The PCM SH-P1 is a digital audio processor that can convert analog audio signals into digital bit sequences, which can then be recorded on a normal video cassette with a video recorder.
Since the sound of non-HIFI recorders was relatively poor compared to other video formats due to the slow tape speed, completely new sound worlds in digital stereo sound were now possible.
While the sound quality can get worse or better depending on the quality of the tape, it remains the same using the PCM SH-P1.
Furthermore, any number of copies of a tape are possible without any loss of sound quality.
The PCM SH-P1 has the same design as the Tech nics preamplifier and power amplifier SU-A2 and SE-A1. It is stackable with these components.
Any PCM-capable video recorder can be used as a recording device.
It is remarkable that the actually bad longitudinal sound of a video cassette is maintained consistently brilliantly using the PCM SH-P1.
Every video recorder thus becomes a DAT recorder.
The only disadvantage of modern digital audio processors is the lack of digital inputs and outputs.
The resolution of the encoding is optionally possible with 14 or 16 bits.
The sound is recorded on the video track. Therefore, the PCM SH-P1 does not serve as a supplement for the sound, but turns every VCR into a DAT recorder for high-quality audio recordings.
Note: The SH-P 1 was presented at the Tokyo Audio Fair in 1979 with a retail price. It was built by hand only to order. It is not known whether customer devices have ever been manufactured.
The Technics SH-P1 was announced as another model of the "century series":