Time lapse video microscopy using an animation control unit

A system for time lapse video microscopy incorporating an edit recorder and animation control unit is described, allowing both colour recording, forward and reverse playback without synchrony bars, and the identification of each individual frame recorded. This is achieved by using the edit recorder, controlled by the animation unit to produce continuous series of insert edits using the preroll facility of the recorder. A feature of this system is the preview of the last hour's recording which is constantly played as the preroll of the edit recorder. Tissue culture flasks modified for stable focus are also described.