Panasonic AG-1980P linear audio output?
 

I have been capturing mono using the white and red audio jacks on the back and turning my audio to linear. Does anyone use the dedicated linear output jack on the back?

I just never use it, no specific reason that I can remember.

At very least, not having to constantly re-wire, at least no more than normal. Sometimes tapes contain both stereo and mono, so then you'd really be messing with wires. Perhaps more work for no reason.

That sounds good to me. I’ll leave them like they are and proceed.

One benefit of the separate linear track access was the ability to use linear track time code (LTC) as well as the stereo HiFi audio. LTC enabled near frame accurate editing of video. One could dub LTC onto the linear track and then feed it to a LTC-capable edit controller. The separate linear track I/O was a feature introduced with the AG-1980.

The AG-1970 and AG-1960 did not have it, but Carlson-Strand offered a breakout device that could be installed to enable separate recording and playback of the linear tracks on the AG-1970/60. (I have one I don't use if anyone is interested.) It may be possible to adapt it for use with other stereo HiFi VCR's but likely would require connector changes, and possibly other adjustments as well.

Dedicated linear output can be useful when the HiFi track is either damaged, or is (rarely) not even there. Sometimes the HiFi carrier signal has been recorded but no actual program was recorded. Most decks in this case will automatically switch to the HiFi track resulting in silence and the operator assuming no sound track was recorded. But this is probably rare.

-- merged --

To add, if your tapes have only linear audio it shouldnt be a problem either way. VCR's usually default to the linear and only switch to HiFi if a HiFi carrier is there.

And HiFi VCRs should allow manual selection of the linear track in the off chance the HiFi track was recorded with out sound but the normal track is still present.

FWIW: Tracking adjustment may force a VCR to revert to linear track.

Correct, AG-1980P can be set to linear/mono, which transmits over the stereo (red/white) RCA cables.