Recording Video in LP Mode and EP Mode
versus SP
Mode
Camcorders usually come with at least two
recording modes that define the speed that video
is recorded onto the tape. SP (Standard Play) and LP (Long
Play). The advantage of LP mode is that a
single tape can hold more minutes worth of
recording. It may be tempting to stretch your dollar and maximize the
total recording space on a
videotape by recording in Long Play format or Extended
Play formats. Resist the
temptation! There is not much more you could do
to risk the quality of your family home videos.
What LP mode does is use less tape when
recording video. For example in 10 seconds
of recording in SP mode you may use up 7 1/2
inches of tape whereas the same 10 seconds of recording
in LP mode would only use up 5
inches of tape. LP modes also vary between
different camcorder manufacturers and models.
An LP tape recorded on your camcorder may not
play back in another camcorder. Some tapes like
VHS can also be recorded in EP mode, extended
play which allows for even more time to be
recorded to a single tape.
Sample VHS recording time for SP,
LP, and EP
SP = Standard Play, the tape can record up to 2 hours
LP = Long Play, the tape can record up
to 4 hours
EP = Extended Play, the tape can
record up to 6 hous
Maintain the quality of your video memories
by recording in the SP format.
In newer digital tape formats, SP and LP
modes offer a similar video quality,
but there is a higher
risk of video dropouts and
audio dropouts in LP mode. Recording your
tapes in SP mode gives you a higher level of security
since more of the tape has to be damaged to make
your image irretrievable or unaesthetic.
Only use LP mode when the quality is not
important and you need to get more time out of
your tape.
Because of the risk of video digitization during
playback, stashSpace does not accept digital
videotapes recorded in LP mode.
Please make sure that the tapes you send us are
recorded in SP mode.
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