Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> 00X  >> 007 >> 007 (Videorecording)

007 - Videorecording (R)


MARC 21 Bibliographic - full
December 2025

Indicators and Subfield Codes

Field has no indicators or subfield codes; the data elements are positionally defined.

Character Positions
00 - Category of material
v - Videorecording
01 - Specific material designation
c - Videocartridge
d - Videodisc
f - Videocassette
r - Videoreel
u - Unspecified
z - Other
| - No attempt to code
02 - Undefined
# - Undefined
03 - Color
a - One color
b - Black-and-white
c - Multicolored
m - Mixed
n - Not applicable
u - Unknown
z - Other
| - No attempt to code
04 - Videorecording format
a - Beta (1/2 in., videocassette)
b - VHS (1/2 in., videocassette)
c - U-matic (3/4 in., videocasstte)
d - EIAJ (1/2 in., reel)
e - Type C (1 in., reel)
f - Quadruplex (1 in. or 2 in., reel)
g - Laserdisc
h - CED (Capacitance Electronic Disc) videodisc
i - Betacam (1/2 in., videocassette)
j - Betacam SP (1/2 in., videocassette)
k - Super-VHS (1/2 in., videocassette)
m - M-II (1/2 in., videocassette)
o - D-2 (3/4 in., videocassette)
p - 8 mm.
q - Hi-8 mm.
s - Blu-ray disc
t - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
u - Unknown
v - DVD
z - Other
| - No attempt to code
05 - Sound on medium or separate
# - No sound (silent)
a - Sound on medium
b - Sound separate from medium
u - Unknown
| - No attempt to code
06 - Medium for sound
# - No sound (silent)
a - Optical sound track on motion picture film
b - Magnetic sound track on motion picture film
c - Magnetic audio tape in cartridge
d - Sound disc
e - Magnetic audio tape on reel
f - Magnetic audio tape in cassette
g - Optical and magnetic sound track on motion picture film
h - Videotape
i - Videodisc
u - Unknown
z - Other
| - No attempt to code
07 - Dimensions
a - 8 mm.
m - 1/4 in.
o - 1/2 in.
p - 1 in.
q - 2 in.
r - 3/4 in.
u - Unknown
z - Other
| - No attempt to code
08 - Configuration of playback channels
k - Mixed
m - Monaural
n - Not applicable
q - Quadraphonic, multichannel, or surround
s - Stereophonic
u - Unknown
z - Other
| - No attempt to code

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

When field 007/00 contains code v, it contains special coded information about the physical characteristics of a videorecording.


GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING CONTENT DESIGNATORS

CHARACTER POSITIONS

00 - Category of material
v - Videorecording

One-character alphabetic code that indicates the category of material to which the item belongs is videorecording, which is defined as a recording on which visual images, usually in motion and accompanied by sound, have been registered. It is designed for playback on a television receiver, or video monitor. A fill character (|) is not allowed in this position.


01 - Specific material designation

Special class of videorecording to which an item belongs.

c - Videocartridge

Videorecording on tape encased in a cartridge and which has the ends joined together to form a continuous loop.

d - Videodisc

Flat disc of plastic or other material on which video signals, with or without sound, are recorded. Various videodisc systems have been developed (e.g., laser-optical, capacitance, magnetic, etc.).

f - Videocassette

Videorecording on tape encased in a cassette which runs reel-to-reel.

r - Videoreel

Videorecording on a spool of tape mounted on a reel and designed to play from reel-to-reel across a playback pick-up device.

u - Unspecified

Special material designation for the videorecording is not specified.

z - Other

None of the other codes is appropriate.

| - No attempt to code

02 - Undefined

Contains blank (#) or a fill character (|).


03 - Color

Color characteristics of a videorecording.

a - One color

Not used with videorecordings.

b - Black-and-white

Videorecording is executed in black-and-white.

c - Multicolored

Videorecording is executed in more than one color.

m - Mixed

Work or collection is a combination of black-and-white, colored, and/or other images.

n - Not applicable

Item has no images, e.g., a videorecording with sound only.

u - Unknown

Color characteristics of an item are not known.

z - Other

None of the other codes is appropriate (e.g., videorecording is toned, stained, tinted, etc.).

| - No attempt to code

04 - Videorecording format

Videotape or videodisc recording format.

If a bibliographic record for a videorecording describes various available formats, e.g., Beta and VHS videocassettes, then a separate 007 field is input for each.

a - Beta (1/2 in., videocassette)

Used for the home video system introduced in 1975 by Sony for home videorecording and playback on 1/2 inch videotape. It is distinguished by the size of the cassette, its U-load tape threading, and technical capabilities. This format is also known as Betamax.

b - VHS (1/2 in., videocassette)

Used for the home video system introduced in 1977 by Japan Victor Corporation (JVC) for home videorecording and playback on 1/2 inch videotape. It is distinguished by the size of the cassette, its M-load tape threading, and technical capabilities. VHS stands for "Video Home System."

c - U-matic (3/4 in., videocasstte)

Used for a video format using Sony's trademark name which refers to its tape threading path in a U-shape. It is the worldwide standard for 3/4 inch videotape and is used extensively in industrial and broadcast production. Like the two 1/2 in. home video formats, it uses a helical scan recording system. It is also known as U type standard.

d - EIAJ (1/2 in., reel)

Used for the standard 1/2 inch reel-to-reel helical scan videotape system named for the Electronics Industries Association of Japan which set the standards for 1/2 in. video tape recorders manufactured since 1969. Referred to as "the old trailblazer."

e - Type C (1 in., reel)

Used for the 1 inch videotape recording system utilizing one video head and tape runs at 9.61 inches per second. Type B system uses 2 heads and runs at 9.65 ips; Type A is an obsolete early system. Type B is still used in the U.S. and overseas (as of 1982), but Type C is the 1 inch format most widely employed as the broadcasting standard in the U.S. and overseas. Type C equipment and technology are made by Sony, RCA, and others.

f - Quadruplex (1 in. or 2 in., reel)

As opposed to the helical scan system, which uses one head, the Quadruplex videorecording system uses four videorecording heads. Often referred to as Quad, it was developed by Ampex in the mid-1950's. It provided higher quality resolution and color than did helical scanning. Quadruplex was the broadcast standard until recently, when less expensive helical scan systems have begun to overtake it. When describing a 2 inch videoreel that is not Quadruplex, use the code z (Other).

g - Laserdisc

Laser optical (reflective) videorecording system that uses an analog technique called PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to represent video information on a grooveless, smooth, round plastic disc. The disc is read (played back) by a weak laser beam that registers data appearing on the disc as tiny pits or depressions of varying lengths. Laserdiscs exist in three standard commercially produced sizes: 12, 8, and 4 3/4 inch. The 12 inch disc is the most common size and is typically used for movies; the disc or its packaging usually bears an LD trademark (the phrase "LASER DISC" or "Laser Vision" usually appears as the lower part of that LD trademark); alternatively, LASER VIDEODISC, DiscoVision, LaserDisc, LaserVision, or a similar phrase may appear instead of the LD trademark. The 8 and 4 3/4 inch discs are uncommon and typically used for music videos or other short video programs; the disc or its packaging usually bears one of these terms or trademarks: CDV (CD VIDEO), VSD (VIDEO SINGLE DISC), or LD (LASER DISC). This system started commercial use in 1978, but production declined rapidly after 1998 due to the success of the DVD format.

h - CED (Capacitance Electronic Disc) videodisc

CED videorecording system based on a plastic disc, usually 12 in. in diameter, on which visual information is recorded as deep pits in the bottom of the grooves. This visual information is read by a needle-in-the-groove type of electronic stylus that translates variance in capacitance into a video and audio signal. The CED disc is characteristically housed in a protective jacket. In 1984, the manufacturer of CED players, RCA, announced its decision to cease production of the "RCA Selectavision" players.

i - Betacam (1/2 in., videocassette)

Betacam videorecording format, a professional analog format using component coding recorded on 1/2 inch oxide tape, housed in a cassette.

j - Betacam SP (1/2 in., videocassette)

Betacam SP videorecording format, a professional analog format using component coding recorded on 1/2 inch metal tape, housed in a cassette. It is designed to yield a higher grade recording than the regular Betacam format, providing improved video quality and a better audio signal-to-noise ratio. There are two analog video tracks plus two FM (CD quality) audio tracks.

k - Super-VHS (1/2 in., videocassette)

Super-VHS format, which was originally designed for the consumer market to encode analog signals using a helical scan on 1/2 inch ferric-oxide tape, housed in a standard cassette. It has gained acceptance professionally in the broadcast industry and is now considered a professional format. Super-VHS format machines encode 400 lines of horizontal resolution and can play back videotapes recorded on regular VHS machines. Super-VHS requires high-grade tape and a high-resolution monitor equipped with separate Y/C (Luminance/Chrominance) video inputs. Super-VHS-C is the same video format but uses a special compact mini-cassette (often used with hand-held video cameras). These mini-cassettes can be used with standard VHS recorders by means of a special adapter cassette into which the mini-cassette is inserted.

m - M-II (1/2 in., videocassette)

M-II videorecording format, a professional analog format using 1/2 inch metallic tape, housed in a cassette. It was developed by Panasonic as an alternative to the Betacam format developed by Sony.

o - D-2 (3/4 in., videocassette)

D-2 videorecording format, a professional digital videorecording format using composite coding on 3/4 inch metal particle tape, housed in a cassette. The digital encoding allows for multi-generation signal transfer (copying or dubbing) without signal degradation. Duplicate recordings are effectively identical to the original master. There are four independently editable PCM audio channels, offering a dynamic range of more than 90 db (decibels). Additionally, it has separate tracks for an analog audio cue and time code.

p - 8 mm.

8 mm. format designed for small consumer-market camera/recorders (camcorders) using 8 mm. metal particle tape, housed in a mini-cassette. The video quality is comparable to standard VHS. The audio quality is superior to similar mini formats.

q - Hi-8 mm.

8 mm. format designed for higher resolution than standard 8mm. tape. It is a consumer-market format that uses 8 mm. metal particle or evaportated metal tape, housed in a mini-cassette.

s - Blu-ray disc

Optical disc format designed for high-definition video and data storage developed by Sony/Phillips. Blu-ray uses a blue-violet laser with a shorter wave length to allow for greater data storage in a smaller space. Unlike 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, it does not support 4K resolution or high dynamic range (HDR). Requires a Blu-ray player to view the disc. This format was introduced commercially in 2006.

t - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Advanced optical disc format developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association for the playback of ultra-high-definition (UHD) video content. Utilizes a blue-violet laser similar to standard Blu-ray but with enhanced disc capacity and higher data transfer rates to support resolutions up to 3840 × 2160 pixels (4K), high dynamic range (HDR), and expanded color depth. Requires a dedicated Ultra HD Blu-ray player and compatible 4K display equipment for full functionality. Discs and packaging generally bear the trademark "Ultra HD Blu-ray" or "4K Ultra HD." This format was introduced commercially in 2016.

u - Unknown

Videorecording format is not known.

v - DVD

Laser optical (reflective) videorecording system that uses a digital technique called PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) to represent video information on a grooveless, smooth, round plastic disc. The disc is read (played back) by a weak laser beam that registers data appearing on the disc as tiny pits or depressions of uniform length. DVDs are usually 4 3/4 inch in diameter (but a smaller 3 inch diameter disc may be produced commercially in some cases) and the disc or its packaging usually bear the term or trademark: DVD, DVD VIDEO, or VIDEO CD (in this case, the trademark is the standard one for COMPACT DISC, but with the added phrase DIGITAL VIDEO below it). This system has been in use commercially since late 1996.

z - Other

None of the other codes is appropriate.

| - No attempt to code

05 - Sound on medium or separate

Whether the sound is on the item or separate from the item (i.e., on the accompanying material).

# - No sound (silent)

Sound is not present (i.e., the item is intended to be silent).

a - Sound on medium

Sound is on the item, whether or not visual images are included.

b - Sound separate from medium

Sound is on a separate medium, designed to accompany the images.

u - Unknown

Presence or absence of sound on the item is not known.

| - No attempt to code

06 - Medium for sound

Specific medium used to carry the sound of an item, whether that sound is carried on the videorecording or is separate, and the type of sound playback required for the item.

Used in conjunction with the information coded in 007/05 (Sound on medium or separate) and 007/07 (Dimensions). Typically, the carriers of sound are: 1) magnetic track encased in a cassette or cartridge; 2) audio or video tape which may be on reel or encased in a cassette or cartridge; and 3) sound or video disc.

# - No sound (silent)

Sound is not present (i.e., the item is intended to be silent).

a - Optical sound track on motion picture film

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on an optical track that is part of a motion picture film. It would be rare for this to occur.

b - Magnetic sound track on motion picture film

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on a magnetic track that is part of a motion picture film. It would be rare for this to occur.

c - Magnetic audio tape in cartridge

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on a magnetic audio tape cartridge.

d - Sound disc

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on a sound disc. Sound discs include 7, 10, and 12 in. vinyl phonograph records and 4 3/4 in. compact discs.

e - Magnetic audio tape on reel

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on a reel of magnetic audio tape.

f - Magnetic audio tape in cassette

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on a cassette of magnetic audio tape.

g - Optical and magnetic sound track on motion picture film

Sound to accompany a videorecording is carried on both an optical and magnetic track on a motion picture film. It would be rare for this to occur.

h - Videotape

Sound to accompany a videorecording is included as part of the videotape. Videotape is not ordinarily used to record only sound.

i - Videodisc

Sound to accompany a videorecording is included as part of the videodisc. Videodiscs are not ordinarily used to record only sound. A distinction must be made between videodiscs (e.g., 12 in. laser optical videodiscs that include video information) and compact discs that are used to record sound only (e.g., 4 3/4 in. audio compact discs). The technology to physically record video or audio information on digital disc systems is the same.

u - Unknown

Medium for sound is not known.

z - Other

None of the other codes is appropriate.

| - No attempt to code

07 - Dimensions

Width of the videorecording.

For videorecordings, only codes that exactly match the measurements of the item as given in the physical description should be used. If no code exactly matches, code z is used.

a - 8 mm.
m - 1/4 in.
o - 1/2 in.
p - 1 in.
q - 2 in.
r - 3/4 in.
u - Unknown

Width is not known.

z - Other

None of the other codes is appropriate. Used for videodisc dimensions since standard code values for videodiscs do not yet exist.

| - No attempt to code

08 - Configuration of playback channels

Configuration of intended playback channels for the sound portion of a videorecording.

Should be coded based on a clear indication of intended playback. These codes do not refer to the configuration of channels originally recorded unless those channels are all intended to be available on playback.

k - Mixed

More than one configuration of playback channels for the sound portion is available on a single videorecording.

An example would be a tape with both monaural and stereophonic sound tracks.

m - Monaural

Configured to be played back on one channel.

n - Not applicable

Videorecording has no sound or sound is on separate medium.

When describing an item with separate sound (007/05 contains b), the configuration of playback channels for the separate sound track would be described in another 007 representing the sound recording on accompanying material (e.g., sound on cassette).

q - Quadraphonic, multichannel, or surround

Configured to be played back on more than two channels. Use this code for Dolby surround sound tracks and other multichannel techniques.

s - Stereophonic

Configured to be played back on two separate channels. Use code s when the medium is not monaural and it is not possible to ascertain that multiple playback sources are available or intended.

u - Unknown

Configuration of playback channels for the sound portion of a videorecording is not known.

z - Other

None of the other codes is appropriate.

| - No attempt to code

EXAMPLES

007/00-08 vf#caahos
[Item is a videorecording (007/00); in a cassette (/01); in color (/03); in the Beta format (/04); has sound on medium (/05); on videotape (/06); tape width is 1/2 in. (/07); with stereophonic sound (/08).]
007/00-08 vf#ccahrm
[Item is a videorecording (007/00); in a cassette (/01); in color (/03); in U-matic format (/04); has sound on medium (/05); on videotape (/06); tape width is 3/4 in. (/07); with monaural sound (/08).]
007/00-08 vd#cgaizs
[Item is a videorecording (007/00); on videodisc (/01); in color (/03); laserdisc (/04); sound on medium (/05); on videodisc (/06); other width or dimension than those given for videotape (/07); with stereophonic sound (/08).]
007/00-08 vd#cvaizm
[Item is a videorecording (007/00); on videodisc (/01); in color (/03); DVD (/04); sound on medium (/05); on videodisc (/06); other width or dimension than those given for videotape (/07); with monaural sound (/08).]

INPUT CONVENTIONS

Field length - Field 007 for the category of material videorecording currently has nine character positions defined for it.


CONTENT DESIGNATOR HISTORY

007/01 - Specific material designation
# - Not applicable or no attempt to code [OBSOLETE, 1980]
n - Not applicable [OBSOLETE, 1981]
007/02 - Original versus reproduction aspect [OBSOLETE, 1997]

Defined codes were: f (Facsimile), o (Original), r (Reproduction), and u (Unknown).

007/04 - Videorecording format
# - Not applicable or no attempt to code [OBSOLETE, 1980]
g - Laser optical (Reflective) videodisc [REDEFINED, 2001]

Code g was redefined as Laserdisc to differentiate it from code v (DVD)

n - Not applicable [OBSOLETE, 1981]
s - Blu-ray disc [NEW, 2008]
s - Blu-ray disc [REDESCRIBED, 2025]
t - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray [NEW, 2025]
v - DVD [NEW, 2001]
007/06 - Medium for sound
g - Other [OBSOLETE, 1980]
g - Optical and magnetic sound track on motion picture film [NEW, 1985]
007/07 - Dimensions
n - 1/4 in. [OBSOLETE, 1981]
m - 1/4 in. [NEW, 1981]

Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> 00X  >> 007 >> 007 (Videorecording)
(12/17/2025)
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