TELSAT® COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A note regarding Conversion from PAL to NTSC (USA/Japan)

NTSC Video tapes play at a equivalent tape speed of approx 1.5 times that of a PAL (NZ, Aust & UK) tape. This means that when converting a PAL tape to NTSC an E180 (3hr) PAL tape will require 180 x 1.5 = 270min, this can be achieved by using 1 x E180 and the balance on a E90 OR a E240 (4hr) and a E30 video tape. The other option is to record the NTSC tape in Long Play mode (LP) i.e. a E120 tape will last for 240mins - not all NTSC VCR's playback in LP - so if you wish to take this option ensure that the machine that will replay the LP NTSC has PL playback facilities.

If in doubt or have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Dear Customer

Thank you very much for entrusting Telsat Communications with your Video Tape Standards Conversion and/or duplication requirements. We hope you have been happy with our service and we look forward to being of service to you again in the very near future.

The following was prepared by ETSA, the Electronic and Television Services Association, this info sheet outlines the importance of video maintenance and looks at the factors that cause expensive head wear. Please when getting your VCR or TV repaired ensure that you take it to a Company displaying the ESTA logo.

THE VIDEO TAPE

Buy only reputable brand name tapes to ensure damage will not occur to the video as a result of using poorly manufactured video tapes. Cheaper tapes may be made from less reliable compounds will shed the oxide layer inside the machine and reduce video head life. A wise practice with new tapes is to run them in the 'fast forward' and then 'rewind' mode once before use. This adjusts the tension in a cassette.

Store all tapes in their sleeve, making sure that the tape edge is away from the opening. This prevents dusts getting into the video cassette. Store tapes vertically and fully rewound, as this will reduce the chance of the tape sticking to the wall of the case, causing damage to the tape edge and away from electrical equipment and hi-fi speakers.

Never attempt to splice a video tape. Even a slightly wrong join can cause damage to your video heads, seek the advice of your ETSA service agent.

THE VCR

The four main enemies of your Video Cassette Recorder are - Dust, Poorly Manufactured Tapes, Excessive Heat and Dampness.

1. DUST - Dust can get between the tape and the video heads and cause scouring. Excessive scouring of the video heads results in the appearance of horizontal lines on your television screen. So place your video in a position free from dust and, never operate the recorder on the carpet, mat or carpet floor. The motors in the machine cause circulation of air through it and therefore movement of dust particles. A dust cover is a good idea as long as it is not left on while the recorder is operating. Always store video tapes in their cases away from the dusty atmosphere.

2. POORLY MANUFACTURED VIDEO TAPE - There are a number of blank video tapes on the market today. Many poorer quality tapes shed the oxide layer which in turn causes damage to the video heads. Using worn tapes should be avoided as they introduce unnecessary wear to components and they lessen the life of your video heads. In a video recorder the head wear is directly related to hours of use AND the quality of tapes used - it is not necessarily due to the age of the recorder.

3. EXCESSIVE HEAT - Ensure your video recorder is kept in an area where heat build up cannot occur. Adequate ventilation is important.

4. DAMPNESS - Although most video recorders today are equipped with DEW devices, (so they will not operate under damp conditions), you should ensure that your video recorder and video tapes are kept away from humid, steamy or damp areas. Moisture can accelerate head wear.

5. MAINTENANCE

ETSA suggest you have your Video cleaned professionally once a year, as lack of maintenance can lead to excessive head wear and premature head replacement. Replacement of the video heads is costly. The demagnetising of tape path component and head assemblies and lubrication of key items such as idler wheels and gears, can only be performed by a competent service person. When your picture on a playback starts to show significant snow or streaking, this is the time to have your video recorder cleaned.

The use of fluid or "dry" cleaning cassettes are not recommended by leading manufactures, or service agents. These products can never do the job as well as a trained technician and can instead create additional head wear, reducing the life of your video heads.

Further notes on Cleaning: Technicians will use the following cleaning products: Freon TF marketed by Dupont but it is now in NZ at least a illegal substance due to its depleting effects on our ozone layer. An alternative is Isopropyl Alcohol but it takes somewhat longer for full evaporation to occur. A further product is Xylene but it must be used with great care due to its stronger strength it must only be used in cases where oxide on the head drums has hardened to a point where Isopropyl Alcohol will not remove it. Xylene must NOT be used on any rubber as it has the potential to dissolve paint, plastics and rubber.

6. SENDING VIDEO TAPES OVERSEAS:

If you intend to send Video Tapes overseas we suggest that some precautions are taken to protect your Video Tape(s) from possible radiation damage from various low dose airport x-ray systems and fluoroscopic inspection devices to detect metal/plastic explosive devices used in the prevention of terrorists activities world wide.

We suggest to offer the maximum protection to your Video Tape to purchase a "Lead Lined Foil Bag" which are priced around $25.00 and are unusually available from Photographic suppliers. An other method of limited protection is offered by covering your tapes in cooking aluminum foil - however we have not seen any independent research to validate the effectiveness of this method.

7. VIDEOTAPE LONGEVITY

EXCERPTED FROM FORTUNE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 18,1993

The life expectancy of VHS videotape may be as short as ten years. Technical reports by Sony, Ampex, Agfa, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers suggest that magnetic tapes must be carefully stored and maintained or their lives may be relatively short.

It's a question of chemistry. Videotape is made from a base of polyester which is coated with polyurethane. The coating is a binder which holds the magnetic oxide particles. These oxide particles carry the magnetically encoded information within the tape. This plastic binding is sensitive to temperature and humidity. These conditions can cause the urethane particles in the coating to react with water. They will break free and can migrate to the surface of the tape. When the tape is played, the oxide particles which are no longer held by the binder can drop off and the video signal information drops with them.

Tape manufacturers recommend:

• Store the tapes at 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and at a relative humidity of 40% to 60%.

• Fast forward and rewind your tapes at least once every three years. This helps keep the polyurethane binder from sticking to adjacent layers of a tightly wound tape and possibly tearing the oxide particles from the base.

• Before storing your videotapes, rewind them from end to end.

• Buy the highest quality tape. It is coated more evenly and, therefore, lasts longer.

• Keep tapes away from strong electromagnetic fields such as stereo speakers and television sets.

• Store tapes vertically with the tape wound onto to the bottom of the spool.

• If a tape has been in the heat or cold, let it reach room temperature before playing it.

• For special tapes, it's wise to keep them in plastic bags to protect them from dust and moisture.

Video tapes are copied/converted under the following conditions:

1. That the liability of TELSAT COMMUNICATIONS LTD for damage or loss through accident or negligence is limited to the value of any raw tape stock involved.

2. Copyright clearance is the responsibility of the individual or organization requesting duplication. No duplication of copyright protected material will be made unless TELSAT COMMUNICATIONS LTD is satisfied that such duplication does not infringe the copyright laws. Use for educational/research purposes does not exempt video duplication from International Copyright laws. In any event the Customer will meet ALL the costs of the defense of any legal or civil action brought against Telsat Communications Ltd in regard to duplication and/or conversions undertaken at the request of an Customer.

3. Method of payment will be agreed before duplication commences. Invoices can only be sent for amounts over $50.00 to recognized customers with appropriate ordering documentation i.e. an official signed order form. Full payment is to be made by the 20th of the following month following invoice date. Overdue accounts will attract compound interest and all debt collection expenses will be a charge against the debtor. All tape stock remains the property of TELSAT® COMMUNICATIONS LTD until full payment is received.

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Telsat® Communications Ltd P O Box 1537, 17 Westhaven Grove, Palmerston North, (Knowledge City) NEW ZEALAND. Established in 1988. Tel: +64-6-356-2749, Fax: +64-6-355-2141, Toll Free 0800-TELSAT (NZ Only).