Abstract: A device for recording and playing back a selected episode from an input analog audio-visual signal. A "deferred recording" feature allows the user to briefly delay his/her decision to record a live signal episode until after the signal episode has at least partially transpired. Thus, the user can first evaluate the episode prior to deciding whether to record it. The recorded signal episode contains both preamble and postamble segments, i.e. the signal segments preceding and following activation of a record switch. The analog playback signal is directed to an A/V output device so it can be heard/viewed by the user. Some embodiments provide for recording multiple signal episodes, multi-signal channel episodes, variable length episodes, simultaneous record and playback, episode deletion, variation of sampling rate, skip forward, reverse, and squelch.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded encoded picture data from a recording medium in varying speed without picture disruption. The recorded picture data are read from the recording medium and stored in a buffer memory. A detection circuit detects a picture header in the stored picture data and, depending upon the results of such detection, may or may not supply a clock signal therefrom. If a picture header is not detected, the detection circuit supplies the clock signal to the buffer memory and a delaying circuit. In response thereto, the stored picture data are read out from the buffer memory and supplied to the delaying circuit so as to be delayed by a predetermined amount prior to being supplied therefrom. If a picture header is detected during varying speed reproduction by the detection circuit, the clock signal is not supplied to the buffer memory and the delaying circuit, whereupon the delaying circuit outputs "0"s for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A comb filter arrangement comprising at least one delay circuit and an adder, this adder being twice supplied with a video signal modulated on a carrier, which video signals are applied mutually shifted with time. The signals are delayed by the delay circuits, so that either video signal applied to the adder is delayed relative to the other video signal by a given period of time. Furthermore, the delay circuits are arranged in switched capacitor technique.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for insuring that a trick play data stream, e.g., a stream of data used for fast forward or reverse playback operation, complies with preselected data standards and in particular the MPEG-2 standard are disclosed. Various methods are described for generating PCR, PTS and DTS values for a trick play data stream, which is generated from a normal play data steam, and is intended for recording in trick play segments of a tape. The described methods include generating new PCR, PTS and DTS values as a function of the trick play speed at which the data is intended to be read back. Methods and apparatus for correcting PCR, PTS and DTS values read from a tape during trick playback operation are also disclosed. The disclosed methods are directed to generating new PCRs, PTSs and DTSs to provide am MPEG-2 compliant bitstream. The described methods and apparatus are applicable to a plurality of storage and playback devices capable of implementing trick play including compact disks.

Abstract: An input video signal is applied to a transmission line first through a time direction emphasizer for emphasizing the levels of time direction high frequency components of the video signal, relative to the levels of low frequency components thereof; secondary through a vertical direction emphasizer; and thirdly through a horizontal direction emphasizer. Further, the received video signal is outputted as an output video signal from the transmission line first through a horizontal direction deemphasizer for deemphasizing the levels of horizontal direction high frequency components of the video signal, relative to the levels of low frequency components thereof; secondary through a vertical direction deemphasizer; and thirdly through a time direction deemphasizer. The emphasis and deemphasis method enables the dynamic range of the transmission line to be utilized effectively, while preventing erroneous operation on the reception side.