Machines designed to record and replay data. They usually include a high degree of error correction to ensure that the output data is absolutely correct and, due to their recording format, the data is not easily editable. These compare with digital video recorders which will conceal missing or incorrect data by repeating adjacent areas of picture, and which are designed to allow direct access to every frame for editing. Where data recorders are used for recording video there has to be an attendant ‘workstation’ to produce signals for video and audio monitoring, whereas VTRs produce the signals directly. Although many, but not all, data recorders are based on VTRs’ original designs, and vice versa, VTRs are more efficient for handling pictures and sound while data recorders are most appropriate for data. They are useful for archiving and, as they are format- independent, can be used in multi-format environments.
See also: LTO