Slide film and Beta

[P3D Derek Gee <73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marvin writes:
>Interesting point. I've also noticed that the "long dead" BETA video format is
>alive and well (in a slightly modified version) in local television stations
>everywhere. Even with such major modifications to the VHS system as the
>Super-VHS format, it has never been able to produce what most technicians
>consider a broadcast quality image, whereas Beta is routinely used by local news
>departments and even low-budget-no-budget direct-to-video "feature" producers. I
>guess there's something to be said for "out-moded" technology (like Realist
>cameras, for instance?) after all!
 
This simply isn't true.  For starters, Betacam is not 'slightly modified'.
The only things that consumer Beta and Betacam share is part of the name,
a plastic shell, and the same style tape wrap.  The rest is entirely 
different.  Try comparing Super-VHS to Super Beta if you'd like a more
accurate comparison.  The M2 system, which is a 'modified' (in the same
sense as Betacam) VHS system, is a full broadcast quality system that
is used primarily by NBC affiliates.  

>From a professional point of view, both VHS and consumer Beta formats
suck.  However, they weren't intended for professionals.  Beta is
not totally dead as Sony still supports it.  VHS, in all it's forms
thrives.  It is a large LIE that Beta is superior to VHS.  Compare a 
live camera feed to a VHS and Beta recording of same, and you will 
find that the VHS looks more like the original.  Beta does have
slightly higher resolution, but it also has serious luminence problems
due to the lack of a AGC circuit.  I'm dreadfully tired of the VHS vs 
Beta arguements that all those sore losers who bought Beta machines
keep bringing up, so I'll say no more on this.  Stepping down from 
the soapbox...
 
                                 Derek Gee
                                 73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


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