This standard specifies the basic methods of measurement for evaluating the electronic and mechanical performances of consumer-use digital VTRs. The formats of open reel VTRs, Beta, VHS, and 8 mm VTRs have been standardized. Methods of measurement for these analogue VTRs have been standardized in IEC 61041-1, IEC 61041-2, IEC 61041-3, IEC 61041-4, IEC 61041-5, and IEC 61146-3. Digital VTR 6,35 mm DV format and 12,65 mm D-VHS format have now been brought on the market. The methods of measurement for these consumer-use digital VTRs should be specified and standardized. With these measurement techniques, some items for the evaluation of performances specific to digital VTRs have also been included. There are two objectives for the proposed methods of measurement. One is to check the interchangeability and characteristics of the equipment under test which are indispensable to manufacturers, and the other is to evaluate the quality of image and sound, which concerns the customer. The latter is a priority for consumer satisfaction. Since a consumer can use only general-purpose instruments, any test which needs dismantling of apparatus and requires special instruments is in principle not specified. As error rate is important for digital equipment, an example of a method for measuring error rate is given in annex A.