1/2" E.I.A.J.-1 Format Information:
Videotape Format: 1/2" E.I.A.J.-1
In use: 1969 - 1980s.
Recording mode: Analog video, rotary 2 head, single track helical scanning.
Tape speed: 7.5 inches per second.
Tape width: 1/2" open reel to reel.
Features: Compatible reel-to-reel video format manafactured by several companies (ie. Sony, Panasonic, Concord etc.) Enabled the widespread growth of non-broadcast video and the fluid exchange of tapes.
Existing machine longevity: Near extinct.
Videotape longevity: Low.
Prior usage: Home, business, cable TV and educational installations.
Notes on the 1/2" E.I.A.J.-1... In 1969, the E.I.A.J. (Electronic Industries Association of Japan) brought several different manufactures together to agree upon a single, compatible videotape format. Up until this point, many different recording schemes existed that could only be played back on either the same machine that made the original recording to begin with, or on another machine of the same manufacturer. In other words, a Sony recording could not be played on a Panasonic deck. Thus, this agreement allowed several manufacturers to build videotape recorders to a single specification. These videotape recorders used both fields of the TV frame for better resolution, a vast improvement over the Sony CV skip field system. And so began the wide scale capability of videotape exchange amongst non-broadcast users, such as individuals, schools, and businesses. Initially, only black and white machines were made, but later, color capable machines were marketed. There was a cartridge machine developed and sold also based on this same format, the predecessor to the modern age ¾" and VHS cassette decks.
2008 DC Video Inc. DC Video specializes in re-mastering archival, rare and obsolete videotape formats to modern media formats. DC Video also provides services such as: video noise reduction, video enhancement, videotape cleaning, image improvement, videotape reformatting, videotape digitizing, archival videotape assessment, video editing, and videotape duplication.