Still picture program video recording composing and playback method and

Abstract

In a first embodiment a still picture video program composing and playback system is described whereby a plurality of still picture programs can be recorded on a common video recording such as a video tape. A composing operation involves the assembly of audio narration for the programs on separate tracks with cue signals which signify successively different picture displays being recorded on a separate track. The composing of these audio programs and still pictures on a common video tape is obtained with control logic responsive to played back cue signals. The recording of still pictures is obtained with a slide projector and television camera, both of which are synchronized by the control logic to record video frames and cue signals on the video tape. In a second embodiment still pictures and a motion sequence for different video programs are interleaved and recorded on a common medium. In a playback system a temporary video frame storage device is used to retain and display a still picture until a decoded cue signal causes a video frame replacement in the storage device. As described in a preferred embodiment, monochrome (y) and chroma signals are separated and separately recorded for enhanced picture display resolution. A system for composing a large number of video programs on a common video recording is described. Control logic for orderly recording of still picture video frames is described.