HD

Appendix A Video Formats 1027
XIII
The size of the cassette itself can be varied as well. For example, the BetacamSP format
comes in both small and large sizes. The small tapes are used for camcorders, while the
large format is used in studio VTRs.
Aspects of the physical composition of magnetic tape, such as density of magnetic
particles, limits the data rate and track size that can be recorded on the tape. The
magnetic coating on a video tape is formulated to work with particular camcorders and
VTRs. If you choose the wrong tape coating, the tape can actually clog the video record
heads of your video equipment, leading to video signal dropouts during recording and
playback. Always read the documentation that comes with your video equipment
before purchasing a particular brand of video tape stock.
Video Standards
For the last 50 years, there have been two major signal types recorded on video
tape: NTSC and PAL. With the emergence of new, high definition video formats, NTSC
and PAL formats are now referred to as standard definition video formats.
Standard Definition Video
NTSC, or National Television Systems Committee, is the television and video standard
used in most of the Americas, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. PAL, or Phase Alternating Line, is
the television and video standard used in most of Europe, Brazil, Algeria, and China.
There are several variations of both NTSC and PAL used in different parts of the world,
but these variations are not described here.
SECAM is a video standard based on PAL. It is used in France, Poland, Haiti, and
Vietnam. SECAM is mostly a broadcast format, not a recording format, so post-
production work is usually done in PAL and later converted to SECAM.
Note: SECAM is not supported by Final Cut Express HD.
Standard definition formats almost always have an aspect ratio of 4:3 (1.33:1).
Standard Lines per frame Frame rates Scanning method
NTSC 525 29.97 Interlaced
PAL 625 25 Interlaced