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AMPEX

hough the Emmy Awardwinning VPR-3 is amarvel of technical

achievement, the most significantachievement of the VPR-3 is what itcan accomplish for you, especially inthe areas of editing, animation and

program compression.

TURBO (Rea1-time) AnimationThe VPR-3's speed and accuracy

allows it to do animation in a play-speed, real-time relationship. Unlikestationary mode recording, theVPR-3 does not require the complex(and often picture-degrading) pre-processing of the video signal torearrange the video frequenciesbefore recording. The VPR-3's play-speed recording is purely a videoedit. With an 18 frame pre-roll, 3frame post -roll and a re-cue, theVPR-3 can accomplish a 6 frameanimation sequence in only 1.6 sec-onds (required for 1 cell) plus only atenth of a second longer to completethe remaining 5 frames!

For The First Time, True Auto-Assembly With Field Accuracy.

The combination of a 20 milli-second lock-up time, 500 inches/sec2acceleration, and speed transitionscomparable to disk devices allows a30 second spot to be recued-to-playin less than two seconds.

The VPR-3 brings to editing thesuper-fast speeds required for unin-terrupted recording of source mate-rial. You can perform single-fieldedits from the front panel or fromthe serial port. (The VPR-3 is theonly VTR capable of searching to afield). Edits will be dead-accuratebecause a built -in SdH circuit givesthe VTR immediate comparisonbetween the input and the off-tape

signal phasing, therebyensuringperfect frame edits. The time con-suming process of test edits, adjust -

ments, and re-edits becomes a thingof the past.

When there is a mismatch be-tween input and off-tape signals, theVPR-3's SdH phasing control allowsthe operator to apply an offset forcorrection. (And to make editingeven easier, an indicator just abovethe Sc/H meter shows the operatorthat a wrong frame edit is being

attempted).The VPR-3's machine-to-ma-

chine editing capability from a singlemachine control panel eliminates therequirement for an expensive exter -

nal edit controller in many facilities.The combination of the full-timesynchronized transport and theSMPTE communication bus is thebasis for this exclusive feature. Eventhe most complex split edits can be

previewed, trimmed, shifted, per-formed and then reviewed using onlythe simple, single-function controlson the record VPR-3.

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sequence that quickly duplicates 10tape generations. This 10-generationsequence is continuously repeated,so that errors are clearly displayed,and can be quickly corrected by

proper system adjustment.Multi-Gen Setup supports an

increase in both the number of tapegenerations routinely used, and thequality of the finished video product.

Key Features Of ZEUS

Processing

D No compromise 4Fsc, 9-bit

digital system

D Drift and adjustment-free

velocity compensationdramatically improves compensationaccuracy and multi-generation video

performance

D Exclusive frame averaging velocitycompensator function reduces headimpact error visibility

D Superior spatial-averaging dropout

compensation

D Exclusive Multi-Gen Setup mode

greatly improves multi-generationvideo performance

D Unique Decode mode allows replayof non-color framed edits with nopicture shift

D Video time compression and ex-pansion with no picture bounce or blur

D Full frame storage on command

D Comprehensive interface withVPR-3 menu control system

D Available full-function serial re-mote control panel

Multi-Gen SetupThe VPR-3/ZEUS Multi-Gen

Setup mode helps eliminate opera-tional setup errors-a major contrib-utor to multi-generation perfor-mance degradation.

Multi-Gen Setup is accom-plished through a series of play-record-play-record recirculationsthrough the VPR-3 and Zeus proc-essor. From pre-recorded lst genera-tion reference material (i.e., colorbars) the VPR-3/Zeus system gener-ates and displays, in real-time, a

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Vacuum Capstan With HighResolution Tachometer

The precision-ground vacuumcapstan is directly coupled to a lowinertia, high torque DC motorassembly. This system allows thetape to be controlled from zero to:!: SOx play speed in a single func-tion without tape stretch ordamage. The optimum tape cou-pling obtained with vacuum allowsthe use of a high resolution integraltach instead of a separate, and less

Tapeposition accuracy in TV lines ,instead of fields. Tape tensiondifferences reduced from thetypical 300-400%, to 4-5%:Easy to say, difficult to do-sodifficult that the VPR-3 standsalone in the industry at thisperformance level.

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accurate, tape timer assembly.This ultra-high resolution

tachometer is accurate to within 12television lines, providing parkingaccuracy superior to all other C-format VTRs. Continuous capstancontrol of tape motion also permitsthe use of a coupling servo to ad-just capstan acceleration to takeadvantage of the VPR-3's hightorque reel motors.

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I. Vacuum Capstan2. Flutter Idler

.Air Guides

.Roller Guides

.Fixed Roller Guides

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Field Rate Color-FramerAn integral part of the video

signal system is a field rate color-framer which determines the preciseparking position when the tapetransport is stopped. This color-framer is designed to separate onefield out of four in the NTSC systemor one field out of eight in the PALsystem. This permits the machine,even with its "instant" start capabil-ity to operate in a fully synchronousmode at all times.

Low Friction Tape Path And ActiveGuide System

A configuration of gas-filmguides at critical locations, plusprecision rotary guides, reduces theeffects of friction permitting veryrapid changes in tape direction,regardless of temperature and hu-midity conditions, or tape formula-tions. This low friction, active tapeguiding system provides constanttension and allows almost limitlesshigh speed shuttling. It also dramati-cally reduces head and scanner wear,and allows reel sizes from spot to 3hours to be used while maintaininggentle and precise tape handling. Microprocessor-Based Control

The VPR-3 control system isbased on dual Z80 microprocessors.One of these processors is respon-sible for system control and thesecond controls the various input/ouput functions. The dual RS-422Aserial communications ports allowcontrol interface of the VPR-3 to avariety of serial machine controllers,including the Ampex ACE serieseditors and the VRC-2.

used in VTR transport design. In theevent of power failure, even at fullshuttle speeds, the VPR-3's servosystem brings the tape to a smoothlycontrolled stop, eliminating thepossibility of tape damage.

Servoed, Fail-Safe

Dynamic BrakingThe VPR-3's advanced design

completely eliminates the marginallyeffective mechanical brakes often

A Unique, Field-AccurateAutomatic Scan Tracking (AST TM )

SystemTaking a precision reference

from the direct -coupled capstantachometer, the VPR-3's AST systemknows exact tape position under allconditions and applies the necessarycorrection factors to produce astable, disturbance-free picture. Inthe time compression and expansionmodes, this system allows speedvariations as small as one second perhour (up to:!: 15%) to be entered.

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Menu-Based Operational SystemThe VPR-3's menu-based con-

trol system eliminates the tens ofdedicated keys that would normallybe required to accomplish VTRset -ups, editing function, cueing,animation, etc. This soft key ap-proach maintains the VPR-3's incom-parable operational flexibility; whileproviding aneasy-to-learn, fast-to-use control panel that is optimized toyour specialized needs.

With the user set up menu, youcan store all the functions requiredfor any one operation, and thenrecall them with a single keystroke.A complete operational environmentcan be created in this way; minimiz-ing the time consumed in major VTR

application changes.

less of the application, an extremelypowerful control system withequally powerful software is neces-sary to make it easy to use. Thecontrol system described on thesepages accomplishes just that.

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Status-At-A-Glance TM Displays

As a further enhancement of

the VPR-3's operational interface, its

Status-At-A-Glance system providesa summar}; one page, English lan-

guage video character display of all

critical VTR operational status pa-

rameters. A second page displays allmajor ZEUS operational parameters.Either page may be easily selectedfor display on the VTR video monitor.

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he VPR-3 is as sophis-ticated as it is versatileand powerful. High

perfonnance editing, superbanimation and smooth programcompression/expansion are sup-ported by the hundreds of circuits,components and assemblies thatare required to do the job-withno compromise. So along withthis high perfonnance and versa-tility, Ampex gives you the toolsyou need for quick, easyservicing.

The home menu (and the videomonitor) displays fault conditions aswell as non-standard conditions,allowing the operator to quicklyidentify abnormal operationalconditions.

Power-up diagnostics checkcomputer buses, power supplies andmicroprocessors to confirm opera-tional status. Then, continuousdiagnostics take over to check tapepath conditions and all operationalenvironments. The operator is in-formed if faults are found, and thenboard and chip level diagnostics areused to isolate the fault.

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Optional AccessoriesA number of accessories and

options are available from Ampex toexpand the operational capabilitiesof the VPR-3. These may be pur -

chased with the machine, or addedlater as operational needs change.They include:

D Sync ChannelAn option to permit all vertical syncinformation to be recorded accordingto the SMPTE/EBU Type C formats.

D Four Channel AudioThis EBU option provides a fourthhigh quality audio channel in thetrack space normally allotted to thesync channel.

D Mounting ConfigurationsThe VPR-3 is available in a variety ofphysical configurations to suit indi-vidual facility requirements.

nostics so indicate. All major servodrive and power supply componentsinside the VPR-3 are located onplug-in assemblies for quick replace-ment or repair. The servo and powersupply card bay can be hinged downfor easy access to the rear of thetape transport and the internal air/vacuum system.

Easy AccessibilityStraightforward access to cir-

cuit boards is obtained while main-taining full control panel operation.Most of the VPR-3's circuit boardsare located behind a swing-downcontrol panel that quickly moves outof the way for extender boardmounting of circuit boards.

Circuit boards plug-in to twomother boards, permitting "instant"board replacement when the diag-

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-36 dB color bars 75% amplitude443 MHz subcarrier

-40 dB color bars 75% amplitudeass MHz subcarrier

Moire

.07% DIN we

-maximum

-24 to +24 dBm. +8 dBm no!)1j!)&

AUDIO (Channels 1, 2, & 3)

Frequency Response (400 Hz Ref) :I: 1 dB 200 Hz to 12 KHz100 nWblm reference 18\'81 :I: 2dB 50 Hz to 18 KHz

SIN (with respect to 8 dB above ' --56 dB Audio 1 and 2 -56 dB Audio 1 and 2

reference level) 20 Hz to 20 KHz -54 DB Audio 3 Note 1 -54 dB Audio 3 Note 1 + Audio 4

Distonion (measured at 1 KHz) (3HD)@ 100 nWblm reference level ( +8 dBm) 1% maximum@ 251 nWblm peak level ( + 16 dBm) 3% maximumWith predistonion at 200 nWblm (+14 dBm) 1% maximum

Depth of erasure on its own recording -70 dB

Wow & Flutter ~

Playback Crosstalk (Audio 1 & 2) 1 l<Hzreferenced to +8 dBm or 1QQ nWblmSIGNAL INPUTS ---

Video Input (75 ohm) BNC 05 to 2 volts peak-to-peak

Ref Video (75 ohm) BNCComp sync 0.7 to 4 volts

.~Comp VIdeo ~~~ Q5-t!>l:!!Q[~

Audio line inputs

Impedance. Translormerless. ltue Differential balanced; 65 K ohm resistive

SIGNAL OUTE'!JIS

Video Output (75 ohm) BNC

Audio Line Outputs, Translormerless, True Differential

1.0 Volt peak-to-peak

+8 dBm nominal; balanced+24 dBm maximum (Note 3)

less than 20 ohmsImpedance--

Headphone Audio Monitor

Audio Meter Circuits Switchable

VU or PPM

GENER~L-

0 dBm to drive 600 ohms

239.8 :t 0.5 mm/sec9.44 :t 0.02 in/sec

842 in/sec nominal

7.9 MHz blanking 7.68 MHz blanking10.0 MHz peak white 8.9 MHz peak whita

15 microseconds3180 microseconds c 15 mk:roseconds

lDCk-up time from Scanner 011 3 seconds

Ampex reserves the right to make product andspecification changes at any time without notice.

Record Time 190 minutes nominal; 9200 feet of tape on 14"

reel-- --Shuttle Time less than 72 seconds for 60 minute tape, 3.6

minutes for a 3 hour tape

Ta :t 0.1 Field with continuous control track

Tape pe 244 :t 0.5 mmlsec9.606 :t O.~!~ec-

VideoWritinaSpeed ~ 1~in!~~~

FM Carrier Frequencies~

Audio Equalization--

lDCk-up time from Ready Mode 20 milliseconds

Note l' Audio 3 channel has wide-band capability for Time Code (SIN WB-30 dB)Note 2. All specifications ar!, based on Ampex 196 Tape or equivalent.Note 3. Can be readjusted downward by 12 dBm

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

Depth

;ght 270 Ib 275 Ib. 650 Ib.

122.47118 124.74118. 284.84118TEM~uRE & HU~ --

~~~-Humidity 10%-90% AH (non-condensing)

p6WERINPUT

Power Line Frequency 50 & 60 Hz single phase

Input voltages 95/105/115/125/135 Volts AC :t 5%190/210/2301250/270 Volts AC :t 5%

Input Current (Table Top) 115 vac Nominal 3.5 Amps .

230 vac Nominal 18 Amps t(lDWboy console TBC and 115 vac Nominal 14 Amps .

~~olo.r~it~r~~~~)~""~~.~-""- -2~ya!3~Note 4. +2" Front Mounting Trim & Control Panel. AdditK>na112 Amp. 1 sec shuttle start surgeNote 5 Removable Control Panel reduces depth to 27. t Additional 6 Amp 1 sec shuttle start surge