Sponsor (Apr-June 1959)

Record Details:

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AMPEX VR-1000B k This new model of the widely accepted Ampex | Videotape* Television Recorder is now being delivered to networks and stations everywhere. With many new features and a number of refinements, it brings even greater efficiency and convenience to sta tion operation. For all of its new features, however, the "B" retains full compatibility with the over 360 Ampex VR-1000's already in operation, and so becomes a new and important part of the world-wide system of Ampex Videotape Television Recorders. AND A MESSAGE OF IMPORTANCE TO THE TV INDUSTRY IR CHARLES GINSBURG MR NEAL K McNAUGHTEN We at Ampex are asked many questions by station management about both tape recording and our equipment — questions directly related to the success of a television recorder installation. Of these, eight have stood out as particularly important, and they are answered here for you by Neal McNaughten, Manager of the Professional Products Division, and Charles Ginsburg, inventor of the Videotape Television Recorder . . . HOW WIDESPREAD ARE AMPEX VR-1000 INSTALLATIONS? "The first prototypes of the VR-1000 were delivered to the three networks, ABC, CBS and NBC in the spring of 1956. Since that time more than 360 production models have gone into service throughout the world with over 250 of these in the U. S." WHY ARE YOU INTRODUCING A NEW "B" MODEL? "During the year-and-a-half that we have been producing the VR-1000 on a production line basis, a number of developments have occurred and new features have been introduced. Most of these have been offered in the form of kits from time to time to VR-1000 owners. Finally there were enough of these innovations to justify the introduction of the 'B' model." WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE NEW VR-1000B? "Very briefly guaranteed signal-to-noise ratio of 36 db for even finer picture quality. RF/RF inter-connection for finest quality tape duplicates. Faster tape start (2 sec.) for quick cueing. Automatic brake release for easier tape handling. Adjustable tape playback speed control for lip synchronizing two or more recorders. Simplified set-up procedures. Improved accessibility. Complete, accurate monitoring. And operation aids that include full width erase, cue channel with tone generator and tape timer. Even stereo sound tracks may be added." DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT OBSOLESCENCE? "No — not if you buy an Ampex! While there have been refinements in the equipment there has been no change in the basic operation of the Ampex Recorder itself — nor is any anticipated in the future. The present Ampex recording system has been accepted as the standard throughout the industry — by independent stations, networks, and production companies alike. We expect to see all VR-1000's and VR-lOOOB's in operation for many years to come." IS THE VR-1000B COMPATIBLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE WITH THE VR-1000? "Yes -the 'B' is fully compatible with the VR-1000's now in operation. Tapes will be completely interchangeable. "Interchangeability of television tapes, as with audio tapes, is achieved when all recorder units are set up to the same standard. Since some of the factors in the 'standard' are chosen arbitrarily, the practical day-to-day reference is a standard alignment tape. With adherence to this standard, full interchangeability is assured between Ampex recorders. "This is evidenced daily in commercial operation. Right now, 10 different companies are syndicating over 20 taped programs on a national basis -and we have a report that one, 'Divorce Court,' is now in 23 markets 'on tape'." CAN THE VR-1000B BE EQUIPPED TO RECORD COLOR? "Yes. Both the VR-1000B and the VR-1000 television recorders are engineered to record color by the addition of a single rack of electronics to the basic unit. The VR-1000B can be ordered from the factory ready to record color — or the color addition can be made at any time after installation. Right now (June 1959) NBC is operating 16 VR-1000's with full Ampex color 12 factory equipped and 4 with Ampex color added after installation. And CBS is operating 4 VR-1000's to which Ampex color has been added." SHOULD I WAIT FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS? "No — no more than one should wait for possible refinements in next year's camera chain or transmitter. Certainly future refinements will come but the important thing is that Ampex television recording is now a completely proved and accepted television technique. "Evidence of this is the number of Ampex recorders in regular use throughout the country. 90 within the networks; NBC, CBS and ABC -each with approximately 30 recorders. Over 100 in independent stations. And over 20 in production companies. These users, representing every phase of the industry, DICTATE that there will be no change to basic Ampex techniques. "And, most important these recorders are making money which after all is the real determining factor of when to buy. In present installations many Recorders have already paid for themselves and almost all stations are experiencing greater income and higher profits. "To wait is to pass up the money-making opportunities that exist today." IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ... we would like the opportunity to answer them — and to describe more fully the significance and features of the VR-IOOOB. Our representative will be glad to do this with you personally — may he call you for an appointment? Or if you prefer, write to Dept. 304 for our two new publications — one describing the 'B' and all its features, the other a report on how stations are making and saving money with their Ampex VR-1000's. VIDEOTAPE professional products division 934 CHARTER STREET REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA Offices and representatives in principal cities throughout the world SPONSOR 27 JUNE 1959 69