Licenses to Videotape Films
J. Keith Miller · Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) · 1978
THE LAST SIX YEARS have marked a trend to convert 16mm films to video programs.The movement got its start with the introduction of efficient and moderately priced videotape recorders in the mid-1960s.The abundance of federal funds enabled many school districts to purchase videotape recorders and film chains.(A film chain transmits the visual and sound images from a film to a video system.The images can be transmitted through a distribution network or they may be recorded on tape.)Although video equipment is more expensive than motion picture projectors, it is superior to projectors in terms of flexibility and ease of operation.Programs can be duplicated easily to meet peak demands.Video cassette machines are also easier to operate than projectors, making the materials more accessible to children and to adults who are intimidated by projectors.Prerecorded videotapes are also much cheaper than 16mm films (Time-Life Multimedia recently reduced the price of video cassettes to one-half the price of 16mm films.Other firms can be expected to follow this trend.)Videotapes are much easier to maintain than films and they have a longer useful life.With all of these advantages, it is not surprising that libraries are buying video equipment and seeking licenses to duplicate films onto tape.Donald C. Hess was the pioneer promoter of purchasing licenses to duplicate films onto tape. 1 In August 1972, he began seeking information about licenses to copy films.Only 23 of the 127 firms he contacted responded to his request for information.2 Although many of the firms offered licenses for transmitting films over openand closed-circuit educa-