SIST EN 61835:2005

Overview

EN 61835:1998 (Format D‑5) specifies the electrical and mechanical characteristics required for a helical‑scan digital component video cassette recording system using 12,65 mm (0.5 in) magnetic tape - commonly referred to as D‑5. The standard ensures interchangeability of 12,65 mm cassettes that contain digitally recorded component video programmes, so tapes recorded on one compliant device can be played back on another. The document is adopted by CLC and also published as SIST EN 61835:2005 (identical to IEC 61835:1998) and is classified under ICS 33.160.40 (Video systems).

Key topics and requirements

• Tape and cassette format: Defines the physical cassette and tape dimensions (12,65 mm / 0.5 in) and related mechanical aspects to ensure reliable handling and interchange.
• Helical‑scan recording: Covers characteristics relevant to helical‑scan digital recording of component video on magnetic tape, enabling consistent head/tape interaction and signal transfer.
• Electrical characteristics: Specifies signal interfaces and electrical parameters necessary for interoperable recording and playback of digital component video programmes.
• Interchangeability: Sets requirements that allow tapes recorded on one compliant recorder to be read and played on another, reducing compatibility problems in workflows.
• Equipment conformity: Addresses both recorder and cassette mechanical/electrical features that manufacturers and testers use to verify compliance.

Applications and users

This standard is primarily useful to:

• Equipment manufacturers designing helical‑scan video recorders, drives and cassettes to meet interoperable D‑5 format requirements.
• Broadcast and video production facilities that require consistent interchange of digitally recorded component video between devices and vendors.
• Archivists and media asset managers ensuring long‑term access and playback of D‑5 cassette archives.
• Quality assurance and test labs validating mechanical/electrical conformity and interchangeability.
• Procurement and maintenance teams who need specification references for buying compatible recorders, decks and tapes.

Benefits (practical value)

• Ensures interchangeability across manufacturers and models.
• Reduces risk of incompatibility in professional video workflows.
• Provides a clear technical basis for testing, procurement and maintenance of D‑5 tape systems.

Related standards

• IEC 61835:1998 - original international text to which EN 61835 is identical.
• SIST EN 61835:2005 - Slovenian adoption of EN/IEC 61835.

Keywords: EN 61835, IEC 61835, D‑5 format, helical‑scan, digital component video, 12.65 mm tape, video cassette interchangeability, CLC standard, broadcast video standard.