Abstract: A system such as a tape head having multiple read devices, where the read devices have less than or equal to half the width of the write devices or data tracks. The read devices are aligned adjacent to one another in the track width direction. Data tracks and guide bands can be used for track following, while a preferred embodiment uses additional readers to read servo bands for track following purposes.

Abstract: A method for reading data from a magnetic recording tape having multiple adjacent data tracks according to one embodiment includes simultaneously detecting signals from a plurality of read devices, at least some of the read devices being positioned over multiple data tracks while other of the adjacent read devices are positioned over single data tracks; determining which of the read devices is positioned over a single data track; and simultaneously reading data from the data tracks using only those read devices over the single data tracks. A method for reading and writing data to a magnetic recording tape according to another embodiment includes simultaneously writing data tracks to a magnetic medium; and simultaneously reading the data tracks on the magnetic medium using a plurality of adjacent read devices; wherein the number of the adjacent read devices is at least twice the number of the adjacent write devices.

Abstract: A method for reading a magnetic medium having a data band thereon, the data band comprising a plurality of simultaneously written tracks. The method includes receiving signals from a plurality of adjacent readers simultaneously reading data tracks, wherein at least some of the readers that are currently reading overlie adjacent data tracks such that the reader generates signals from the adjacent data tracks; receiving a signal from at least one reader reading an alignment band; for at least each reader overlying adjacent data tracks, determining a fractional overlap of the reader relative to the underlying adjacent data tracks based on the signal from the reader reading the alignment band; and extracting data from readback of the data tracks based at least in part on the determined fractional overlaps of the readers relative to the adjacent data tracks thereunder.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a magnetic medium having a data band thereon, the data band comprising a plurality of written data tracks and in some embodiments at least one alignment band. The system in one embodiment includes a plurality of adjacent readers for simultaneously reading the data tracks, at least some of the readers overlapping multiple data tracks. At least one reader is also present for reading the at least one alignment band. A mechanism determines a fractional overlap of each reader on the data tracks based on readback of the alignment band. A mechanism extracts data from readback of the data tracks based at least in part on the fractional overlap.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a magnetic medium having a data band thereon, the data band comprising a plurality of simultaneously written data tracks and at least one alignment band. The system in one embodiment includes a plurality of adjacent readers for simultaneously reading the data tracks. At least one reader is also present for reading the at least one alignment band. A mechanism determines a fractional overlap of each reader on the data tracks based on readback of the alignment band. A mechanism extracts data from readback of the data tracks based at least in part on the fractional overlap.