| There
is a lot of confusion as to the exact time a video tape runs.
Even though tape are usually marked (T-120) it does not mean
it will run for 2 hours. The speed in which it was recorded
and the country where the tape was manufactured makes a difference
as to how long it will run. The system used in the United
States (NTSC) uses tape at a higher rate (6.6 feet/minute)
then European (PAL) or French (SECAM) (4.69 feet/minute) systems.
Video tapes are marked in playing time as
opposed to tape length, which is why a PAL/SECAM VHS E120
(2 hour) tape will not give two hours of recording time when
used on a US NTSC Video recorder.
A NTSC VHS T120 tape is 812 feet in length
and will give 2 hours play time on an NTSC VCR recorded at
the SP speed. This same tape used on a PAL VCR will give 2
hours & 49 minutes of playing time.
A European E120 VHS tape is 570 feet in length and will give
2 hours of playing time on a PAL VCR. The same tape used on
an NTSC VCR will give only 1 hour & 26 minutes of play
time.
Tape Speed & Time
Standard Play (SP) is the most common recording
speed used for VHS tapes. You can get up to 120 minutes of
recording time on the normal (T-120) video cassette. This
is the speed most rented movies are recorded at. Using the
highest tape speed in the VHS format, SP speed will offer
the highest measurable quality for both audio and video segments.
SP is recommended for both real time and high speed duplication.
Long Play (LP) is a seldom used format. Many
newer VCR's cannot play and/or record in this older format.
We do not duplicate in the Long Play mode.
Extended Play (EP) or sometimes (XP) is the
longest VHS recording speed. You can get up to 360 minutes
of recording time on a T-120 video cassette. There are two
reasons for using the EP speed. One reason is where your recording
must exceed 120 minutes on one tape. The second reason is
for cost savings.
What
is Videotape ? | Audio
& Video Tape Preservation |
Video
Tape Conversion to NTSC or PAL or SECAM | Save
a Videocassette |
How
to Get a Digital Video Recorder | How
to Buy a VCR | How
to Videotape Sports Action |
Transfer
Audio From a Videotape to a Computer | Transfer
Audio From a Videotape to a Cassette |
Transfer
Video Onto the Computer | How
to Program a VCR | Video
Tape Formats |
Video
Tape Time Comparisons | Tape
& VCR Tips | Camcorder
& Recording Techniques
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