Abstract: When tape in a VTR moves in the same direction as the direction of peripheral motion of a headwheel across which the tape passes, release of one end of the tape during rewind may cause the tape to whip around the headwheel and jam. The tape accumulation resulting from the motion is accommodated by a tapered open-ended tunnel. After accumulation in the tunnel, the tape is reeled in by the take-up reel.

Abstract: In a record and/or replay system of the type wherein magnetic tape moves in a loop about a drum which is rotated by a motor to scan transducer gaps across the tape, drum stall conditions are overcome by momentarily reversing the intended rotational direction of the motor when a command is given to rotate the drum in the intended rotational direction but such rotation does not occur because of tape sticktion on the drum.

Abstract: A tape has a format of the type wherein digital video information is recorded with each frame or field disposed on a set of multiple tracks and with at least one track being intended for replay during scene search modes of operation, only the most significant bits of pixels are recorded on the search tracks.

Abstract: In a VTR of the type having information recorded in adjacent tracks disposed angularly across the direction of tape travel, a search mode playback arrangement is incorporated having a pair of transducer gaps which are alternately enabled to continuously pickup coherent information while the playback arrangement scans across adjacent tracks during a search mode.

Abstract: A speed control signal for a record segment is generated from starting speed and starting time information signals, an ending speed information signal, and a signal indicative of the duration of the segment. Provision is made for "pre-roll" (stopping the tape ahead of the exact cue point). Duration can be entered directly or computed from start and end times. The speed control signal is applied to a capstan servo, while a cue logic servo controls a reel servo.

Abstract: A servo loop is provided in an optical record/play apparatus for controlling a motor assembly providing relative motion in a radial direction, with respect to a disc record, between the disc record and a beam of focused light. In a record mode of operation for the apparatus, the loop drives the motor at a rate providing a constant speed radial relative motion, as the disc record is rotated, to enable the inscription of a spiral information track on the disc. In a playback mode of operation for the apparatus, the loop drives the motor at a variable rate providing relative radial motion which assures the centering of the beam of focused light on a spiral information track formed in the disc record medium as the disc is rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically recording and reading information on a disc medium rotating surface. The information is recorded on concentric or spiral tracks continuously or in parts. The information, which can represent, for example, television video, x-ray, or digital data signals, are addressed by codes that identify the track on which the information is recored preceded by the address code. The recording mechanism can record a new track adjacent to the previous track if the disc has been moved between recordings. There are also means for compensating for eccentricity errors introduced by small changes in the radial dimensions of the disc. The spacing between tracks is typically 2.5 microns although the eccentricity errors may exceed the span of ten tracks. Typically, 4,000 tracks per cm can be recorded.