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The product is called MediaPhile. I helped the guy who was developing
the product for a while about 18 months ago. Basically, it's a board that
plugs into the mouse port that sends control codes to the VCR using
infrared (I still have the documents on the control codes used by all
Sony products). The interface also recieves "position" information back
from the VCR, so the Amiga knows where the current tape position is.
Unfortunately, this is accomplished using a slight "hack". You have to
have the VCR modified (by the company selling the product) to tap into
the internal position counter of the VCR. It's a crude position counter,
not based on video frames. I think it sends 5 or 6 "clocks" for every
digit the tape counter moves (non-linear as the tape gets closer to the
end). You can have the Amiga do stuff like, fast forward the VCR until
you get to counter position 254, then place the VCR into PLAY mode. It
basically uses the Amiga as an expensive remote control device, but with
some application software built around this capability. I can't even remember
the name of the company (it's in Mass)... He was also working on controlling
the Sony camcorders from the Amiga.
-Jeff
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