ArVid
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ArVid (Archiver on Video) (Russian: АрВид, Архиватор на Видео) is a data backup solution using a VHS tape as a storage media. It was very popular in Russia and former USSR in mid-1990s.
It was produced in Zelenograd, Russia by PO KSI.
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[edit] Features
- Using low-cost VHS tapes and recording units for data backup.
- High reliability
- Hamming code error correction
- Easy data copying between two VHS units (eliminating need of a computer for data copying)
[edit] Disadvantages
- Inefficient tape capacity usage (only 2 grades of luminance signal spectrum were used)
- Poor software support
[edit] Operation
A VHS recorder unit should be connected to an ArVid ISA board via a composite video cable. Unit operation is controlled by a remote control emulator using a LED.
Device may operate in two modes: low data rate at 200 kbyte/s and high data rate at 325 kbyte/s. Not all VHS recorders of the time were capable to support the latter.
An E-180 video tape is able to hold 2 Gb of uncompressed data.
[edit] Models
- ArVid 1010 was first of ArVid devices. It's production started in 1992.
- ArVid 1020 was a successor to ArVid 1010 using more advanced integrated circuitry.
- ArVid 1030/1031 had better internal design, less power consumption and was less in size. It allowed automatic switching to a TV set when device was not in use.
- ArVid 1051/1052 introduced 325 kbyte/s data rate and 128/512 kbyte buffer cache (respectively).
