and later VC-45 (45 minute) & VC-60 (60 minute) models. The format was released for both NTSC and PAL television systems, and tapes had to be played on machines using the same TV system as the recording.
Two versions of the Funai Model 212 were introduced: the Model 212D, which came with a JVC model GX-44E hand held Vidicon tube camera with a zoom lens, and the improved Model 212E, which was introduced later on. The deck and electronics from the 212E were also used to build the model 335E Technicolor Video Showcase, which included a video monitor, speaker and contained an internal 12V battery.
Technicolor had hoped that this system would compete with 8mm film. But the Vidicon tube used for the bundled camera had poor low-light sensitivity, limiting its usefulness for home indoor use. Worse, the 1/4"-wide tape was prone to dropouts (appearing as lines of white snow in the video) during video playback, partially due to the smaller tape size. Low tape quality used at that time for the CVC cassettes was also a contributing factor to these dropouts. As the decks aged, a lubrication issue with the mechanism's loading ring caused many machines to malfunction.
Grundig also produced a CVC-format VCR, the Model VP-100 for the PAL market. The VP-100 used a slower capstan speed than the Model 212D, which increased the recording time. The VP-100 weighed only 2.3 kg with battery, and had a separate power pack.
Specifications
- Two Rotary record heads, helical scan
- Capstan-driven linear tape speed: 1.26 ips (inches per second) or (32.1 mm/sec)
- Video signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio: 43 dB
- Image resolution: 240 lines
- Audio S/N ratio: 40 dB
- Audio frequency response: 100 Hz to 8 kHz
- 7.16 pounds (3.25 kg)
- Dimensions: 9.2 × 10.2 × 3.1 inches (24 × 26 × 8 cm)
External links (and references)
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