JVC has changed the VHS standard to allow the trend for transparent
computers, VCRs and even headphones to be extended to the plastic casing of
video cassettes. The ends of conventional tapes are tailed with clear plastic,
so that when the tape nears the beginning or end, a light in the VCR shines
through to a sensor and shuts down the motor. This prevents the tape being
stretched or broken. But if the tape were housed in a see-through cassette,
stray light might reach the sensor and stop the motor at the wrong time.
According to the new specification, a pair of plastic shades is placed inside
cassettes. This prevents stray light reaching the sensors and allows see-through
tapes to play normally.
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