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From: ron@brl-tgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie )
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Re: Question about Stereo and HI FI VCRs
Message-ID: <7311@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Mon, 14-Jan-85 14:04:59 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.7311
Posted: Mon Jan 14 14:04:59 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 20-Jan-85 01:39:18 EST
References: <9100006@uok.UUCP>
Organization: Ballistic Research Lab
Lines: 22

> I am now thoroughly confused regarding the distinction
> which is painstakingly made by the various VCR manufacturers between
> a "STEREO" unit and a "HI-FI" unit.  I thought the difference was merely

Once again, almost every VCR on the market today is STEREO.  It has two
tracks along the edge that are roughly equivelent fidelity to a crappy
cassette.  HIFI multiplexes a higher fidelity audio track in with the
video and is layed down withh the video head.

> I've come across those who tell me that the two
> audio formats are incompatible, that the stereo movies I have purchased
> will not reproduce stereo in a HI-FI recorder system.

They are incompatible, but that doesn't mean they can't coexist.  I would
venture to say that all HIFI decks are perfectly able to replay the old
stereo signals when the HIFI isn't on the tape.  The Beta HIFI tapes may
also be played on non-hifi machines because they also record the old style
stereo tracks as well.  VHS detracters say VHS HIFI tapes can't be played
on older machines without degredation of the video component.  I don't know
if this is true, or just SONY propaganda.

-Ron