Abstract: In a method and apparatus for transmitting information from producer to end viewers, the information is provided on a first recording medium recorded at a standard speed and in a standard format in a series of tracks slanted relative to a direction of movement of that medium. The information is reproduced from the series of tracks on the first recording medium in the form of electric signals seriatim at increased speed on the order of a multiple of the standard speed. The reproduced information is simultaneously rerecorded from the electric signals seriatim in a standard format with series of tracks on several second recording media at the increased speed, for replay of that recorded information by several end users at different times from the several recording media at standard speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic high speed inspection of information recorded on magnetic video tape to determine if the original recording has been altered by erasure or over-recording has been added to in a previously unrecorded portion of the tape. To facilitate the inspection, a low frequency signal is added to the audio track of the tape at the time the original recording is made. Inspection consists of sensing the tape's video control track and the audio track containing the added low frequency signal while rewinding the tape at high speed. During rewind, sensing means positioned on the backside or non-oxide coated surface of the tape receives signals from both the video control track and audio track. The detected signals are processed by an error detection circuit where they are analyzed to determine the tape speed, control track pulse amplitude, audio signal amplitude, control track pulse pattern, and low frequency audio signal pattern.