[QuadList] My Videotape Background

Tue Jan 6 21:50:16 CST 2009

Quadlist,

I'm not exactly new to the group, having joined a while ago when I retired from 
the NAVCC in Culpeper.  But, I think its about time that I elaborated on my 
videotape background.   
Earlier, I chimed in and added something to the discussion about WHCA videotapes 
which I had my hand in recording while I was assigned in the White House 
Communications Agency.

While working in the White House VTR Recording Section, I also worked the moon 
light shifts at several local DC production houses.   Mostly at TeleColor, but also at 
Logos and then some at Byron's Motion Pictures.  At TeleColor in Alexandria, Va. 
I operated VR2000 VTRs duplicating commercials and videotapes for the bicycle 
distribution of 2" quad tapes.  (If anyone does not understand bicycle 
distribution please let know so I can share with you that former means of 
shipping tape dubs around the country).  
In the tape room there were three VTRs plus a 4th out in the mobile unit truck 
parked in the garage.  I remember the nights playing tapes from the truck onto 
the three record VTRs in the tape room.  And then, cutting down and shipping 
tapes onto spot reels to be put into a mail bag.  When I 
worked at Logos in Arlington, Va.  I used two VR2000 machines to duplicate 
commercials and government contract dubs.   Plus, I nearly went blind evaluating 
BLACKED tapes.... while actually counting dropouts.   Wow!   I find that memory 
really interesting now.   I did similar dub jobs over at  Byrons but there using 
AVR1 machines.   And at Byron's in DC, I was fortunate to also operate a high 
speed 2" videotape duplicator machine.   Still amazed to think it actually 
transferred the magnetic signal from oxide to oxide of two 
tapes while both ran at 300 ips through a transfer chamber.  That sight would 
take your breathe away.   But, then there was one night when a brake shoe pulled 
in and caused the destruction of all three slaves tapes plus the mirror master 
running at high speed.   Byron also gave me the thrill of a post production suite where I set up and 
operated a VR2000 plus a Slow Mo Disk.   Grand total of 30 seconds storage time!   
Using the disk in the production suite was fund.  But, it was pretty challenging when 
using it in a football remote van next to a stadium where I did instant replays 
and assisted in highlight packages.   

Finally, I caught a job at the CBS News Bureau in Washington, D.C.  In addition 
to installing microwave links all over town for News ENG I finally got my dream 
assignment in the VTR room were we had six VR2000 VTRs which were used to record & edit news insert segments for the various CBS Network broadcast.   When the Nightwatch show began we were 
challenged to rapidly put into effect a time delayed broadcast.  Wish I had 
taken a picture but Harry Remmers (our resident genius) combined two of the 
quads together so that the first machine recorded the live Control Room feed and the second one played it 
back to Master Control.  Then, the space between the two VTRs was carefully 
adjusted until we had 7 second time delay.   Talk about fun times!!!    Thanks 
to Harry.

For times of heavy news inserts from the Washington bureau, we installed an 
ACR-25 which was a whirling, blowing, sucking, marvel that played 2" quad 
videotape cassettes.  The sounds that machine made became music to my ears and I 
learned to trouble shoots its air controls by listening to its breathing sounds.  

These fun times all came after my years in the White House VTR Recording Section 
where we recorded off-air news programs for the White House Press Office. And, 
also edited weekly news summaries.   I wrote about those interesting days in my 
earlier message today.

Following my CBS career, I moved over to the Library of Congress where I headed 
the section that operated a Rank Cintel plus a VR2000 and VR1200 in the 
preservation of film and videotapes.  In time, we planned a new facility which 
was built in Culpeper, Va.    After moving the Library's video recording Lab to 
Culpeper, the facility was known as the National Audio Video Conservation Center 
(NAVCC).  

Then, in 2008, after more than 45 years experience working in broadcasting and 
managing technical facilities using the recording arts, I retired.  Now, I 
reside nearby only minutes away from the world's largest collection of the 
videotapes and machinery that I so dearly love.  Although my retirement was 
necessitated in order to insure the proper care for my Nursing Home bound 
mother, I am now able to turn my attention to exploring how I might maintain my 
interests in quad videotape and the preservation arts required to maintain those 
national treasures.    Therefore, I welcome all opportunities to consult and 
share expertise while the means to do so remains. 

Thanks to the Quad.list for gathering the audience of men and women who love the technology which we are all so indedted to for our passion and livelihood.  

Allan McConnell
Home 540 825-9270
Cell 703 328-6821

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