The Potential of Super 8 in Television — A Progress Report

Abstract

Some four years ago, a small study group was set up in Toronto to investigate the potential of super 8 in television and to advise on suitable equipment. Since then the group has tested many super-8 systems, prepared demonstration materials, advised producers, promoted standardization and recently proposed a super-8 system for use in small broadcast centers. The following report outlines the work done by the group and notes some of its findings. The merits and availability of super-8 equipment, such as cameras, sound recording and reproducing machinery, editing tables, telecine and rear-screen projection facilities and processing means are discussed on the basis of the study group's findings. The conclusion is reached that super-8 systems may eventually become an additional television production tool. The presentation of the report was accompanied by a demonstration of the picture quality obtained from various super-8 films on television monitors set up for the purpose. This progress report on experimentation with super-8 film in television applications is being published as information which, it is hoped, will be of help to others in the field.