Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus, a plurality of audio signal areas and audio sub-code areas for recording audio mode information of the respective areas are provided on a recording medium in a record mode. The audio mode information corresponding to the audio signal area is detected from the audio signal sub-code in the reproduction mode.

Abstract: A system and method for providing remote viewing and analysis of diagnostic images is provided by the present invention. Electronic diagnostic imaging equipment receives raw data from an operator, and means responsive to the raw data translates the data into scanner commands to acquire a scan. A remote terminal is adapted to receive the raw data and scan data, and to reproduce and manipulate images represented by the received data. In accordance with the present invention, these steps and functions can be rapidly achieved, so that the maximum amount of existing data required for image quality issue analysis is available.

Abstract: A record mode discriminating apparatus used in a magnetic recording/reproducing system records a record mode discriminating signal having a predetermined periodicity that is dependent upon the record mode being used to record an audio/video signal. The record mode discriminating signal is recorded along with the audio/video signal and a pilot signal. During reproduction of the recorded signals in a search mode the record mode discriminating signals are detected and the record mode is determined therefrom. The detected record mode is used to control the speed of the recording medium during playback.

Abstract: A digital signal recording and reproducing apparatus includes a plurality of heads. A digital signal containing an information signal is recorded on a recording medium via heads among the heads while tracks are sequentially formed on the recording medium. The digital signal is reproduced from the recording medium via heads among the heads. A reproduced signal processing circuit operates for processing the reproduced digital signal at a changeable data processing rate to recover the information signal from the reproduced digital signal. During the recording, a speed of the heads, a speed of the recording medium, a data rate of the recording, and a number of used heads are set to changeable values respectively. The digital signal and a mode signal representative of the set values are recorded on the tracks at approximately a predetermined constant recording wavelength.

Abstract: A signal recording apparatus is arranged to record main information in a first area provided in each of a multiplicity of parallel tracks formed on a tape-shaped recording medium, and an index signal in a second area of each of a predetermined number of continuous tracks, the second area being provided separately from the first area within each of the multiplicity of parallel tracks. The apparatus records, as the index signal, first index information in a first section within the second area of each of the predetermined number of continuous tracks, with either one of binary data being repeated continuously during a period corresponding to the first section, and second index information in a second section within the second area of each of the predetermined number of continuous tracks, the second index information including track data indicative of relation to a specific track among the predetermined number of continuous tracks.

Abstract: A tracking control apparatus for a tape-shaped recording medium is operative, prior to carrying out actual reproduction, to measure times from the time point serving as the reference phase position within one period of the rotary drum to the time points when timing signals of respective recording areas of the tape-shaped recording medium are detected by the head, and to calculate average values every respective recording areas of the measured times to generate a reference value on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value of the calculated average values of the respective recording areas.

Abstract: A tracking control apparatus for a tape-shaped recording medium is operative, prior to carrying out actual reproduction, to measure times from the time point serving as the reference phase position within one period of the rotary drum to the time points when timing signals of respective recording areas of the tape-shaped recording medium are detected by the head, and to calculate average values every respective recording areas of the measured times to generate a reference value on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value of the calculated average values of the respective recording areas.

Abstract: A plurality of digital signals having total data rates of n bit/s or less are input to a digital recording device recording digital signals having a data rate of n bit/s. The digital signals are subjected to format-conversion for the digital recording device to be recorded therein. Furthermore, signals having a data rate of n/i.sub.1 bit/s or less are subjected to format-conversion to be recorded i.sub.1 times in the digital recording device. In the case where the data rate of the digital signals to be input is n/j bit/s, the digital signals are subjected to format-conversion so that the amount of data capable of being recorded per unit time is decreased by i/j; thus, the digital signals are recorded for a long period of time under the condition that the data recording time is prolonged j times.

Abstract: A digital signal recording and reproducing method and apparatus that record and reproduce sequentially a normal reproducing digital signal and a multiple kind special reproducing digital signal on and from a tape-like recording medium. The data rate of the normal reproducing digital signal is detected. According to the detected data rate, either of the normal reproducing digital signal or special reproducing digital signal is selected. The selected digital signal is recorded at the predetermined location on a recording medium for recording the special reproducing digital signal. The sequentially recorded digital signal is reproduced, and each reproduced signal is detected either the normal reproducing digital signal or the multiple kind special reproducing digital signal. The digital signal detected as either of the digital signals is outputted separately.

Abstract: A transfer protocol in a transfer system adapted for transferring compressed audio signals in a compressed form for recording on a recording medium is disclosed. The management data for managing compressed audio signals recorded on the recording medium are generated responsive to the information sent from the server in order to generate the management data without exchanging the management data between the server and the client. A transfer system in which, if data are previously recorded on the recording medium loaded on the client side, the management data can be edited for additionally recording data on the recording medium without modifying the compressed audio data and management data already recorded on the recording medium, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracking control apparatus for a tape-shaped recording medium according to this invention is operative, prior to carrying out actual reproduction, to measure times from the time point serving as reference phase position within one period of the rotary drum to the time points when timing signals of respective recording areas of the tape-shaped recording medium are detected by the head, and to calculate average values every respective recording areas of the measured times to generate reference value on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value of the calculated average values of the respective recording areas.

Abstract: A camera which includes a recording unit for recording photographic information in a record area on a magnetic layer of a photographic film for each exposed frame, and a regenerating unit for scanning the magnetic layer to determine the presence or absence of the recorded information. The regenerating unit includes a magnetic head for scanning the magnetic layer and generating a corresponding signal, an amplification circuit for amplifying the signal generated by the magnetic head, a smoothing circuit for obtaining an envelope waveformn, and a magnetic information detecting circuit for determining whether magnetic information is recorded in the magnetic record area for each frame on the photographic film by sampling the voltage level of the signals output from the smoothing circuit a plurality of times, integrating or averaging the sampled voltage levels, and comparing the integrated or averaged sampled voltage levels with a reference voltage.

Abstract: A method of recording video data and the accompanied sound data capable of editing the video data and sound data track by track without editing gaps is disclosed. The track format includes a first block of tracks for video data and a second block of tracks for sound data for a predetermined number of frames. Another method of selectively recording one of a plurality of kinds of video data having different amounts of data per frame or field and the accompanied sound data (NTSC and PAL for example) is provided. In this method, the video data and sound data are recorded with a recording and editing unit which is a determined by a common multiple of the selected one of kinds of video data among the amounts of data of the different kinds of video data.

Abstract: A rotary head type reproducing apparatus capable of displaying each data code indicative of date, time and frame number, without interruption even during reproduction from a recording track on which a recording is made with such data code absent. In the apparatus, a recording track having a data code signal recording area in which a search marker is recorded is scanned by a rotary head, and when the search marker is reproduced and outputted, the search marker is demodulated by a search marker demodulating circuit and, simultaneously, the output of a data interpolating circuit is selected at the input of a switch. Each time a variation point of an SWP (head switching pulse) is detected by an SWP detecting circuit, the data interpolating circuit increments the respective count values of a frame counter, a time counter and a date counter decoded from a data code, on the basis of a data code obtained immediately before the demodulation of the search marker, and outputs the result to a system control circuit.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus provided with the maximum likelihood decoding utilizes a standard deviation of difference metrics as an estimating function for adjustment for the purpose of achieving a short-time adjustment with a small number of samples. A regenerative clock and a reproduction signal outputted from the information recording and reproducing apparatus are supplied to a maximum likelihood decoder. Based on the estimated recorded series detected by the maximum likelihood decoder at a low error rate, a recording state detector generates a recorded bit series. Then, a standard deviation calculator operates to select a difference metric delayed by a detected amount by a display line from the difference metrics outputted from the maximum likelihood decoder and derives the standard deviation of the difference metrics. Then, a .sigma..sub.-- .DELTA.m/.mu..sub.-- .DELTA.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording video data by forming many tracks on a recording medium and/or for reproducing the video data from the tracks is provided with a memory which is arranged to have recording video data or reproduced video data supplied thereto. The apparatus detects the picture change-over portion of the video data obtained within the tracks and controls, in accordance with the detected position, an offset degree between the writing and reading addresses of the memory.

Abstract: A digital signal recording and/or reproducing apparatus and method can maintain a satisfactory continuity of a previously-recorded area and a postrecorded area by reducing a tracking displacement between the previously-recorded area and the postrecorded area. A signal from a playback amplifier (10) is supplied to a f1/f2 discriminating circuit (13), and a discriminated signal is supplied to a tracking information detector (14). A memory (15) is controlled by a system controller (100). Tracking information from the detector (14) is supplied to the memory (15) which independently memorizes tracking information signals of respective areas of a video signal, an audio signal, a subcode signal and an ITI signal. Tracking information signals of the respective areas memorized in the memory (15) are selected by a selector (16) formed of switches (16.sub.1 to 16.sub.4) and supplied to an averaging circuit (17).

Abstract: A receiver/recorder for television transmissions whereby continuous recording of television transmission occurs from at least one channel onto a random-access rewritable recording medium. At each of a plurality of predetermined locations a binary code is periodically written to represent a filling of predetermined portions corresponding respectively to the predetermined locations. An indexing device responds to the binary code in order to automatically distinguish between a first in time recorded transmission on the medium from a second in time recorded transmission on the medium at a particular one of the predetermined locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducing and after-recording digital signals in slant recording tracks sequentially arranged on a recording medium includes a recording subsystem for recording digital signals in each of the slant tracks and a reproducing subsystem for reproducing digital signals therefrom. The recording and reproducing subsystems include one or more recording and/or reproducing heads for scanning each of the tracks for recording and reproducing digital data therein. A tracking control subsystem controls tracking of the heads with respect to the tracks in a reproducing mode based upon tracking signals recorded both in first and second tracking signal recording areas of the tracks located at initial and final scan positions, respectively, of each track.

Abstract: A digital data recording apparatus records digital data in tracks on a tape. Each track has a first signal area for storing track format information and a second signal area for storing a plurality of sync blocks. The apparatus includes a circuit for inserting, in the first signal area, regular TDS information indicating the track data structure of digital data, and a circuit for inserting, in the final sync block, backup TDS information having the same structure as the regular TDS information.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for a tape-shaped recording medium having two channels recorded in forward and backward directions, respectively. The reproducing apparatus is arranged to cause a reproducing head to scan concurrently regions which respectively include the two channels, reproduce data in the forward and backward directions at a time, and convert the backward-reproduced data into forward data through writing and reading to and from a memory.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing digital audio and video signals in slanted tracks on a magnetic tape, an integral number of samples of the digital audio signals, which forms a unit thereof, are allocated to a plurality of fields of the digital video signals. Sequence signals are recorded in both slanted and longitudinal tracks on the tape. The sequence signals indicate the conclusion of the digital audio data, that is, the units of the digital audio signals on the basis of the fields of the digital video signals. During reproduction of the sequence signals, the error rate of the sequence signals reproduced from the slanted and longitudinal tracks, respectively, are detected. Based on the detected error rate, the sequence signals reproduced from either the slanted tracks or the longitudinal tracks are selected. Therefore, if the sequence signals are lost or distorted on either the slanted or longitudinal tracks, the sequence signals may be still reproduced from the other track.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing system is arranged to record converted two-channel audio signals obtained by using all four-channel stereophonic audio signals and audio signals of two specific channels included in the four-channel stereophonic audio signals on a recording medium as four-channel recording audio signals and, at the time of reproduction, to be capable of restoring the four-channel recording audio signals to the four-channel stereophonic audio signals and also to permit either the four-channel stereophonic audio signals or the converted two-channel audio signals to be selectively outputted.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording/playback apparatus for recording and playing back a digital video signal on a helical track of a magnetic tape using two or more rotary heads, the playback image at the time of high-speed playback is improved by setting the tape travel speed at the time of high-speed playback at an even multiple of a normal playback speed. Further, a tracking phase is offset by one half the track pitch with respect to the tracking during normal speed playback. Alternatively, essential information of the information having been high-efficiency coded is recorded in the central part, and near the ends of the tracks, while high-precision information is recorded in intermediate parts intermediate between the central part and the parts near the ends. Still alternatively, the video data of one of the consecutive fields is recorded in the central part of the tracks and the video data of the other of the consecutive fields is recorded near the ends of the tracks.

Abstract: A system for eliminating access time in CD-ROM based interactive video applications. A CD-ROM disc is formatted with multiple interleaved animation sequences. During playback, a user is able to select a sequence as the current sequence. Only those frames corresponding to the current sequence are displayed while other frames are dropped. The interleaved pattern of frames allows multiple sequences to be available from the CD-ROM drive without requiring repositioning of the CD-ROM drive's read head thereby eliminating access time. Specific patterns of interleaving that advantageously improve interactivity of an interactive production are described. A frame buffering implementation is described.

Abstract: In an image signal recording system for recording on a recording medium an original image signal corresponding to an original picture which is comprised of a plurality of pixels, the original picture is divided into a plurality of pixel blocks each consisting of a predetermined number of pixels, and image signals each corresponding to the associated pixel block divided are recorded on the recording medium in accordance with a first recording mode and a second recording mode which are mutually different in a recording format. Either of the first and second recording modes is selected on each of the plurality of pixel blocks and a recording mode information signal corresponding to the selected recording mode is generated. There are recorded on the recording medium, the first image information signal or the second image information signal formed and the recording mode information signal generated, on a multiple basis.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording a video signal on a recording medium together with data signals relative to the video signal comprises a first signal processing channel in which the data signals are supplied to a monitor in a state of being superimposed on the video signal, a second signal processing channel in which the data signals are supplied to the monitor without being superimposed on the video signal and a selector which selectively renders the first signal processing channel or the second signal processing channel operative. Where a display of the recording video signal on the monitor is excessively covered and hidden by that of the data signal, the second signal processing channel is selected and operated to permit adequate visual confirmation on the monitor of the video signal to be recorded.

Abstract: Information is recorded on a floppy disk in a state in which the confidentiality of the information is maintained. An ID signal representing ID information is magnetically recorded down to the lower layer of a floppy disk when data is recorded. A data signal representing information (a data file) to be recorded is also magnetically recorded down to the lower layer of the floppy disk. A security signal is magnetically recorded on the upper layer of the floppy disk over at least the data signal that has been recorded on the lower layer of the floppy disk. At the time of data reproduction, the ID signal is reproduced from the floppy disk and the ID information represented by the reproduced ID signal is compared with entered ID information. When the two items of compared ID information agree, the security signal that has been recorded on the upper layer of the floppy disk is erased. The data signal that has been recorded on the lower layer of the floppy disk is then reproduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing an indexed audio tape. The method includes the step of recording data in a guard band interposed between and parallel to two signal tracks used to record audio signals on an audio tape. The recorded data is shifted to frequencies higher than the bandwidth of the audio signals. A plurality of programs are recorded onto the two signal tracks with spaces between the programs. A nonaudible program presence signal is recorded onto the two signal tracks coincident with the plurality of programs. The nonaudible program presence signal is not recorded in the spaces between the programs. A program directory is recorded onto the guard band just before the start of each program recorded on the two signal tracks. In an embodiment, text is recorded onto the guard band parallel to and corresponding to audio in the programs recorded on the two signal tracks of the audio tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a video signal while forming a multiplicity of recording tracks in parallel on a tape-shaped recording medium, wherein camera information representing the operating state of a camera when shooting each picture is recorded in a position corresponding to the recorded track of that picture so that the operating state of the camera at the time of taking the video signal which has already been recorded can reappear. Therefore, in a case where a video signal is recorded in continuity with this recorded portion, the camera operating state is controlled in a joint portion of these to improve the continuity in this joint portion.

Abstract: A signal recording apparatus is arranged to record main information in a first area provided in each of a multiplicity of parallel tracks formed on a tape-shaped recording medium, and an index signal in a second area of each of a predetermined number of continuous tracks, the second area being provided separately from the first area within each of the multiplicity of parallel tracks. The apparatus records, as the index signal, first index information in a first section within the second area of each of the predetermined number of continuous tracks, with either one of binary data being repeated continuously during a period corresponding to the first section, and second index information in a second section within the second area of each of the predetermined number of continuous tracks, the second index information including track data indicative of relation to a specific track among the predetermined number of continuous tracks.

Abstract: A video signal is divided into a plurality of partial signals. A time code signal is generated which is incremented every field or frame of the video signal. One of predetermined different corrective signals or calibration signals is sequentially selected in response to the time code signal. The time code signal and the selected corrective signal are interposed in segments of the partial signals which relate to a given line of the field or frame to convert the partial signals into composite signals. The composite signals are recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: In digital signal recording/reproducing apparatus, the reproduced signal is utilized to determine the magnetic recording head position on a magnetic track. The reproduced signal is processed to detect any error and to produce a reference signal for the magnetic head to be positioned over the magnetic track, thus accomplishing the function of "after recording".

Abstract: An apparatus for recording video data by forming many tracks on a recording medium and/or for reproducing the video data from the tracks is provided with a memory which is arranged to have recording video data or reproduced video data supplied thereto. The apparatus detects the picture change-over portion of the video data obtained within the tracks and controls, in accordance with the detected position, an offset degree between the writing and reading addresses of the memory.

Abstract: A helical scan type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus records/reproduces a video signal and a audio signal on/from tracks formed on a magnetic tape obliquely with respect to a longitudinal direction of a magnetic tape wound on a rotary drum. When a multiplexed signal containing a frequency modulated luminance signal and a low frequency converted chrominance signal and a frequency modulated audio signal which are related to an analog video signal are recorded/reproduced, the rotary drum is rotated in synchronism with a frame pulse of the analog video signal. When a digital video signal is recorded/reproduced, the rotary drum is rotated at a speed 1.25 times that when an analog video signal of the NTSC system is recorded/reproduced and at a speed 1.5 times that when an analog video signal of the PAL or SECAM system is recorded/reproduced.

Abstract: A character editing system for a VCR, comprising a control circuit for performing on-screen display control and recording control operations for character data in a character editing mode; a character recording circuit for encoding character data, demodulating the encoded data and recording the demodulated data on a selected one of stereo audio tracks of a video tape under a control of the control circuit; an audio reproducing circuit for detecting audio signals and character data from the audio tracks and outputting the detected audio signals to speakers; a video reproducing circuit for detecting video signals from a video track of the video tape and demodulating the detected video signals; and a character output circuit for outputting the character data which is to be recorded or the character data which is reproduced by the audio reproducing circuit, placing the data on the reproduced video signal from the video reproducing circuit, under a control of the control circuit.

Abstract: A receiver/recorder of television transmissions is disclosed which operates automatically on a stand-by basis to record continuously television transmissions from at least one channel onto a reusable large capacity recording medium such as a magnetooptic disk. The recording is accomplished without user intervention and the system includes an indexing for distinguishing a recent recording from an older recording which is partially overlapped by the recent recording.

Abstract: A signal processing system for a high resolution digital video tape recorder (VTR) includes circuitry which processes the high resolution video signal to produce a relatively low resolution video signal which may be recorded on the tape with the high resolution video signal. The low resolution video signal is encoded using intra-frame techniques and recorded in fixed-length segments which appear at predetermined locations in the tape tracks. Low resolution segments representing images in different frames may be recovered and combined to produce an image which is suitable for display in trick-play modes. During normal play modes, the data stream representing the high resolution image is recovered in sequence. Accordingly, this high resolution image may be encoded using predictive coding techniques as well as intra-frame techniques.

Abstract: An optical disk containing PG-rated and R-rated versions of the same motion picture. To minimize redundant storage of data, three types of video data blocks are provided in the same track, in an interleaved fashion--A-type blocks which contain material unique to version A, B-type blocks which contain material unique to version B, and C-type blocks which contain material common to both. A series of codes and pointers included in each block allow play of all common blocks, play of all A or B blocks depending on which version has been selected, and skipping over of the blocks which contain data unique to the unselected version. Play of adult-rated versions are automatically prevented if a parental lock option in the player has been keyed on. The disk may contain special software for identifying multiple versions of the same material where the selection criterion is one other than a rating.

Abstract: A video data recording apparatus which records video data by forming a number of tracks parallel with each other on a recording medium, wherein recording positions of boundaries between adjacent fields of video signal are variably located on the tracks and wherein a time code is recorded at a constant position in each of the tracks.

Abstract: Tracking control apparatus and method for a digital/analog recording/playback system which is capable of recording and playing back a digital video signal as well as an analog video signal compatible with an existing VHS system. A tracking signal is recorded by first and second heads for the recording and playback of an analog video signal, and a digital video signal is recorded by third and fourth heads for the recording and playback of the digital video signal. The recorded tracking signal is played back by the first and second heads and the recorded digital video signal is played back by the third and fourth heads. The digital video signal is recorded on a portion of a tape wound at an angle of 180.degree. with respect to a head drum and the tracking signal is recorded on upper and lower 5.degree. portions adjoining the 180.degree.-wound portion of the tape. Therefore, a loss of the digital video signal can be avoided. This has the effect of obtaining a high picture quality.

Abstract: An analog-cum-digital video recording and reproducing device which can perform recording and reproduction of HDTV digital signals as well signals as well as recording and reproduction of VHS analog signals is disclosed. The device has separate recording and reproduction processing systems for processing HDTV digital signals and VHS analog signals, digital recording and reproduction heads, and analog recording and reproduction heads, which can perform selective recording and reproduction of HDTV digital video signals and VHS analog video signals on or from a VHS tape by controlling running of the tape and rotation of the head drum to speeds appropriate to the respective signal processing system. It further allows use of an existing VHS or S-VHS tape for recording and reproduction of analog or digital video signals by providing means for interchangeable reproduction of an existing VHS tape, which allows recording of the high quality HDTV signals on a 1/2" VHS tape.

Abstract: A video tape recorder enables a normal video signal for an aspect ratio of 4:3 or a wide-picture video signal for a greater aspect ratio of, for example, 16:9 to be selectively recorded/reproduced onto and from a magnetic tape. In order to identify which of the aspect ratios the reproduced video signal is based on, a recording mode signal indicative of the aspect ratio is recorded on the magnetic tape together with the video signal. A code signal or a pilot signal is used for the recording mode signal. In the reproducing operation, the aspect ratio of a reproduced picture is recognized from the recording mode signal, and a signal indicative of the aspect ratio is delivered to an external device, such as a television set, together with reproduced video/audio signals. In a case where the reproduced picture is a wide picture and where the external device does not conform to the wide picture, the aspect ratio of the video signal is changed.

Abstract: In a video signal recording/reproducing apparatus, a video signal is subjected to bit rate reduction including a variable length processing to obtain a coded data. The coded data is separated into basic data which shows a basic construction of a video image and has a fixed data length and additional data which shows detailed information of the video image and has a variable data length. In recording the coded data containing basic data and additional data on a recording medium, the basic data is recorded in one region on the recording medium and the additional data is recorded continuously in a region other than the basic data recording region, by which both data are recorded in separated regions on the recording medium.

Abstract: A high-definition television receiver includes circuitry to decode a received high-definition television signal to produce a digital data stream representing the corresponding high-definition television image. In addition, the receiver includes circuitry which generates a signal representing a reduced resolution image from the decoded data stream. The receiver provides both the high-definition television signal and the reduced resolution signal at an output port. A video tape recorder (VTR) receives the two signals, segments them and formats them onto the tape in a manner which allows a majority of the reduced resolution segments to be recovered and displayed in at least one of the VTR's trick-play modes. The reduced resolution image may be from the same channel or from a different channel and may also be displayed as an inset picture (PIX-IN-PIX) in the main high-definition image.

Abstract: An image signal recording apparatus of this invention for recording an image signal on a recording medium, is arranged to divide an image signal corresponding to one picture into k field image signals (k=an integer not less than 3), then multiplex a first index signal indicating that frame reproduction is possible during reproduction with 2n field image signals (n=an integer not less than 1) from among the k field image signals thus formed, while multiplexing a second index signal indicating that no frame reproduction is possible during reproduction with m field image signals (m=a positive integer) from among the k field image signals; and then record the k field image signals, each of which is multiplexed with the first or second index signal, on k tracks of the recording medium, respectively. With this arrangement, it is possible to record on the recording medium an image signal with high image quality compared to conventional arrangements while retaining compatibility with them.

Abstract: A magnetic video and audio signals recording apparatus for simultaneously recording video signals and two audio signals in first and second recording areas on a magnetic recording medium comprising a video signal recording structure for recording the video signals in the first recording area using magnetic heads A1 and B2, a first audio signal recording structure for recording an FM audio signal to be recorded obtained by at least frequency-modulating the audio signals in a deep portion of the second recording area using a magnetic head C1, and a second audio signal recording structure for subsequently recording a PCM audio signal to be recorded on a surface portion of the second recording area using a magnetic head D1.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus records video signals divided into plural segments in every specific group, and also records index signals accompanying the video signals in different areas on a magnetic tape having oblique tracks. The apparatus also records the time code of at least the video signal as the index signal, and records the same time code in the index areas of at least three continuous plural tracks. The index area for recording the time code is divided into a plurality of small areas in one track, and the same time code is recorded in each small region. The leader code is recorded in the index area for recording at least the time code.

Abstract: A digital VTR using Automatic Track Finding (ATF) of a four frequency pilot signal system, employing a multiple segment recording system for high density recording and wide band recording. In a recording mode, a segment code signal is recorded on each track in response to a frame synchronizing signal. In a reproduction mode, the phase difference between the reproduced segment code signal and the frame synchronizing signal is detected by phase comparing circuit 26. The rotation speed of capstan motor 29 is controlled so that the phase relation of one signal in the reproduction mode becomes the same as that in the recording mode. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a stable video in the VTR using the segment recording system.

Abstract: A recording method is provided for a video tape recording apparatus having modes for recording PCM audio signals in a plurality of transmission rates. Index codes for a video signal, which enable a search reproduction and so on, are recorded on a video tape in a constant transmission rate irrespective of the transmission rate of a PCM audio signal to be recorded. Further, an amble pattern at the same frequency as the transmission rate of the PCM audio signal is recorded immediately behind the PCM signal recording area. A reproducing apparatus may be provided only with an index detecting circuit corresponding to the constant transmission rate.