There are also computer hard drive-based systems in use now. Just saw one on the set of "The Road". Some computer knowledge and skill is required to operate.
An anecdote from the archives:
Back in 1987, when video assist was in its infancy, I was working as the assist op on a shoot. The camera was running film, but had what was called a "video tap" which allowed a low-res, black & white image to be output to a VHS recorder. Since this was before wireless video feeds were commonplace, a long cable had to be strung from the camera to the deck. Due to its tendency to trip people up, cause undue havoc during dolly moves, and just generally be a pain-in-the-ass, the grips referred to it as the FVC, or F***ing Video Cable.
We were shooting on a sound stage where a set had been constructed using real grass turf. Because of the hot lights, the turf had to be watered regularly to keep it green. Because the building hadn't been originally constructed as a sound stage, the concrete floor was reinforced with rebar. Unbeknownst to anyone, the building had a 20-amp ground leak in its electrical system. Everything was fine until the cameraman picked up the tripod and set it down on the wet turf.
The water had seeped down through the cracks in the concrete floor and made contact with the rebar, sending 20-amps up through the metal tripod into the metal camera, sending the cameraman flying (he was okay). The electrical spike then travelled through the FVC and into the video jack of my $800 VCR, which literally exploded, shooting out sparks and smoke. Of course, my insurance covered everything EXCEPT electrical damage.
That was the day I learned I'd been cursed by the gods.
