Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a video apparatus for storing video images on a recording medium and replaying the stored images on a display. A camera mechanism converts light images into electrical video signals. A processor circuitry coupled to the camera mechanism includes means for converting the electronic video signals into a low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal with the bandwidth substantially lower than in a standard television video signal. A recording mechanism coupled to the processing means stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on an audio cassette, which has a standard speed allowing storage of an audio bandwidth signal. The recording mechanism includes a drive mechanism for driving the audio cassette at higher than normal speed to increase the bandwidth storage capacity of the audio cassette. A recording head mechanism stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on the audio cassette.

Abstract: A video apparatus for storing video images on a recording medium and replaying the stored images on a display includes a camera which converts light images into electrical video signals. A processor coupled to the camera converts the electronic video signals into a low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal with the bandwidth substantially lower than in a standard television video signal. A recorder coupled to the processor stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on an audio cassette, which has a standard speed allowing storage of an audio bandwidth signal. The recorder includes a drive for driving the cassette at higher than normal speed to increase the bandwidth storage capacity of the cassette. The video apparatus also includes a switch mechanism for switching the video apparatus from a record mode where video images are stored on the cassette to a playback mode where the stored images are read off the cassette and displayed on the video display.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to an optical system for a CCD light sensor based camcorder. A plastic lens mechanism focuses outside light onto the CCD light sensor. An infrared filtering member in the optical path between the outside light and CCD light sensor attenuates the infrared portion of the spectrum from the outside light. A second filtering mechanism in the optical path between the outside light and CCD light sensor attenuates a portion of the spectrum from the outside light having a wavelength shorter than a cutoff wavelength. As a result, only a portion of the outside light in a pass band between the cutoff wavelength and the infrared portion of the spectrum reaches the CCD light sensor.