SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999

• 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 60712:1994/A1:1994 - Helical-scan video-tape cassette system using 19 mm (3/4 in) magnetic tape, known as U-format

• Amends: SIST EN 60712:1999 - Helical-scan video-tape cassette system using 19 mm (3/4 in) magnetic tape, known as U-format
• Effective Date: 21-Sep-2010

SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 is the Slovenian adoption of IEC 60712:1993/A1:1993 for the helical-scan video-tape cassette system using 19 mm magnetic tape, known as U-format. It adds technical requirements for the U-matic SP-format, including cassette geometry, recording and playback parameters, audio and chrominance behavior, and the reference tape used by manufacturers and test labs.

What does SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 specify?

SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 specifies added and revised parameters for the U-format standard, with the new material focused on the U-matic SP-format. The text ties the format to 625/50 PAL and 525/60 NTSC colour television systems, so it is relevant where video recorders, players and cassettes must match those television standards.

The amendment updates the introduction and scope, adds new subclauses in Clauses 3, 5, 11, 12, 13 and 16, adds Figures 2b and 2c for SP cassette appearance, and adds informative Annex A for the reference tape.

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	IEC U-matic SP-format reference tape, model RSU-01SP, with its electromagnetic properties and tape length

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999?

Recording medium and cassette geometry

SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 adds SP-format details for the tape and cassette. The SP tape coercivity is given in Clause 11.3, and Clause 5.10 sets the time-code head position at a defined distance from the start of the 180° video-head scan. In practice, these points matter for interchangeability and mechanical alignment: a recorder, player or cassette that is out of position may not track or read addresses correctly.

Clause 3.3 and Annex A cover the SP reference tape used for reference recordings, while Clause 3.4 covers calibration tape use. The calibration tape is based on reduced tolerances from the base standard and may carry conventional test signals or manufacturer-specific alignment signals. That means calibration work can be done with a defined tape, but manufacturers may still use their own special signals for product setup.

Luminance channel

Clause 12 adds SP-format luminance requirements. It specifies the optimum record current over the FM carrier bandwidth, the characteristic frequencies for reference video levels, the recording bandwidth for composite colour signals, the white clipping level after pre-emphasis, and non-linear pre-emphasis characteristics. In practice, these clauses control how brightness information is recorded so that signal levels, bandwidth and clipping stay within the intended playback range.

Audio signal channels

Clause 13 states that all audio tracks are identical and are recorded using a.c. bias. It also requires the two audio tracks to be phased so that a head wide enough to read both tracks produces additive playback when the same signal is recorded on audio 1 and audio 2. This is important for consistent playback level and predictable mono summing.

The amendment also adds noise-reduction requirements, including the encoding characteristics, the pilot signal used for automatic detection, the pilot frequency, phase, level and distortion limit, and filter attenuation. In practice, this gives a manufacturer or test house the reference needed to verify that the noise-reduction system is encoded and detected correctly.

Chrominance channel

Clause 16.7 adds SP-format chrominance requirements. It identifies the modulation system by reference to the parent clauses, gives chrominance bandwidth and reference-frequency links for both television systems, and sets the time delay between luminance and chrominance on tape. It also defines the chrominance recording current target relative to luminance saturation. These points matter because colour timing, bandwidth and level directly affect picture stability and colour reproduction.

What terms does SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 define?

• U-matic SP-format - The SP version of the U-format helical-scan cassette system, with added mechanical and electrical parameters.
• Reference tape - A blank tape used for reference recordings and comparison measurements.
• Calibration tape - A tape carrying defined test signals for checking recorder or player mechanical accuracy and alignment.
• a.c. bias - The alternating-current bias used when recording all audio tracks.
• Noise-reduction pilot signal - A low-frequency signal recorded with audio to help automatic detection of the noise-reduction state in playback.
• Luminance channel - The path that records the brightness-related video signal.
• Chrominance channel - The path that records the colour-related video signal.

Who uses SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999?

SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 is used by manufacturers of video tape recorders, players and videocassettes, especially for the U-matic SP-format. It is also relevant to test laboratories, calibration services, and quality or production engineers who align machines, verify tape performance, and check interchangeability between recorded tapes and playback equipment.

Buyers and technical evaluators can use it to confirm that a product or tape is intended for the U-format SP environment and is compatible with the expected signal and cassette behavior.

What changed in SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 from the previous edition?

SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 is Amendment 1 to IEC 60712:1993. It adds SP-format material throughout the standard, including new scope text, reference and calibration tape provisions, cassette figures, luminance and chrominance parameters, audio noise-reduction details, and a new informative annex for the reference tape.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999?

The amendment is built on the parent IEC 60712 / IEC 712 text and refers back to its existing tables and clauses, including table 2 and clauses 15.2, 16.1, 16.2 and 16.3. Those references provide the underlying definitions and signal-handling rules that the SP-format additions extend.

What does the SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 document contain?

SIST EN 60712:1999/A1:1999 contains revised introductory text, a scope addition for U-matic SP-format, and new subclauses for reference tape, calibration tape, head position, tape coercivity, luminance, audio and chrominance. It also contains block diagrams for luminance processing, noise-reduction pilot-signal recording and chrominance processing.

The document includes tables for SP-format signal characteristics and limits, plus the two cassette-view figures that show the sensing holes and datum features for SP mode. Annex A provides the reference tape model RSU-01SP, its electromagnetic properties, tape length and supplier information.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-1999
Helical-scan video-tape cassette system using 19 mm (3/4 in) magnetic tape,
known as U-format - Amendment A1 (IEC 60712:1993/A1:1993)
Helical-scan video-tape cassette system using 19 mm (3/4 in) magnetic tape, known as
U-format
Video-Bandkassettensystem mit Schrägspuraufzeichnung auf Magnetband 19 mm,
bekannt m-als U-Format
Système à cassette à bande vidéo à balayage hélicoïdal utilisant la bande magnétique
de 19 mm (3/4 in), d'appellation format-U
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60712:1994/A1:1994
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
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
AMENDEMENT 1
AMENDMENT 1
1993-06
Amendement 1
Système à cassette à bande vidéo
à balayage hélicoïdal utilisant
la bande magnétique de 19 mm (34 in),
d'appellation format-U
Amendment 1
Helical-scan video-tape cassette system
using 19 mm (34 in) magnetic tape,
known as U-format
© CEI 1993 Droits
de reproduction réservés — Copyright - all rights reserved
Bureau Central de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale 3, rue de Varembé
Genève, Suisse
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale CODE PRIX w'
International Electrotechnical Commission PRICE CODE 'v
IEC
Memilyaapomiaa 3neHrporexuHgecKan HOMHCCHfi
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
•
For price, see current catalogue

712 Amend. 1 © IEC :1993 - 3 -
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by sub-committee 60B: Video recording, of IEC tech-
nical committee 60: Recording.
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
DIS
Report on Voting
60B(CO)122 60B(CO)132
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
Page 11
INTRODUCTION
Replace the last sentence by the following:
The mechanical and electrical specifications for the U-matic H-format and SP-format are
contained in this standard.
Page 13
1 Scope and object
Add the following at the end of the first paragraph:
It contains the definition of parameters for the two-head helical-scan video recording
playback system, using 19 mm (3/4 in) tape cassettes, known as U-matic SP-format
(figures 2b and 2c). The system is suitable for 625/50 PAL and 525/60 NTSC colour tele-
vision systems.
Page 15
Add the following new subclauses:
3.3 Reference tape (SP-format)
Blank tape to be used for reference recordings may be purchased from the manufacturers
listed in annex A. The electromagnetic compatibility parameters and their specifications
should be specified by the manufacturers and controlled accordingly.
The model name is IEC U-matic SP-format reference tape.

712 Amend. 1 ©IEC:1993 – 5 –
Electromagnetic compatibility parameters and their specifications are indicated in
annex A.
3.4 Calibration tape
The calibration tapes which satisfy the following requirements will be available for pur-
chase from the manufacturers producing video tape recorders and players in accordance
with this format specification.
3.4.1 Record locations and dimensions
For the calibration tapes to be used for the purpose of calibrating the mechanical accuracy
of recorder or player in accordance with this format specification, 50 % reduction in the
tolerance shown in table 2, page 63 of IEC 712, should be applied to them in principle.
If necessary, the record locations and dimensions can be specially modified for some
calibration tapes in order to avoid some calibration errors or to help some calibration work.
Calibration signals
3.4.2
Two classes of signals may be recorded on the calibration tapes:
a) A series of conventional test signals:
Video Audio
– Colour bars (75 %) – 1 kHz 0 VU
– Gated sweep – 10 kHz –10 VU
– Pulse and bar – 40 Hz –20 VU
- 1 kHz –20 VU
- 7 kHz –20 VU
– 10 kHz –20 VU
– 15 kHz –20 VU
b) Special test signals developed by each manufacturer for product alignment. These
signals are not universally applicable too the products from all manufacturers and will
not be specified.
Page 21
Add the following new subclause:
Time-code head position for SP-format
5.10
The distance on the tape from the beginning of the 180° scan of video head to the address
head position shall be 48 mm ± 0,1 mm.
Page 27
Add the following new subclause:

712 Amend. 1 ©lEC:1993 - 7 -
11.3
Coercivity (SP tape)
The coercivity shall be approximately 56 x 10 3 A/m - 64 x
103 A/m (700 to 800 oersteds).
Page 27
12 Luminance channel
Add the following description of SP-format before subclause 12.1:
Luminance channel (SP-format)
1 3
-►7►
E F G
_ 9^
IEC 616193
A Low-pass filter 1 Input signal: composite video signal or
B Non-linear pre-emphasis
composite colour signal
C Pre-emphasis
2 Band-limited FM luminance signal
D FM modulator
3 Luminance recording current
E FM high-pass filter
9 Chrominance recording current
F Recording amplifier
G Video head
Page 27
12.2 Recording current
Subclause 12.2.1
Add the following text before the note:
For SP format the recording current shall be the optimum record current at frequencies
shown in the table below over the entire FM carrier bandwidth.
625/50
525/60
6,1 MHz
5,5 MHz
712 Amend. 1 ©IEC:1993 - 9 -
Page 31
Add the following new subclause:
12.3.2 Characteristic frequencies for SP-format
The instantaneous frequencies corresponding to reference video levels shall be as indi-
cated in the table below.
625/50
525/60
Instantaneous
Instantaneous
Reference video level
Tolerance Tolerance
frequency frequency
Sync tip
5,6 MHz (nom.) — 5 MHz (nom.) —
Peak white
7,2 MHz ±0,1 MHz 6,6 MHz ±0,1 MHz
The frequency deviation shall be 1,6 MHz ± 0,1 MHz.
12.4 Pre-emphasis
Add, before 12.4.1, the following sentence:
This also applies to SP-format 525/60.
Page 33
Subclause 12.4.1
Replace the first sentence by the following:
For H-format and SP-format 625/50 the following values apply:
12.5 Recording frequency bandwidth
Add the following new subclause:
12.5.2 Recording frequency bandwidth (SP-format)
For composite colour signals: 30 Hz - 3,3 MHz (-3 dB).
Page 33
Add the following new subclauses and tables:

712 Amend. 1 ©I EC :1993 –11 –
12.6.2 White clipping level after the pre-emphasis (SP-format)
When the sync tip level is 0 % and the white peak level is 100 %, the white clipping level
of the video signal shall lie as shown in the table below:
625/50 525/60
225%to235% 165%to 175%
12.7 Non-linear pre-emphasis (SP-format)
The luminance signal shall receive non-linear pre-emphasis (see diagram below)
...