Videotape Editing Systems Using Microprocessors
K. J. Hamalainen · SMPTE Journal · 1978
Following a short overview of videotape editing history, the modern approach is described — using a controller built around a microprocessor or “computer on a chip” rather than hardwired logic. A good editing controller should be directly interfaced with the individual editing machine; it must “know” all the relevant characteristics of the machine for correct control and at the same time must have easily understandable displays and a simple, functional control panel for easy operation. Two specific microprocessor-controlled editing systems designed to operate with the TR-600 quadruplex VTR are discussed; these are the AE-600, a sophisticated time-code editing system (able to control up to eight TR-600's) using the Intel 8080 microprocessor with 15K bytes of memory, and the SE-1 “simple editing system” using the CDP1802 microprocessor with 2K bytes of memory. The mechanics of editing with time code are discussed briefly.