These days delaying live shows is quite easy, you just use a disc server like a Profile to record it, and this allows you to replay before the recording has finished (just like Tivo and Sky+). If you are really keen you can use some of the cleverer editing systems to edit as well as delay, so you can cut-down a live event even if you go on-air before the event has finished.
However it was still possible to delay live broadcasts in the days before servers. It wasn't unusual to delay live operas etc. to fit into the schedule - and you'd do it by using three VTRs. One would record the first chunk, then the second would start recording before you needed to stop the first one (to avoid missing a bit), you'd then rewind the first one and play it out for transmission. Then when you came close to the end of the playback of the first recording, you'd put a THIRD VTR into record, stop the second one, rewind the tape, then use a piece of kit to slave the playback of the second VTR into sync with the first VTR playback, and cut from the first one to the second one. You'd then repeat the process, rotating around the three VT machines.
Obviously this was easier the longer the delay that was required, as you could record longer chunks, and would require fewer change-overs. It is a skill now lost - but in the days when it was used it required all sorts of practical knowledge (like knowing how long a 1" VTR took to rewind...)
Another solution, used for shorter delays (and much more Heath Robinson) was to use two VTRs. One would record, but rather than the tape passing between two spools on the one VTR, once the tape had passed the record head on the recorder, it would be passed via a bit of slack, to the playback head on a second VTR, and then collected on the playback VTR take-up spool. You had to be careful to allow enough slack, and make sure you didn't get into a tangle, so it required a lot of care, and was only used for VERY special requirements.
For very short delays, it was possible to use analogue disc recorders (of the type also used for slow motion replay before VTRs were capable of slow mot)
Did the 1900 countdown titles get transmitted in Wales? (I was still watching England then!)
The 1900 countdown titles were dropped last week - presumably if they were recording yesterday's on the same day they dropped that week's too so it didn't look too incongruous! Maybe they'll be back next week.
You mean there isn't a Fearne Cotton clone machine at TVC?!?
Every second TOTP is a pre-recorded, they film two episodes in the one recording session. So next week's show will be live, and then the week afterwards will be pre-recorded.
How the hell are you supposed to second guess a particular weeks chart line up:?: Record release dates?
It would be quite embarassing if they recorded something, the production team thought was the dog's b*****ks, & it went down before they could play it!
What happened to the 'old' method of recording a couple or so days before transmission?
If that is the case, how much notice do the Beeb get to pre-record the chart rundown, bearing in mind Radio 1 etc are supposed to announce it live at 7pm?
If that is the case, how much notice do the Beeb get to pre-record the chart rundown, bearing in mind Radio 1 etc are supposed to announce it live at 7pm?
Well radio stations get the Hit 40 UK line-up by late morning on the Sunday - so I'd presume it's the same if not before on the BBC chart.
On pre-recorded performances, the hosts never mention what position the single is in the chart or whether the single is in the Top 40 or not, which is a bit of a giveaway if you still care about the singles chart.
I remember earlier this year (before the move to BBC2 on Sunday), some friends of mine went to TOTP during one of the weeks that an Elvis single was supposed to be at number one and the BBC booked an Elvis impersonator to perform on the show (that's another story). My friends told me that an intro link was recorded for Elvis as Number One.
However, when the chart was revealed, Ciara had got to Number One instead with her "Goodies".
Rather than get Reggie and Fearne to re-record a link, or even record another link that could have been inserted at the time, TOTP made a hash editing job and instead that irritating Lynsey Brockney voiceover woman announced who was number one.
Therefore, it's most likely that pre-recorded TOTPs are recorded in one take - totally different to the Chris Cowey regime where nearly every performance was filmed separately, often with retakes, then cut and pasted together - and any fluffs are either left in or edited out.
