SIST EN 61041-4:1999

• Abstract:

  Specifies the general requirements for the calibration tape which is used for measurement of signal characteristics of the playback systems of non-broadcast video tape recorders (NTSC/PAL/SECAM). Appliles particularly to the measurement items which require complex test signals unavailable from a general purpose test signal generator.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-1999
• ICS: 33.160.40 - Video systems
• Technical Committee: AVM - Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Apr-1999
• Due Date: 01-Apr-1999
• Completion Date: 01-Apr-1999
• Ref Project: EN 61041-4:1997 - Non-broadcast video tape recorders - Methods of measurement - Part 4: Calibration tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)

• Refers: SIST EN 61041-2:1999 - Non-broadcast video tape recorders - Methods of measurement -- Part 2: Video characteristics chrominance SECAM
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60094-2:1999 - Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems -- Part 2: Calibration tapes
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 61054:1999 - Helical-scan video tape cassette system using 12,65 mm (0,5 in) magnetic tape on type VHS - FM audio recording
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 61041-1:1999 - Non-broadcast video tape recorders - Methods of measurement -- Part 1: General video (NTSC/PAL) and audio (longitudinal) characteristics
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 61041-3:1999 - Non-broadcast videotape recorders - Methods of measurement -- Part 3: Audio characteristics for FM recording
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 50465:2015 - Gas appliances - Combined heat and power appliance of nominal heat input inferior or equal to 70 kW
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 60335-2-5:2015 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-5: Particular requirements for dishwashers
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 62071-1:2007 - Helical-scan compressed digital video cassette system using 6,35 mm magnetic tape - Format D-7 -- Part 1: VTR specifications
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 62389:2006 - Methods of measurement for DVD players
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 60335-2-58:2005/A12:2016 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-58: Particular requirements for commercial electric dishwashing machines
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 60335-2-58:2005/A2:2016 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety -- Part 2-58: Particular requirements for commercial electric dishwashing machines
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 60335-2-75:2023 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-75: Particular requirements for commercial dispensing appliances and vending machines (IEC 60335-2-75:2012)
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 is a Slovene standard published by SIST, identical to EN 61041-4:1997 and based on IEC 61041-4:1997. It specifies the calibration tape used to measure playback signal characteristics of non-broadcast video tape recorders in NTSC/PAL/SECAM systems, including the video and FM audio test signals to be recorded on that tape.

What does SIST EN 61041-4:1999 specify?

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 specifies the general requirements for a calibration tape for non-broadcast video tape recorders and the signals that shall be recorded on it. In practice, it gives a controlled reference tape for measurements that need complex test signals, so the playback system can be checked in a repeatable way.

The document is organized into two sections:

• Section 1: General
  • 1.1 Scope and object
  • 1.2 Normative references
  • 1.3 Definitions
  • 1.4 Requirements
• Section 2: Specifications of the signals to be recorded on the calibration tape
  • 2.1 Luminance signal level
  • 2.2 Dropout compensation characteristics
  • 2.3 Y/C delay
  • 2.4 Switching position
  • 2.5 Audio FM reference recording level
  • 2.6 Audio FM peak recording level
  • 2.7 Audio FM frequency response

The standard also includes figures showing the block diagrams and measurement set-ups used for each recorded signal.

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 61041-4:1999?

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 concentrates on how the calibration tape is made, what signals it contains, and how those signals are aligned to the recording format. The main practical point is that the tape must be recorded in a controlled way so that later measurements on playback have a known reference.

Tape, signal, and cassette requirements

Clause 1.4 says the magnetic tape used shall match the recording format of the calibration tape recorder, and it is preferable to use a subreference tape. The video signal shall conform to the standard TV signal used by that recorder, and the audio signal shall conform to its audio recording format. For users, this means the calibration tape has to be made on compatible media and with the same format family as the equipment being tested.

Clause 1.4 also requires cassette labelling with the TV system, applicable recording format, details of signals, the recording date, and the name of the person or company that made the recording. In practice, this is what allows a calibration tape to be traced and identified later in a lab or service environment.

Luminance signal level

Clause 2.1 specifies a colour bar signal, type (b) or equivalent, with a white signal at full level and a defined sync signal level for NTSC or PAL/SECAM. The procedure also requires adjustment of sync-tip frequency, peak white frequency, and frequency deviation within stated limits for the recorder format. This matters because the luminance carrier has to sit in the right place for accurate playback-level measurement.

Dropout compensation characteristics

Clause 2.2 defines a dropout test signal with controlled dropout durations and timing, including a black marker inside the dropout. It also sets different recording-current reductions for the dropout levels and places the dropouts at defined positions within the vertical scanning periods. In practice, this gives a tape that can be used to check dropout compensation characteristic, including a simple TV monitor method referenced to IEC 61041-1.

Y/C delay

Clause 2.3 specifies the recorded signal for measuring the delay between luminance and chrominance, referred to as Y/C delay. The recorded signal is the one defined for PAL/NTSC in IEC 61041-1 and for SECAM in IEC 61041-2, and the delay between chrominance and luminance shall meet the stated limit of 50 ns. For a reader, this means the tape helps verify whether the recorder keeps picture timing tight enough to avoid visible colour/luminance misalignment.

Switching position

Clause 2.4 specifies a colour bar signal for measuring the switching position of the video heads. The procedure uses magnetic colloid and a travelling microscope to read the position of the head switching point relative to the vertical sync signal, then averages measurements taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the tape. This matters because head switching position affects picture stability and tracking performance.

Audio FM levels and response

Clauses 2.5 and 2.6 specify 400 Hz sine-wave audio for FM reference recording level and FM peak recording level, with frequency deviation adjusted to the required reference or maximum value for the recorder format. Clause 2.7 then extends the audio recording to a range of test frequencies for frequency-response measurement, with the audio level set 20 dB below the reference level. In practice, these clauses give a playback reference for checking FM audio gain, headroom, and response across frequency.

What terms does SIST EN 61041-4:1999 define?

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 defines a small set of core terms and uses several measurement abbreviations throughout the text.

• Calibration tape - A tape used to evaluate the performance of non-broadcast video tape recorders by carrying the video and FM audio signals needed for the tests.
• Calibration tape recorder - The video tape recorder used to record the specified test signals and produce the calibration tape.
• Y/C delay - The time difference between the luminance signal and the chrominance signal in recording, measured as the absolute difference between their recording delays.
• DCC - Dropout compensation characteristic, the behaviour being checked when the tape contains controlled dropouts.
• FM - Frequency modulation, used here for the audio recording system and its reference, peak, and frequency-response checks.
• NTSC/PAL/SECAM - The TV system families covered by the calibration tape specification.

Who uses SIST EN 61041-4:1999?

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 is used by manufacturers, test laboratories, and service organizations that measure non-broadcast video tape recorders. It is especially relevant to engineers who prepare calibration tapes, verify playback alignment, or check audio and video recording performance against a known reference.

It also matters to quality managers and buyers of video test equipment because it defines what a compliant calibration tape must contain and how it is recorded. In practice, it supports repeatable checks for playback level, dropout compensation, Y/C timing, switching position, and FM audio behaviour.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 61041-4:1999?

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 refers to several normative documents that provide the measurement framework and signal definitions it relies on:

• IEC 60094-2 - Gives the calibration tape context for magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems.
• IEC 61041-1 - Provides the general video and longitudinal audio measurement methods used alongside the calibration tape.
• IEC 61041-2 - Provides the SECAM chrominance measurement methods referenced for Y/C delay.
• IEC 61041-3 - Provides the FM audio measurement methods used with the calibration tape.
• IEC 61054 - Relates to VHS FM audio recording and is referenced for audio frequency-deviation terminology.
• ITU-R Recommendation 471-1 - Defines the colour bar signals used in the recorded test patterns.
• EIA RS-189A - Gives an encoded colour bar signal reference.

What does the SIST EN 61041-4:1999 document contain?

SIST EN 61041-4:1999 contains the procedures and set-ups needed to generate a calibration tape, not a general explanation of video tape recorder design. Its figures show the block diagrams for luminance level preparation, dropout generation, Y/C delay measurement, switching position adjustment and measurement, and audio FM signal recording.

The document also includes tables that support the audio FM reference and peak recording levels, including the frequency-deviation values and spectrum-analyzer settings used for measurement. For a test engineer, these are the practical parts used to set up the recorder, confirm the recorded signal, and create a tape suitable for playback measurements.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-1999
Non-broadcast video tape recorders - Methods of measurement -- Part 4:
Calibration tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) (IEC 61041-4:1997)
Non-broadcast video tape recorders - Methods of measurement -- Part 4: Calibration
tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
Videobandgeräte für den Gebrauch außerhalb des Rundfunks - Meßverfahren -- Teil 4:
Bezugsband (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
Magnétoscopes hors radiodiffusion - Méthodes de mesure -- Partie 4: Bande étalon
(NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61041-4:1997
ICS:
33.160.40 Video sistemi Video systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE
IEC
61041-4
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
1997-05
Magnétoscopes hors radiodiffusion –
Méthodes de mesure –
Partie 4:
Bande étalon (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
Non-broadcast video tape recorders –
Methods of measurement –
Part 4:
Calibration tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
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61041-4 © IEC:1997 – 3 –
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION. 7
SECTION 1: GENERAL
Clause
1.1 Scope and object. 9
1.2 Normative references. 9
1.3 Definitions. 11
1.4 Requirements. 11
SECTION 2: SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SIGNALS TO BE RECORDED
ON THE CALIBRATION TAPE
2.1 Luminance signal level. 13
2.2 Dropout compensation characteristics. 13
2.3 Y/C delay. 17
2.4 Switching position. 17
2.5 Audio FM reference recording level . 19
2.6 Audio FM peak recording level. 21
2.7 Audio FM frequency response . 23
Figures
1 Block diagram for luminance level preparation . 27
2 Block diagram for the dropout generator. 27
3 Block diagram for dropout level adjustment. 29
4 Dropout of 20 μs duration.29
5 Black marker in the dropout . 29
6 Dropout of 3 H duration. 31
7 Location of dropouts. 31
8 Block diagram for Y/C delay measurement. 33
9 Signal to be recorded . 33
10 Delay in the luminance signal recording. 33
11 Delay in the chrominance signal recording . 35
12 Block diagram for switching position adjustment . 35
13 Setting of the travelling microscope . 35
14 View on the magnetic coating side of the tape. 37
15 Block diagram for switching position measurement. 37
16 Switching position. 37
17 Block diagram for audio FM reference peak level recording. 39
18 Block diagram for audio FM frequency response signal recording . 39

61041-4 © IEC:1997 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
__________
NON-BROADCAST VIDEO TAPE RECORDERS –
METHODS OF MEASUREMENT –
Part 4: Calibration tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
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for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61041-4 has been prepared by subcommittee 60B: Video recording,
then by subcommittee 100B: Recording, of IEC technical committee 100: Audio, video and
multimedia systems and equipment.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
100B/44/FDIS 100B/64/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
IEC 61041 consists of the following parts under the general title: Non-broadcast video tape
recorders – Methods of measurement:
Part 1: 1990, General video (NTSC/PAL) and audio (longitudinal) characteristics
Part 2: 1994, Video characteristics chrominance SECAM
Part 3: 1993, Audio characteristics for FM recording
Part 4: 1997, Calibration tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
Part 5: 1997, High-band video tape recorders, including those equipped with Y/C video
connectors (NTSC/PAL)
61041-4 © IEC:1997 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 61041 has been prepared for the reasons given below.
Some of the measurement items for non-broadcast video tape recorders in IEC 61041 require
specific test signals which may not be available from a general purpose test signal generator.
In this case, a calibration tape can be made and used to supply the required test signals for
measurement.
The video tape recorders on the market today have very good record and playback
compatibility, provided that the level of the test signals and the frequencies of the carriers to be
recorded are set precisely within specifications. The calibration tape can therefore be made
using a non-broadcast video tape recorder of the relevant recording format by recording the
specified test signals.
This part of IEC 61041 specifies the video and audio test signals to be recorded on the calibration
tape which is used when measuring video and audio characteristics of non-broadcast video
tape recorders, in accordance with the measurement items prescribed in IEC 61041.

61041-4 © IEC:1997 – 9 –
NON-BROADCAST VIDEO TAPE RECORDERS –
METHODS OF MEASUREMENT –
Part 4: Calibration tape (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
1 Section 1: General
1.1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 61041 specifies the general requirements for the calibration tape which is used
for measurement of signal characteristics of the playback systems of non-broadcast video tape
recorders (NTSC/PAL/SECAM).
The calibration tape specified in this part of IEC 61041 applies particularly to the measurement
items prescribed in the relevant part of IEC 61041 which require complex test signals, which
are unavailable from a general purpose test signal generator.
The object of this part is to describe the methods of measurement for non-broadcast video
tape recorders.
This part of IEC 61041 describes also the procedures for generating the signals and for
recording the signals on the calibration tape.
1.2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of IEC 61041. At the time of publication, the editions indicated
were valid. All normative documents are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based
on this part of IEC 61041 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60094-2: 1994, Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems – Part 2:
Calibration tapes
IEC 61041-1: 1990, Non-broadcast video tape recorders – Methods of measurement – Part 1:
General video (NTSC/PAL) and audio (longitudinal) characteristics
IEC 61041-2: 1994, Non-broadcast video tape recorders – Methods of measurement – Part 2:
Video characteristics chrominance SECAM
IEC 61041-3: 1993, Non-broadcast video tape recorders – Methods of measurement – Part 3:
Audio characteristics for FM recording
IEC 61054: 1991, Helical-scan video tape cassette system using 12,65 mm (0,5 in) magnetic
tape on type VHS – FM audio recording
ITU-R Recommendation 471-1: 1990, Nomenclature and description of colour bar signals
EIA RS-189A: 1976, Encoded colour bar signal

61041-4 © IEC:1997 – 11 –
1.3 Definitions
For the purpose of this part of IEC 61041, the following definitions apply:
1.3.1 calibration tape: Tape used to evaluate aspects of the performance of non-broadcast
video tape recorders. This tape contains video and FM audio signals appropriate to the video
tape recorder to be tested, taking into consideration the specified items in the audio system
test described in IEC 60094-2.
1.3.2 calibration tape recorder: Video tape recorder which is used to record the test signals
specified in this part of IEC 61041 for producing the calibration tape.
1.4 Requirements
1.4.1 Magnetic tape to be used
The video tape to be used shall conform to the recording format specifications of the
calibration tape recorder. It is preferable to use a subreference tape.
1.4.2
Video signal to be recorded
The video signal to be recorded shall conform to the standard TV signal specified for record
and playback of the calibration tape recorder.
1.4.3 Audio signal to be recorded
The audio signal to be recorded shall conform to the audio recording format specified for
record and playback of the calibration tape recorder.
1.4.4 Marking on the cassette
The cassette shall be labelled with the following information:
– TV system;
– applicable recording format;
– details of signals;
– date/month/year when the tape was recorded;
– name of the person or the company who made the recording;
– others.
61041-4 © IEC:1997 – 13 –
2 Section 2: Specifications of the signals to be recorded on the calibration tape
2.1 Luminance signal level
This subclause specified the luminance signals to be recorded on the calibration tape with
specified sync-tip frequency, peak white frequency, and frequency deviation, so that they
conform to the recording format.
2.1.1 Block diagram
Figure 1 shows the block diagram for generating the signal on this section of the calibration
tape.
2.1.2 Signal to be recorded
The video signal to be recorded on the calibration tape shall be a colour bar signal of ITU-R
Recommendation 471-1, type (b) or equivalent containing a 100 % (0,714 V and 0,700 V
p-p p-p
for PAL) white signal. The level of the sync signal shall be 40 % (0,286 V ) for NTSC or 43 %
p-p
(0,300 V ) for PAL/SECAM.
p-p
2.1.3 Procedures
a) Input the signal from a TV test signal generator to the calibration tape recorder.
b) Using a carrier checker (or a spectrum analyzer), observe the output from the frequency
modulator of the luminance signal. Then, adjust the sync-tip frequency, the peak white
frequency, and the frequency deviation as specified below.
With respect to the reference frequencies specified for the recording format of the calibration
tape recorder, the sync-tip frequency shall be within ±0,05 MHz, the peak white frequency shall
be within ±0,05 MHz, and the frequency deviation shall be within ±2 %.
NOTE – For precise measurement, use a carrier checker. Use of a spectrum analyzer for this measurement may
result in larger measurement errors.
It is advisable to check that the recording current for the chrominance signal meets the specification for the
respective format, prior to starting measurement.
2.2 Dropout compensation characteristics
This subclause specified the signal to be recorded on the calibration tape for measurement of
the dropout compensation characteristic of the luminance signal. With this method, in
accordance with the method described in 2.8.3 a) of IEC 61041-1, the dropout compensation
characteristic (DCC) can be measured simply by using a TV monitor.
2.2.1 Block diagram
Figures 2 and 3 show the block diagram of the dropout generator and the dropout level
adjustm
...