Abstract: A computer is provided for use with a video tape editing system. The video tape editing system is of the type which performs tape-to-tape editing by transferring selected video information from a first video tape recorder, designated the "playback" video tape recorder, to a second video tape recorder, designated the "record" video tape recorder; or directly from a video camera to a record video tape recorder. The computer of the invention, when used in conjunction with such a video tape editing system, provides precise end insert timing so that both in-and-out editing can be automatically performed. Precision accuracy in the system is maintained without the use of a time code, this being achieved by means of a unique closed loop circuit which counts control track pulses derived from the conventional video cassette tapes which are normally used in present-day video tape recorders. The computer of the invention enables in-and-out edit points to be previewed as many times as desired by the operator.

Abstract: An editing control system is provided for on-line or off-line editing of a cassette or open-reel helical scan type video tape recorder, or the like. Tape-to-tape editing may be carried out by transferring selected video information from a "playback" video tape recorder to a "record" video tape recorder, whereas camera-to-tape editing may be carried out by transferring selected video information directly from a video camera to the record video tape recorder. The system to be described includes a solid state electronic control for the playback and record video tape recorders, with manually operated joysticks which permit forward and reverse motion of the tapes in the recorders for the precise selection of the edit frames. A feature of the system is that the video information passes directly to the record video tape recorder, and not through the control system itself, so that there is no need to provide complex wideband signal channels through the control system.