W-VHS

W-VHS (Wide-VHS) is a HDTV analog recording videocassette format created by JVC. The format was originally introduced in 1994 for use with Japan's Hi-Vision, an early analog high-definition television system. In Japan, the letter "W" is often used as shorthand for the English word "double".

Media typeMagnetic Tape
Encoding1035i or 480i
Developed byJVC
UsageHome movies, Home video, Video production

The recording medium of W-VHS is a ½-inch double-coated metal particle tape stored in a cartridge the same size as VHS. The tape can be used to store 1035i (HD) or 480i (SD) and a double channel of 480i (for storing 3D programs[1]) (SD2) analog signals (but not 480p, 720p or 1080i). The video signal is recorded using a method called "time compression integration" which "records separated component video, luminance and color signals are offset by time in alternating parts of the video track".[2] Because video signals are recorded in component form instead of the color under method used by S-VHS, standard definition image quality for W-VHS is typically much higher, due to the lack of noise caused by a chroma sub-carrier. Audio is stored in the VHS Hi-Fi or S-VHS Digital Audio formats.

W-VHS VCRs can record a standard or high definition video signal via an analog Y/Pb/Pr component interface. Very few devices with this capability exist, possibly due to content copyright restrictions. W-VHS has also been used for medical imaging, professional previewing, and broadcasting.

Due to its high cost, W-VHS equipment and media was distributed in the United States through JVC's professional video and broadcast equipment division and was primarily marketed for industrial and commercial applications such as medical imaging.[3]

Currently, it is very difficult to find either W-VHS VCRs or tapes. Because of this scarcity, users have turned to the similar Digital-S (D-9) tape which uses the same kind of metal particle coating. While D-9 tapes are still not that easy to find, they are more available than W-VHS tapes in certain regions. JVC Professional even recommends the use of them for W-VHS. The running time between W-VHS and Digital-S is not the same; a Digital-S tape with a length of 64 min is approximately 105 min when used with W-VHS.

See also

References
  1. What is a 3D theater
  2. Quote from JVC SR-W5U pdf brochure.
  3. "JVC Helps Deliver First High Definition TV Programs into the Home". JVC Professional Products. 8 November 1995. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
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