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…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
3
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
4
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
5
I have a 100 per cent chance of getting cancer due to a rare gene
6
We鈥檝e uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
7
How menopause radically changes the brain 鈥 and what happens after
8
Ancient human DNA found on cave art for the first time
9
You should turn off fans when it's too hot 鈥 but how hot is too hot?
10
How some people's brains make an extraordinary recovery from stroke
