The Composite Digital Format and its Applications
Edwin W. Engberg, Richard S. Brush, Maurice Lemoine, Steve Magnusson, Fraser Morrison, Dave Rodal, D. Ryan, John P. Watney · SMPTE Journal · 1987
Two schools of thought exist regarding component versus composite digital video recording: that one recording method will “win” in the marketplace, or that, in the next decade at least, each format will find a place in different applications. The authors take the latter position in describing the composite format and comparing it to the component D-1 format. Encoding and mechanical parameters, record content, longitudinal tracks, and media are described, followed by a detailed comparison with the D-1 format, highlighting important differences. Emphasis is placed on how the composite format meets the needs of the user who records and distributes video in composite form.