A television camera divides a picture into a large number of small segments, or pixels. The camera records the intensity and brightness of each pixel, and that information is then translated into binary code, which can be stored on magnetic tape. Such tape consists of a plastic backing covered by a thin gel containing iron oxide particles. The tape recorder has to rearrange the iron particles so that later a scanner can read the arrangement of the iron particles and re-form the binary code, which can be translated back into intensity and brightness of each pixel on a monitor. The recorder has to convert the sound into binary code and onto the magnetic tape as well. The first attempts to use magnetic tape to record video used a system similar to an audio recorder. In order to record video, with its high frequency, onto magnetic tape, the tape had to be moving at about 240 inches per second. This high speed often pushed the recorders beyond their capability.

The first practical video recorder, developed by Charles P. Ginsburg and his Ampex research group, ran the tape at a much slower speed by using rotating heads to arrange the iron oxide particles. The tape was two inches wide, with a narrow track on one side for the audio signal, a narrow track on the other side for a cue signal, and a wide track in the middle for the video signal. The tape was held in place by a vacuum system. An audio recorder put on the audio signal, a cue recorder put on the cue track, and a video recording head put on the video signal in parallel lines across the tape. Each line contained the information for the pixels of one-sixteenth of the picture.

The video recording heads built by Ginsburg's group were the first such heads to be composed of a ferrite core with metal tips. The group redesigned the heads so that they had a sandwich structure. These new heads were easier to manufacture than were previously used heads and could be made to work at lower wavelengths. The heads, which were inside a drum around which the tape wrapped, rotated at a fast speed so that the tape did not have to move so fast. The heads arranged the iron oxide particles with a magnetic field. In front of the heads were degaussing heads to make sure that no leftover iron oxide arrangement remained on the tape. Ginsburg and his group found that reducing the tension on the tape was another change that needed to be made. The result of the group's work was a videotape recording system that allowed users to record on videotape, edit the recorded material, and replay the material on demand.

The videotape recorder completely revolutionized television. Shows no longer had to be broadcast live--they could be taped, edited, and broadcast at convenient times. By using videotape, American television networks could easily address the problem of programming for the different time zones across the United States. Videotape also meant that individual programs could be saved for archiving and rebroadcast. Before videotape recording was possible, many television programs as well as televised concerts, sporting events, and news events were not recorded by any method. Videotape recorders were also quickly put to use recording events in many places where human beings could not safely go, such as caves, volcanos, and outer space.

The bulky video recording system that Ginsburg and his group originally designed was later refined and reduced to produce the home video recorder. With the VCR, individuals could record their favorite shows for later viewing and to keep for repeat viewing. In addition, when film studios began making motion pictures available on videotape for sale or rental, they created a new industry and expanded the filmmaking industry.

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