Video History Project

Bibliography

Harpo Description and Operating Instructions

Author
Rod
Type
Operator Manual
ETC archive
ETC1565

Abstract

Harpo Description and Operating Instructions. Computer Printout. "The basic idea with HARPO was to allow someone with only a marginal knowledge of computer concepts to control video effects in an accurate, fast, and repeatable manner. In reality the user probably either needs much coaching or much knowledge of computer concepts to succeed. The video effects are created by sequence of control voltages applied at specified timed intervals to video hardware through digital to analog converters (DACs). Digital control signals can also be specified, to control things like switchers. HARPO also can sample the analog world and store what it finds there, for later use."
Cite this record

Rod. Harpo Description and Operating Instructions. February 21, 1979.

Download RIS citation
From the Experimental Television Center archive

ETC1565

Harpo Description and Operating Instructions. Computer Printout. "The basic idea with HARPO was to allow someone with only a marginal knowledge of computer concepts to control video effects in an accurate, fast, and repeatable manner. In reality the user probably either needs much coaching or much knowledge of computer concepts to succeed. The video effects are created by sequence of control voltages applied at specified timed intervals to video hardware through digital to analog converters (DACs). Digital control signals can also be specified, to control things like switchers. HARPO also can sample the analog world and store what it finds there, for later use."

Submit a change or correction

If unchecked, this will appear as a public note on the site immediately. Spam filters may delay publication, but all submissions are reviewed by staff.

Changes will be reviewed and integrated as time permits. For major changes, feel free to email [email protected].

Last modified 22 June 2011

Related records

  • Harpo Description and Operating Instructions with additional notes and subroutines Bibliography

    Harpo Description and Operating Instructions. Computer Printouts and notes, includes note from Tom DeFanti on Hocking System.

  • Fairlight Computer Video Instrument Operator Manual Revision 5 Bibliography

    Fairlight Computer Video Instrument Operator Manual Revision 5. Approx. 90 page booklet illustrated with block diagrams, connection diagrams, and seperate preset guide illustated with screen shots. "The CVI is a digital live image processor and graphics generator with paintbox facilities. These two …

  • Final Report to the National Endowment of the Arts: Analog Computers Bibliography

    "Analog computers have been much more successful as tools for the creative artist than digital computers. Analog computers are quite successfully used in music and more recently, in video art. Most of the current work in digital computer art suffers from a real lack of fluidity in control, which is …

  • Voltage Control and the Analog Synthesizer - from Experimental Television Center Studio System Manual Tools

    Experimental Television Center's Analog Synthesizer is a modular system producing control voltages and synthesized audio; outputs conform to a -5V to +5V standard (10V peak-to-peak) and the unit is compatible with commercial audio synthesis equipment. The studio manual documents two boxes of modules and their controls and jacks — negative and positive ramps, triangle, waveshape shaper, inverter, random, one-shot and pulse, comparators, mixers, dual VCAs, VCFs and a VCO — with operating ranges, VC/gain/bias/Q functions and typical patching techniques. The text includes signal classifications (bias, function, waveshape) and suggested patches for oscillation, gating, sampling, panning and filtering.

  • Video Mudular Systems. System Features and Components Bibliography

    Description of the Video Modular Systems VMS machine. Berkeley CA. System was profiled by Videography magazine in April 1979.

  • Sony Videocassette Recorder, U-matic, VO-5600: Operating Instructions Bibliography

    Sony Corporation of America. Sony. Videocassette Recorder, U-matic, VO-5600: Operating Instructions. Table of Contents holds the following: Features, Precautions, About video cassettes, Location and function of controls, Recording and Playback (Connections, Preparations, Recording, Playback, To see …