Searching for SMPTE standard for Ampex Type A format video recording

[Don Norwood]

Hi Ted:

We have Ampex-published track and drum specs for the Type-A NTSC machines if you need a copy of that.  Remember that 50Hz versions will be different.  Also, while track geometry was the same, if you are concerned with implementations of the format prior to the VPR-7900, then there are also different carrier frequencies and different control track schemes.  

I’ve searched before for references to a SMPTE specification and haven’t found it.  Have you asked Bill Carpenter about this?  I’d also check with John Turner to see what he may know about it.

Don

From: Ted Langdell 
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 9:54 PM
To: Quad List 
Cc: Ted Langdell 
Subject: Searching for SMPTE standard for Ampex Type A format video recording

Happy December 1 (as opposed to other labels for the day)

The 1960's era Ampex 1" industrial/educational videotape format that spawned the VR-5xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx VTRs is often referred to as "Type A"  or "SMPTE Type A" with the assertion that it became a SMPTE Standardized format at some point.

Searching does not turn up any references to a SMPTE Standard that seems to apply, although one can find the SMPTE Type C helical scan standard without too much difficulty:

    http://standards.smpte.org/gca?gca=smptes%3Bst-20-2003%2F1%2Fpart1&gca=smptes%3Bst-19-2003%2F1%2Fpart1&gca=smptes%3Bst-18-2003%2F1%2Fpart1&allch=&submit=Go

and similarly, for Type-B (the Bosch segmented 1" helical format)

Does anyone on the list know whether there was an actual SMPTE Standard adopted (or even proposed) for this legacy Ampex format, and if so, what the Standard Number is?

For Example: 
  ST 19:2003
  For Television Analog Recording — 1-in Type C — Records
  Scope
  This standard specifies the dimensions and location of recorded video, audio, and tracking-control records for 1-in type C helical-scan television analog recorders operating in the 525/60 monochrome or NTSC color systems.


Directions to applicable standards or proposed standards, (or such information for "Type A" as outlined in the three Type-C documents linked to) would be most appreciated.

Cheers and thanks,

Ted


Ted Langdell
Secretary
Quad Videotape Group
e-mail: ted at quadvideotapegroup.com
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