ABSTRACT
The shortcomings of composite video were put up with for as long as the single circuit remained the only option. It was known from the beginning that three circuits, either RGB or YUV, were the best method of sending colour video. Recording was the first to make the move. Magnetic tape has always been a serious bottle neck as regards the quest for quality, although this is in no way to deny the achievements of early tape or those who pursued its development. Composite recorders were huge machines. To size-down to more manageable proportions suitable for location shooting demanded a total reappraisal. There emerged the cassette based, time-multiplexed component recording systems based on component (luminance plus blue and red colour difference) signals. At a stroke, composite video was removed from the camera/recorder system (though it remained for monitoring). Sony Betacam SP was a leader in this field, soon to become world leader, such was its success.
