Development of the high-band 8 mm video system

To satisfy the demand for high-quality camcorder pictures, new tape, head, and circuits to deal with 0.5-μm recording have been developed. Improved recording and editing features are implemented by introducing an improved ME (metal evaporated) tape. The high-band 8-mm video format is characterized by a higher carrier frequency, wider deviation, and a shorter pre-emphasis time constant than the basic 8-mm video system. In order to record short wavelengths, a high-performance tape and head are used, and to deal with the wideband signal, new circuits such as a positive feedback limiter, a wideband recording/playback amplifier, and a Y/C separator have been developed. The resulting system has not only a resolution of more than 400 TV lines, but also a high signal-to-noise ratio and a very clear waveform