ISO 4242:1980

Overview

ISO 4242:1980 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that addresses cinematography sound recording on 16 mm magnetic film. Specifically, this standard defines the lateral positions and width dimensions of recording head gaps for two sound records and a control track on 16 mm single perforated magnetic film. Additionally, it specifies the film reproducing velocity to ensure consistency and interchangeability of sound recordings across different equipment and regions.

This standard is crucial for professionals working in film sound recording, post-production, and magnetic film manufacturing, ensuring that soundtracks adhere to precise physical and operational parameters for quality and compatibility.

Key Topics

• Recording Head Gap Positions and Dimensions: ISO 4242:1980 defines exact lateral positions and width measurements of the magnetic recording heads, including the center and edge tracks, to guarantee sound fidelity and minimize interference on 16 mm film.

• Film Travel Velocity: The standard specifies reproduction velocities of either 24 perforations per second (about 18.3 cm/s) or 25 perforations per second (approximately 19.05 cm/s). These speeds correspond to industry norms for 16 mm film playback and recording.

• Track Usage Guidelines:

  • The center track is preferably used for single monaural recordings.
  • For stereo programs, the center track accommodates the left channel.
  • For dual language soundtracks, the center track holds the primary language, while the edge track handles the secondary.
  • The control track is designated for supplementary data such as control signals or address codes (analog or digital).

• Head Gap Orientation: The magnetic head gaps must be physically aligned at an angle of 90° ± 5° to the film travel direction, ensuring optimal contact and recording quality.

• Compatibility with ISO 1188: The recorded magnetic characteristics must conform to ISO 1188, which details recording parameters for magnetic sound on 16 mm motion-picture film, ensuring international interchangeability.

Applications

ISO 4242:1980 is essential in several practical contexts:

• Cinematography Sound Recording: Enables film studios and sound technicians to position and size magnetic recording heads correctly during film production, preserving sound quality and facilitating multi-track recording.

• Magnetic Film Manufacturing: Guides manufacturers of 16 mm magnetic motion picture film and film processing equipment in designing products that meet global standards for sound record quality and positioning.

• Post-Production and Restoration: Assists professionals in film post-production and archival restoration to identify and maintain recording consistency, ensuring that historic or multi-language soundtracks are faithfully reproduced.

• Equipment Standardization: Provides film projector and recorder engineers with standardized specifications to build or calibrate equipment supporting two sound tracks and control signals on 16 mm film.

Related Standards

• ISO 1188: Defines the recording characteristics and technical specifications for magnetic sound recording on 16 mm motion picture film, supporting the acoustic quality requirements referenced by ISO 4242.

• ISO 69: Specifies cutting and perforating dimensions for 16 mm raw motion-picture film stock, ensuring physical compatibility for magnetic coatings and sound recording.

• ISO/TC 36: The ISO technical committee responsible for cinematography standards, under which ISO 4242 was developed and maintained, driving updates in motion picture film technologies.

Keywords: ISO 4242, 16 mm magnetic film, cinematography sound recording, recording head gaps, magnetic sound tracks, film reproducing velocity, film sound standards, magnetic recording specifications, two sound records, control track, ISO cinematography standards.