Duplication techniques
Even in the old days of home video, numerous techniques were used for duplication of videocassettes and replication of videodiscs.
Real-time (1:1)
[edit]This is the standard method of videocassette duplication, having been used from the start. This can be performed either in-cassette or on blank pancakes.
High-volume (2:1)
[edit]Similar to real-time duplication, except the program is recorded in half the time on special machines from Panasonic. Like real-time duplication, it can be done either in-cassette or on blank pancakes. Deluxe Media Services, most notably in North Little Rock and also in Northbrook, used this method.
Specific examples:
- A 165-minute tape in SP could be duplicated in 82 minutes and 30 seconds.
- A 65-minute tape in SP could be duplicated in 32 minutes and 30 seconds.
- A 40-minute tape in SP could be duplicated in 20 minutes.
Sprinter (70:1)
[edit]The Sprinter was a high-speed videocassette duplication system developed by Sony in 1984. The system utilized unprecedented technology to provide consistent high quality volume VHS duplication as a cost effective alternative to conventional real time duplication. Several smaller duplicators, as well as Video Technology Services and High Speed Video, later folded into Rank Video Services America (later known as Deluxe Media Services) and Technicolor Videocassette (later known as Technicolor Home Entertainment Services), respectively, used this method. Rank Video Services America also used Sprinters at its Mexican plants.
Thermal magnetic duplication (165:1)
[edit]Another method of high-speed duplication was thermal magnetic duplication (TMD for short). Lasers transferred the information from a special copy of the master onto a blank pancake, with said blank pancake being fully recorded in just minutes. The printed slave tape would then be loaded into empty cassettes (V-0) by using 1/2" video tape loaders. Loading was done automatically by detecting cue signals recorded at the beginning of the program. Deluxe Media Services and Technicolor Home Entertainment Services, as well as many smaller duplicators (including Premiere Video and Resolution Inc.), often used this method. Since 1995, Hightree Media has produced machines using a similar technology, beginning with the VT-225. The first duplicator to use the Hightree method was Resolution Inc.
Specific examples:
- A 165-minute tape in EP/SLP could be duplicated in 20 seconds.
- A 65-minute tape in EP/SLP could be duplicated in 8 seconds.
- A 40-minute tape in EP/SLP could be duplicated in 5 seconds.