Difference between SP and LP

bleaches · May 1, 2006

can somone help me by stating the difference between the two and what exactly each stands for and means? thanks in advance!

Thunderclap · May 1, 2006

SP = Standard Play (regular speed) -- LP = Long Play (speed reduced between 2x - 3x regular speed depending on format)

bleaches · May 1, 2006

so which one is more perfered? i cant tell the real difference XD

Thunderclap · May 1, 2006

Since SP is recorded at a faster speed the quality is higher. If you record at LP speed quality is reduced. This is because when you record at a slower speed the video and audio information is condensed into a smaller space on tape stock. So, SP is the preferred speed.

WideShot · May 1, 2006

SP will be much higher quality. If you're doing a dub to VHS make sure to do it in SP

bleaches · May 1, 2006

thanks for the input guys! you all have been very helpful =D

Will Vincent · May 3, 2006

It's not as big an issue with digital.. but for sure analog formats SP is the only way to go.. Still would have to recommend using SP for digital recording too though, as there would be less likelihood of frame drops and such, since you are using more of the tape. More failsafe that way.

Will Vincent · May 3, 2006

Here's a useful article on the topic:

http://www.zenera.com/dvtape.html

specifically, THIS portion

Basicallyi it covers what I just said in my previous post, but probably in a clearer fasion..

Thunderclap · May 3, 2006

Will Vincent said:
It's not as big an issue with digital.. but for sure analog formats SP is the only way to go.. Still would have to recommend using SP for digital recording too though, as there would be less likelihood of frame drops and such, since you are using more of the tape. More failsafe that way.

It's still safer to just shoot digital in SP to maintain compatibility. I've come across decks that don't playback LP and if you shoot footage on one camera and play it back on another it sometimes doesn't play correctly.

Unless there's an emergency where you HAVE to use LP it's always advisable to stick with SP.

mdifilm · May 3, 2006

in digital, avoid LP if you can, not many dv deck plays LP and not every DV Cam is compatible with LP, also, LP can cause a lot of drop outs.

Best to do, use SP all the time.

And yes, in digital, there is not really any quality differences other than you have more chance for drop outs (audio or video) in LP mode and that it's not compatible (most of the case) with other cameras or deck.