Abstract: A method for playing a plurality of segments, selected from a plurality of reference segments recorded on each of a plurality of video tape recorders in a known recorded sequence, provides for a continuous replay without the need for creating a master tape. The playback sequence, defined for example by an edit decision list, defines an order different than the order in which the reference segments have been recorded and typically represents all or part of a program. The method provides for playing successive segments with different tape recorders so that the various tape recorders have sufficient time to reach their next assigned segment. The method further provides for continuous replay of the program until interrupted by an external command.

Abstract: A video composition method and apparatus select segments from image source material stored on a plurality of storage media and denote serially connected sequences of the segments to thereby form a program sequence. The equipment inputs source material, records the source material on the storage media, and further segments the source material as it is being input. An analog-to-digital converter digitizes frames of the source material, as the source material is being input, and each segment has associated therewith at least one digitized frame. The apparatus further has a plurality of pictorial display monitors arranged in an ordered array for providing a visual presentation of video labels selected from the digitized frames, the video labels, in sequence, representing a sequence of the video segments.