I have always assumed that they produced in banks of recorders linked
into one master, but are they?

And are they recorded at normal domestic recording speeds, or are
there some high speed options?

Enlighten me please.

Many thanks.

Dear probonopublico-ga;

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting question.

On a small scale, VHS tapes are indeed recorded from a master tape in
a bank called a ?dupe center? or ?dupe system? like the one seen here
(there are many others of course):

TECNEC DUPE CENTER
http://www.tecnec.com/products/pages/dupe_systems.html


But mass duplication of VHS tapes is commonly done using the ?bin-loop
process?. This is the method frequently contracted by such industry
giants as Disney, DreamWorks SKG, New Line, Artisan and Warner.

First, the master tape is converted into a bin master (and endless
loop tape.) This master loop is fed into a bin that keeps the loop
from binding during the duplication process. The master material is
then duplicated over and over onto a large reel of tape with an
inaudible signal marking the end of one copy and the beginning of the
next. These reels are placed on cassette loading machines that can
detect the signals between the copies. The loaders then cut and splice
each copy and individually load them into empty cassette shells. The
tape is then imprinted with the appropriate names of the product
(labels, credits or whatever) and occasionally packaged with an insert
and that?s it. The finished product may be taken through a further
step and packaged in a protective tape case, a cardboard jacket or
sleeve and/or sealed in a vacuumed cellophane or similar cover before
distribution.

The High Speed Sony Sprinter is one example of a bin loop system and a
well-organized duplication company can easily and quickly produce as
many as 500,000 duplicates a month using this high speed system. A
serious manufacturer on the other hand can produce an astounding 1.5
million copies per day ? that's more than half-a-billion copies a year
- enough to supply virtually every VCR on earth with one copy of a
film from this single source!

COLOR FILM CORPORATION
http://www.colorfilm.com/ServicesVideoDuplication.asp

TVA
http://www.tvaproductions.com/html/body_duplication.html

Cool, isn't it?

I hope you find that my research exceeds your expectations. If you
have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating
and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again
in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher



INFORMATION SOURCES

MANUFACTURING PROCESS
http://www.audiodups.com/adspage7.html

TECNEC DUPE CENTER
http://www.tecnec.com/products/pages/dupe_systems.html

COLOR FILM CORPORATION
http://www.colorfilm.com/ServicesVideoDuplication.asp

TVA
http://www.tvaproductions.com/html/body_duplication.html




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Bin loop video duplication

Fascinating, Tutuzdad

Very many thanks!

Warmest regards

PB