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AMPEX
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hough the Emmy Award
winning VPR-3 is a
marvel of technical
achievement, the most significant
achievement of the VPR-3 is what it
can accomplish for you, especially in
the areas of editing, animation and
program compression.
TURBO (Rea1-time) Animation
The VPR-3's speed and accuracy
allows it to do animation in a playspeed, real-time relationship. Unlike
stationary mode recording, the
VPR-3 does not require the complex
(and often picture-degrading) preprocessing of the video signal to
rearrange the video frequencies
before recording. The VPR-3's playspeed recording is purely a video
edit. With an 18 frame pre-roll, 3
frame post -roll and a re-cue, the
VPR-3 can accomplish a 6 frame
animation sequence in only 1.6 seconds (required for 1 cell) plus only a
tenth of a second longer to complete
the remaining 5 frames!
For The First Time, True AutoAssembly With Field Accuracy.
The combination of a 20 millisecond lock-up time, 500 inches/sec2
acceleration, and speed transitions
comparable to disk devices allows a
30 second spot to be recued-to-play
in less than two seconds.
The VPR-3 brings to editing the
super-fast speeds required for uninterrupted recording of source material. You can perform single-field
edits from the front panel or from
the serial port. (The VPR-3 is the
only VTR capable of searching to a
field). Edits will be dead-accurate
because a built -in SdH circuit gives
the VTR immediate comparison
between the input and the off-tape
signal phasing, therebyensuring
perfect frame edits. The time consuming process of test edits, adjust -
ments, and re-edits becomes a thing
of the past.
When there is a mismatch between input and off-tape signals, the
VPR-3's SdH phasing control allows
the operator to apply an offset for
correction. (And to make editing
even easier, an indicator just above
the Sc/H meter shows the operator
that a wrong frame edit is being
attempted).
The VPR-3's machine-to-machine editing capability from a single
machine control panel eliminates the
requirement for an expensive exter nal edit controller in many facilities.
The combination of the full-time
synchronized transport and the
SMPTE communication bus is the
basis for this exclusive feature. Even
the most complex split edits can be
previewed, trimmed, shifted, performed and then reviewed using only
the simple, single-function controls
on the record VPR-3.
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Key Features Of ZEUS
Processing
D No compromise 4Fsc, 9-bit
digital system
D Drift and adjustment-free
velocity compensation
dramatically improves compensation
accuracy and multi-generation video
performance
D Exclusive frame averaging velocity
compensator function reduces head
impact error visibility
D Superior spatial-averaging dropout
compensation
D Exclusive Multi-Gen Setup mode
greatly improves multi-generation
video performance
D Unique Decode mode allows replay
of non-color framed edits with no
picture shift
D Video time compression and ex-
pansion with no picture bounce or blur
D Full frame storage on command
D Comprehensive interface with
VPR-3 menu control system
D Available full-function serial re-
mote control panel
sequence that quickly duplicates 10
tape generations. This 10-generation
sequence 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 tape
generations routinely used, and the
quality of the finished video product.
Multi-Gen Setup
The VPR-3/ZEUS Multi-Gen
Setup mode helps eliminate operational setup errors-a major contributor to multi-generation performance degradation.
Multi-Gen Setup is accomplished through a series of playrecord-play-record recirculations
through the VPR-3 and Zeus processor. From pre-recorded lst generation reference material (i.e., color
bars) the VPR-3/Zeus system generates and displays, in real-time, a
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Tape
position accuracy in TV lines ,
instead of fields. Tape tension
differences reduced from the
typical 300-400%, to 4-5%:
Easy to say, difficult to do-so
difficult that the VPR-3 stands
alone in the industry at this
performance level.
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Vacuum Capstan With High
Resolution Tachometer
The precision-ground vacuum
capstan is directly coupled to a low
inertia, high torque DC motor
assembly. This system allows the
tape to be controlled from zero to
:!: SOx play speed in a single function without tape stretch or
damage. The optimum tape cou-
pling obtained with vacuum allows
the use of a high resolution integral
tach instead of a separate, and less
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accurate, tape timer assembly.
This ultra-high resolution
tachometer is accurate to within 12
television lines, providing parking
accuracy superior to all other Cformat VTRs. Continuous capstan
control of tape motion also permits
the use of a coupling servo to ad-
just capstan acceleration to take
advantage of the VPR-3's high
torque reel motors.
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I. Vacuum Capstan
2. Flutter Idler
.Air Guides
.Roller Guides
.Fixed Roller Guides
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Low Friction Tape Path And Active
Guide System
A configuration of gas-film
guides at critical locations, plus
precision rotary guides, reduces the
effects of friction permitting very
rapid changes in tape direction,
regardless of temperature and humidity conditions, or tape formulations. This low friction, active tape
guiding system provides constant
tension and allows almost limitless
high speed shuttling. It also dramatically reduces head and scanner wear,
and allows reel sizes from spot to 3
hours to be used while maintaining
gentle and precise tape handling.
Servoed, Fail-Safe
Dynamic Braking
The VPR-3's advanced design
completely eliminates the marginally
effective mechanical brakes often
used in VTR transport design. In the
event of power failure, even at full
shuttle speeds, the VPR-3's servo
system brings the tape to a smoothly
controlled stop, eliminating the
possibility of tape damage.
Field Rate Color-Framer
An integral part of the video
signal system is a field rate colorframer which determines the precise
parking position when the tape
transport is stopped. This colorframer is designed to separate one
field out of four in the NTSC system
or one field out of eight in the PAL
system. This permits the machine,
even with its "instant" start capability to operate in a fully synchronous
mode at all times.
Microprocessor-Based Control
The VPR-3 control system is
based on dual Z80 microprocessors.
One of these processors is responsible for system control and the
second controls the various input/
ouput functions. The dual RS-422A
serial communications ports allow
control interface of the VPR-3 to a
variety of serial machine controllers,
including the Ampex ACE series
editors and the VRC-2.
A Unique, Field-Accurate
Automatic Scan Tracking (AST TM )
System
Taking a precision reference
from the direct -coupled capstan
tachometer, the VPR-3's AST system
knows exact tape position under all
conditions and applies the necessary
correction factors to produce a
stable, disturbance-free picture. In
the time compression and expansion
modes, this system allows speed
variations as small as one second per
hour (up to:!: 15%) to be entered.
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less of the application, an extremely
powerful control system with
equally powerful software is necessary to make it easy to use. The
control system described on these
pages accomplishes just that.
Menu-Based Operational System
The VPR-3's menu-based control system eliminates the tens of
dedicated keys that would normally
be required to accomplish VTR
set -ups, editing function, cueing,
animation, etc. This soft key approach maintains the VPR-3's incom-
parable operational flexibility; while
providing aneasy-to-learn, fast-to-
use control panel that is optimized to
your specialized needs.
With the user set up menu, you
can store all the functions required
for any one operation, and then
recall them with a single keystroke.
A complete operational environment
can be created in this way; minimizing the time consumed in major VTR
application changes.
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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 provides
a summar}; one page, English language video character display of all
critical VTR operational status pa-
rameters. A second page displays all
major ZEUS operational parameters.
Either page may be easily selected
for display on the VTR video monitor.
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he VPR-3 is as sophisticated as it is versatile
and powerful. High
perfonnance editing, superb
animation and smooth program
compression/expansion are supported by the hundreds of circuits,
components and assemblies that
are required to do the job-with
no compromise. So along with
this high perfonnance and versatility, Ampex gives you the tools
you need for quick, easy
servicing.
The home menu (and the video
monitor) displays fault conditions as
well as non-standard conditions,
allowing the operator to quickly
identify abnormal operational
conditions.
Power-up diagnostics check
computer buses, power supplies and
microprocessors to confirm operational status. Then, continuous
diagnostics take over to check tape
path conditions and all operational
environments. The operator is informed if faults are found, and then
board and chip level diagnostics are
used to isolate the fault.
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Easy Accessibility
Straightforward access to circuit boards is obtained while maintaining full control panel operation.
Most of the VPR-3's circuit boards
are located behind a swing-down
control panel that quickly moves out
of the way for extender board
mounting of circuit boards.
Circuit boards plug-in to two
mother boards, permitting "instant"
board replacement when the diag-
nostics so indicate. All major servo
drive and power supply components
inside the VPR-3 are located on
plug-in assemblies for quick replacement or repair. The servo and power
supply card bay can be hinged down
for easy access to the rear of the
tape transport and the internal air/
vacuum system.
Optional Accessories
A number of accessories and
options are available from Ampex to
expand the operational capabilities
of the VPR-3. These may be pur chased with the machine, or added
later as operational needs change.
They include:
D Sync Channel
An option to permit all vertical sync
information to be recorded according
to the SMPTE/EBU Type C formats.
D Four Channel Audio
This EBU option provides a fourth
high quality audio channel in the
track space normally allotted to the
sync channel.
D Mounting Configurations
The VPR-3 is available in a variety of
physical configurations to suit individual facility requirements.
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Moire
AUDIO (Channels 1, 2, & 3)
Frequency Response (400 Hz Ref) :I: 1 dB 200 Hz to 12 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% maximum
With 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<Hz
referenced to +8 dBm or 1QQ nWblm
SIGNAL INPUTS -
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Video Input (75 ohm) BNC 05 to 2 volts peak-to-peak
Ref Video (75 ohm) BNC
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
Impedance-Headphone Audio Monitor
Audio Meter Circuits Switchable
VU or PPM
GENER~L-
Record Time 190 minutes nominal; 9200 feet of tape on 14"
100 nWblm reference 18\'81 :I: 2dB 50 Hz to 18 KHz
Comp sync 0.7 to 4 volts
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Comp VIdeo ~~~ Q5-t!>l:!!Q[~
Shuttle Time less than 72 seconds for 60 minute tape, 3.6
-40 dB color bars 75% amplitude
ass MHz subcarrier
-maximum
-24 to +24 dBm. +8 dBm no!)1j!)&
1.0 Volt peak-to-peak
+8 dBm nominal; balanced
+24 dBm maximum (Note 3)
less than 20 ohms
0 dBm to drive 600 ohms
reel-- -minutes for a 3 hour tape
-36 dB color bars 75% amplitude
443 MHz subcarrier
.07% DIN we
Ta :t 0.1 Field with continuous control track
Tape pe 244 :t 0.5 mmlsec
VideoWritinaSpeed ~ 1~in!~~~
FM Carrier Frequencies
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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
9.606 :t O.~!~ec-
7.9 MHz blanking 7.68 MHz blanking
10.0 MHz peak white 8.9 MHz peak whita
15 microseconds
3180 microseconds c 15 mk:roseconds
-lDCk-up time from Scanner 011 3 seconds
Ampex reserves the right to make product and
specification changes at any time without notice.
239.8 :t 0.5 mm/sec
9.44 :t 0.02 in/sec
842 in/sec nominal
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PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Depth
;ght 270 Ib 275 Ib. 650 Ib.
TEM~uRE & HU~ --
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Humidity 10%-90% AH (non-condensing)
122.47118 124.74118. 284.84118
p6WERINPUT
Power Line Frequency 50 & 60 Hz single phase
Input voltages 95/105/115/125/135 Volts AC :t 5%
Input Current (Table Top) 115 vac Nominal 3.5 Amps .
(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 surge
Note 5 Removable Control Panel reduces depth to 27. t Additional 6 Amp 1 sec shuttle start surge
190/210/2301250/270 Volts AC :t 5%
230 vac Nominal 18 Amps t
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