This part of IEC 1237 describes the test signals and measurement methods for equipment mainly dedicated to record/playback of analogue component TV signals on magnetic tape on reels or in cassettes. It may also be applied for measuring methods for general use in television production and transmission. The allowable tolerances for the rated values for acceptable performance are not given in this standard, but may be derived from appropriate system specifications, manufacturers' specifications, etc. The necessary reference and calibration tapes are either mentioned in the specific IEC Publication of the equipment under test or included in IEC 1105 (reference tapes) and IEC technical report 1295 (calibration tapes) [1]*. The methods are applicable to acceptance tests, pe rformance comparisons and, as far as possible, to routine checks. The principal object of this document is to describe the methods of measurement, test signals and procedures which may apply to characteristics of video recording/playback machines mainly intended for professional use. The measuring methods described hereafter do not directly concern home equipment and it would appear that some will be difficult to apply to them.