Abstract: A storage apparatus which performs writing and reading of data on a magnetic tape by the helical scan method using a rotary head, in particular one suited to use with a large-sized host computer, which storage apparatus includes mainly a storage control unit connected to the host computer and a drive unit for reading from and writing on the magnetic tape. System areas are formed on the magnetic tapes, which system areas have tables which include management information relating to the magnetic tapes themselves and able to be renewed by the storage control unit. By using these tables, the magnetic tapes can be easily accessed at a high speed, diagnosed as to trouble, and managed in data blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for recording on and reproducing from a record medium events supplied at particular times from at least one source, as well as preset data selectively input by a user to establish an event to be recorded and the time of recording that event. Preset data to select source, time and duration of events to be recorded on the record medium are selectively input and stored in a temporary storage device for recording on the record medium. A display operates to display preset data stored in the storage device and is controlled to provide indications of events to be (and that may have been) recorded.

Abstract: A magnetic reproducing device such as a VTR, DAT, or the like reproduces recorded information from inclined tracks on a magnetic tape, having auxiliary information, such as address information, recorded in areas in the inclined tracks, includes a rotary magnetic head rotatable for successively scanning the tracks on the magnetic tape to generate a reproduced signal representative of the auxiliary information. A pulse signal is generated having pulses in synchronism with each rotation of the rotary magnetic head through a predetermined angle. Window pulses used subsequently to extract the auxiliary information in the areas from the reproduced signal are generated based on the pulse signal.

Abstract: In a sector servo type hard-disk apparatus, in the case where a recording medium is not manufacture-formatted, gain control data is written/read in/from a CSS zone of the recording medium after power is turned on and before the first seek is executed. The write/read of the gain control data in/from the CSS zone is also executed in accordance with a peak level of an output signal from an AGC amplifier.

Abstract: In an apparatus for multi-segment recording/reproducing of a compressed digital video signal, a reproduced position within a group unit of the video signal is detected by a reproduced position detector in its reproducing state. A relative position detector detects and stores a phase difference of the reproduced position and a position indicated by a reference signal synchronized with the input video signal. A delay time adjuster adjusts a delay time of the compressed video signal according to this phase difference. A head is changed over from its reproducing state to its recording state by a switch so as to record the compressed video signal delayed by the delay time adjuster on a recording medium.

Abstract: In a storage medium, data for controlling a recording and reproducing apparatus is stored in a management database recording region provided in recording tracks. Management data recorded in the management database recording region can include various types of management information, such as erase permission or inhibition, information indicating whether the program recorded in the recording tracks has been reproduced, external unit control data for controlling cooperating apparatus, subscriber data corresponding to a respective program, a recorded flag for redesignating recording reservation information corresponding to a recorded program as recorded program information and character display information for depicting a personified guide character for an interactive display.

Abstract: A recording control apparatus for use with a tape recorder. The apparatus comprises a recording circuit selectively activated; a clock generating means for generating control clock pulses that provide the basis for controlling the recording circuit; a counting means for counting the control clock pulses; a counter setting means for initializing the counting means; a recording circuit control means for controlling the recording circuit in accordance with the output of the counting means; and a control means for supplying the counter setting means with initial values from which to start the counting before predetermined points in time at which to start and stop recording. With time monitored by the clock generating and counting means, the burdens on the computer in its performance are alleviated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating video picture adjustment signals in a VCR.

Abstract: An audio signal recorded on a single track of a magnetic disk and a plurality of corresponding or associated video signals recorded on successive coaxial tracks are reproduced by determining the playback time of the audio signal, and dividing it by the number of video signals. In this manner the video signals are successively reproduced for equal time periods, to thus "synchronize" their display with the continuous, protracted playback of the audio signal.

Abstract: Digital information recorded in a track (T.sub.a.i) on a tape-like magnetic record carrier (20) can be read out again when the record carrier is transported in a specific direction. The transport direction of the record carrier when the information is recorded may be similar or opposite to the direction in which the information is reproduced. This implies that as a function thereof a first or second equalization filter (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) is to be used during reproduction so as to realise a first or second filtering of the information that is read out. For this purpose, markers (M.sub.1, M.sub.2) are introduced on the record carrier (20) or the cassette (61). From these markers there may be derived whether the side being read out at a specific moment has been recorded in a transport direction similar or opposite to the transport direction during reproduction.

Abstract: An apparatus reproduces an information signal modulating a carrier signal recorded on a magnetic tape. A portion of the signal being boosted in accordance with a characteristic of the information signal. The apparatus comprises a playback device for reproducing the information signal from the magnetic tape, a detector for detecting the levels of the portion of the signal and the rest of the signal respectively and comparing the levels with each other, and a judging circuit for judging the characteristics of the signal in accordance with the output of the detector.

Abstract: A writing method suitable for practice with magnetic tape cassettes in particular. After writing a first stream of file data on the tape in the form of a series of file data blocks, there is created one or more, preferably two, file mark blocks immediately after the last file data block. Then, in writing a second stream of file data on a blank tape length left after the first file data stream, at least one file mark cancel mark block is created after the file mark blocks, instead of the conventional practice of overwriting the first block of the second file data stream on the second file mark block following the first file data stream. Then the second stream of file data is written in the form of another series of file data blocks after the cancel mark block. The first and second streams of file data can be subsequently read one after the other.

Abstract: A specific section provided in a track is set in a DC free state, and during reproducing, accurate tracking is conducted on the basis of the crosstalk from the pilot tone superposed in the adjacent tracks in this DC free section. Alternatively, a pilot tone is generated only in a specific section provided in the track, and when reproducing, accurate tracking is effected on the basis of the crosstalk of the pilot tone in the tracks adjacent to this section. As a result, the redundancy required for tracking is notably reduced.

Abstract: An audio signal recording apparatus and method for recording an video signal (e.g., a half field) and at least four channels of audio signals corresponding to the video signal to a plurality of tracks on a tape. The audio signals are recorded to recording blocks in an audio recording area which are separated from a recording area for the corresponding video signal in accordance with a priority rating. More specifically, the at least four channels of audio signals are divided into groups each having a plurality of channels. The audio signal recording area is divided into a plurality of recording blocks in the longitudinal direction of the tracks and each group of audio data is recorded to one of the audio signal recording blocks. Each group of audio data is assigned a priority rating depending on the importance of the data contained therein. Audio data having a high priority are recorded to blocks that are located further away from the track ends than those for audio data having a low priority.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selectively recording a digital information signal on a first magnetic tape cassette having a tape with a first characteristic or a second magnetic tape cassette having a tape with a second characteristic. The digital information signal selectively has a recording mode of a first standard or a recording mode of a second standard. The apparatus comprises a first sensor for detecting the kind of the magnetic tape cassette, a second sensor for detecting the kind of the recording mode, and a controller for controlling value of recording current for the digital information signal in response to the outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: An image reproduction apparatus with a plurality of disk players which concurrently perform play operation so as to produce a plurality of division video format signal concurrently. The video format signal are combined into a signal/final video format signal. The respective frame numbers extracted from the respective division video format signals are compared with the corresponding designated frame numbers. When the extracted frame number and the designated frame number do not coincide to each other, the corresponding division video format signal is ignored in the synthesis operation for producing the final video format signal.

Abstract: A digital recording and reproducing method and system by which a desired control code can be recorded onto and reproduced from an analog record tape to improve the operability in reproduction of such analog record tape. A fixed head unit is used which has a first track face on which an analog head is provided and a second track face on which a plurality of digital heads are provided. Upon analog reproduction or recording onto or from one of a pair of analog tracks of a tape by means of the analog head, a desired control code is digitally recorded onto a non-recorded gap portion of the other analog track using a particular one of the digital heads. Then, upon analog reproduction by the analog head, the digitally recorded control code is read out from the tape using the digital heads.

Abstract: An audio signal of arbitrary length is recorded on a single track of a magnetic disk, and a plurality of corresponding or associated video signals are recorded on successive coaxial tracks. The deviation of each video signal is counted during the reception of the audio signal, and data representative thereof is superposed on the recorded video signals to "coordinate" subsequent playback.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus for recording video signals while forming m number of tracks per frame on a recording medium by using a n number of rotary heads, m being an integer greater than n with n an integer of 2 or more. The apparatus is arranged to record tracking control signals cyclically on every n number of tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and reproducing a video signal and a digital audio signal, the audio signal being recorded and reproduced in either a first mode or a second mode, includes a rotary drum having a pair of rotary heads and records the video signal and selectively records the audio signal on a magnetic tape wrapped around the rotary drum. When the video signal and selected digital audio signals are reproduced, a detector detects the frequency of a predetermined portion of the reproduced signal and judges the mode of the digital audio signal on the basis of the detected frequency.

Abstract: In a digital video signal recording/reproducing apparatus for recording digital VCR video and audio signals by using a rotary cylinder, for a video signal with a frame frequency fN of 30 Hz or 29.97 Hz, the rotating frequency of the cylinder is set to 2.5 times fN. On the other hand, for a signal with a frame frequency fP of 25 Hz, the rotating frequency of the cylinder is set to 3.0 times fP. As a result, as long as the cylinder diameters are identical, the relative speed of the tape and the head is the same for video signals of either frame frequency fN or fP.

Abstract: In a signal recording apparatus, a signal recording track and a tracking error detection track are formed in the predetermined positions of a recording track in ordinary recording. In editing and recording, an editing recording track is formed on the basis of the tracking error detection track, thereby it is possible to restrict a deviation of tracking to a predetermined amount even when editing work is repeated in a case where tracking deviation occurs at a start of editing work.

Abstract: A disc reproducing apparatus comprises a reference frequency generating circuit that generates a reference frequency signal. The frequency of the reference frequency signal from the reference frequency generating circuit is varied whereby a disc is reproduced at both a first and a second constant linear velocity, the second velocity being higher than the first. The improvement over the prior art is that the frequency of the reference frequency signal is varied gradually in steps upon switching from the first constant linear velocity to the second constant linear velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a video signal while forming a great number of parallel tracks on a tape-shaped recording medium, and reproducing the video signal from the track, wherein for a specified picture on the recording medium, a processing code to be used in printing the picture is recorded on the recording medium in correspondence with the specified picture, whereby without recourse to an actual printing of the specified picture, it is possible that only the practice of recording the processing code for the specified picture of the tape-shaped recording medium suffices for starting a selecting operation for the next picture.

Abstract: A first reproduction circuit reproduces a digital stereo audio signal from a signal which is read by means of a pickup from a disc loaded at a playback position, and a second reproduction circuit reproduces an analog audio signal from the signal read by the pickup. When the disc loaded at the playback position is identified as being a Laser vision Disc with Digital sound (LDD) disc, the stereo audio signal outputted from the first reproduction circuit is mixed with the analog audio signal outputted from the second reproduction circuit, such that a vocal portion of a reproduction can be reproduced together with an accompaniment portion of the reproduction, in a stereo mode.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus in which signals are recorded onto and reproduced from a magnetic tape wound around a peripheral surface of a rotary drum by magnetic heads which are attached to the peripheral surface of the rotary drum corresponding to a plurality of channels, respectively, comprises at least: a detector to detect an envelope level of a reproduced RF signal which is derived from the magnetic head every channel; a comparator to compare the detection output and a reference level and to generate a control voltage corresponding to the magnetic head every channel; a latch to store the control voltage; and a circuit to make the envelope level of the reproduction RF signal constant in accordance with a predetermined timing for supplying the control voltage.

Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, a drum unit incorporates a first recording/reproducing control head. A second recording/reproducing control head is disposed within a running path of a magnetic tape. A control signal synchronizing with a record starting point of recording tracks is recorded by the first or second recording/reproducing control head. The second recording/reproducing control head is controlled in accordance with a state where the control signal is recorded or reproduced by the first recording/reproducing control head, thus recording or reproducing the control signal. A deviation in tracking which is caused due to stretching/contraction of the magnetic tape can be effectively avoided. The control signals can be recorded or reproduced more surely than in the prior art.

Abstract: In a DAT (digital audio tape) recorder in which data is recorded and reproduced in a helical scanning system by using a rotary head, a magnetic tape is firstly wound back for usual reproduction when performing reverse reproduction. Data thus reproduced is once memorized in a memory, and data is outputted in the reverse sequence of the reproduction sequence from the memory. In this kind of reverse reproduction movement, the total sum of the number of data in each recording area is obtained by detecting the number of data thereof when winding back the magnetic tape. Winding back is stopped when this total sum exceeds the memory capacity of the memory. After that, usual reproduction is carried out and data after the next recording area of the recording area in which the total sum exceeds the capacity of the memory is memorized one after another in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing from a recording medium a frequency-modulated audio signal which has its carrier level in a specific period determined according to the kind of information and for producing the audio signal after processing the reproduced audio signal is arranged to control the signal processing action according to the output of a detecting circuit which detects the level of a difference between the carrier level of the frequency-modulated audio signal obtained in the specific period and the carrier level obtained in a period other than the specific period or detects changes taking place in the carrier level. This arrangement enables the apparatus to process the audio signal appositely to the kind of the frequency-modulated signal thereof without recourse to any additional reproducing circuit solely for this purpose. Further, the apparatus is arranged to prevent any faulty signal processing action by nullifying as necessary the output of the detecting circuit.

Abstract: A composite digital signal received by a recording and reproducing apparatus includes a digital information signal and a control signal. The control signal represents a number of digital copy generation of the associated information signal. The information signal of the received digital composite signal is recorded into recording medium. The information signal is reproduced from the recording medium. During the reproduction of the information signal, a new control signal is generated which represents a number equal to one plus the number represented by the control signal of the received composite digital signal. The new control signal and the reproduced information signal are combined into a new composite digital signal. The new composite digital signal is outputted. A check is made as to whether or not the number represented by the control signal of the received composite digital signal is equal to a predetermined number.

Abstract: A recording/reproduction device uses a PG signal, generated in a yoke in accordance with rotation of a magnetic disc using a PG yoke, as a timing signal for recording or reproduction of video signals. A noise other than the PG signal is removed therefrom by rejecting a signal unless a signal status of "H" or "L" continues for a predetermined period of time or more. Also, a signal generated with a period shorter than that of the PG signal generated by one full turn of the magnetic disc is masked.

Abstract: A recording mode discriminating circuit corresponding to reproduced signals of first and second recording modes in which a carrier frequency of frequency-modulated luminance signal becomes high and low includes a first bandpass filter using an upper side band wave frequency of the first recording mode as a central frequency thereof, a second bandpass filter using a predetermined carrier frequency of the second recording mode as a central frequency thereof, a discharge control circuit for flowing or interrupting a current of a first predetermined value in response to the presence or absence of the first bandpass filter when the reproduced signals are supplied, a charge and discharge control circuit for flowing or interrupting a current of a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value in response to the presence or absence of the output of the second bandpass filter, and a capacitor commonly connected to the discharging circuit and the charging and discharging circuit, wherein the reco

Abstract: A computer storage DAT drive which detects the form of a DAT tape and provides an audio signal output in response to an audio DAT tape. The drive rewinds the tape and then plays the tape at a speed that is about 5 to 15 times normal playback speed. During such playback, the tape length is determined and the subcode information is read to determine the format of the tape being played back. If the subcode tape format information reliably indicates the presence of an audio tape, the speed of playback is reduced to normal playback, and audio data interface circuitry is enabled for processing the audio data and providing an audio output signal to a front panel audio jack, for example. If the tape is not recognized as an audio tape within the playback of a predetermined length of tape, playback speed is reduced to normal playback speed and reading of the subcode information continues.

Abstract: An arrangement to remove drift and wow and flutter in a tape recording comprising recording a control signal tone derived from a reference clock (159) in a dedicated control channel or embedded in a signal channel. The control signal on playback (151) is compared to the reference signal in an up/down counter (172) and the difference is used to correct the speed of the tape drive. The drift corrected control tone signal is connected through a programmable RAM delay (154) and a latch (179) to a D/A converter (156). The delayed analogue control signal and the reference signal are limited then connected to phase comparator counter (158) which is triggered by the leading edge of the reference signal and read by the leading edge of the squared control signal to measure the time delay between them as a number of RAM (154) samples (N) and subsamples (n).

Abstract: A video protection system that allows selective control of video viewing, providing for the selection of video cassette programs according to ratings or other information provided on the video cassette. The protection system includes means by which viewing may be discriminated against according to ratings or other information applied to the exterior of the video cassette tape as by a label. An sensor, such as an optical sensor placed within a VCR to read the label having rating or other pertinent information is provided. A key lock mechanism or the like is utilized for selecting the viewing level. Associated circuitry is provided which may form part of a VCR or be provided as a separate unit to enable use with existing VCRs. The processing circuitry enables discrimination against viewing if the rating on video tape or the like does not match or fall below a preselected level set in the circuitry by the user.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus equipped with circuits to record a time code signal and a control signal relative to a tape position at a speed higher than a normal recording speed, whereby the time required for recording such signals can be widely shortened to reduce the time of the editing operation, hence enhancing the operational efficiency. Furthermore, the frequency of a bias signal is set to be higher than recordable signal frequencies determined in accordance with the normal tape speed, so that undesired generation of noise that may otherwise be derived from such bias signal can be prevented during the reproduction.

Abstract: A device capable of reproducing recording information without error and which eliminates a deterioration in a reproduced image quality during a dubbing operation. The still image reproducing device has a change-over switch that is capable of selectively delivering a demodulated image signal obtained through delaying an image signal by a time corresponding to 0.5 H. A control circuit outputs a switching control signal upon completion of one full rotation of a recording medium. A decoder decodes the demodulated recording information in response to a decoder control circuit, enabling the decoder to operate when the change-over switch is delivering the demodulated composite image signal. In the still image recording device, the composite image signal is FM demodulated. The demodulated composite image signal is multiplexed with a signal obtained by encoding and modulating the recording information. The multiplexed signal is supplied to a recording head through the gate circuit.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus comprises a signal compression unit responsive to a mode changeover signal for changing over the compression rate of input digital information between first and second compression rates, the second compression rate being higher than said first compression rate, a unit for generating a tracking-control pilot signal, a recording unit for recording the digital information compressed by said compressing unit and the pilot signal on a recording medium while forming a number of recording tracks, and a mode changeover unit for generating the mode changeover signal for changing over an operating mode of the apparatus between a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including: a first mode in which the compressing unit compresses the digital information at the first compression rate and the recording unit sets the proportion of a recording area of the pilot signal to the entirety of the recording track to a first ration; and a second mode in which the compressing unit compresses

Abstract: A method for recording a frame control signal serving as a reference signal of a video frame during recording, and for generating a frame control signal in a VTR (video tape recorder) from a control track based on a control signal during reproduction, wherein the video signal is recorded on and reproduced from multiple video tracks using multiple heads.The method for generating the frame control signal comprises the steps of using a microprocessor to determine whether a VTR is in the record or playback mode, counting the number of rising edges of the control signal, recording the control signal at 60% duty cycle or .alpha. % duty cycle based on a derived value "n", generating a frame control signal and controlling the phase of a capstan motor.

Abstract: In a method for synchronizing recording and reproducing devices including a master device and a slave device, during a recording mode and in a state where reference clock of the slave device is synchronized with reference clock of the master device, position information which is synchronized with the reference clock of the master device is recorded commonly in both the master and slave devices and information to be recorded is simultaneously recorded in both the master and slave devices. During a playback mode, the master device and the slave device reproduce the position information respectively at their own reference clocks and cause internal counters provided in the respective devices to perform counting at their own reference clocks and to be reset at a predetermined period of the position information reproduced in the respective devices.

Abstract: A dubbing apparatus for dubbing signals in which recording information, such as a distinction between the field picture and the frame picture, the track number, the date of shooting, etc. is multiplexed with compound video signals of a still picture. Revising data is inputted for instructing the revision of recording information. A decoder decodes the recording information to be dubbed. New recording information is prepared on the basis of the revising data and the decoded recording information. An encoder encodes the new recording information, while a modulating circuit modulates the encoded recorded information. A frequency modulation circuit frequency modulates a video signal that is to be dubbed, while a synthesizing circuit multiplexes the modulated recording information and the video signal. The multiplexed signal is recorded on a recording medium, so that it is possible to revise recording information at the time of dubbing.

Abstract: Information signals including single frame video signals are recorded on selected areas of a recording medium, with accompany recorded code signals associated with each frame. Address codes are employed to locate and read the information signals stored on the recording medium. The information read from the recording medium is processed, stored in a display buffer, and displayed on a viewing screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information signal discriminating apparatus adapted to ascertain the type of an information signal which includes a synchronizing signal and which is modulated by one of a plurality of types of modulation carrier signals having respective different frequencies. The information signal type is ascertained quickly by detecting the frequency of a synchronizing signal section included in the information signal concerned. In other words, the frequency thus detected indicates the information signal type.

Abstract: A program material screening device is provided whereby the owner/operator of a program material playback device such as a videocassette player, television, laser disc player, motion picture projector, phonograph or the like may automatically and selectively prevent the reproduction into humanly perceivable form of unwanted program material. The screening device is capable of recognizing non-interfering material content signals stored along with the program signals that are reproduced by the program material playback device, and is capable of automatically disabling the playback device in response to the recognition of the material content signal.

Abstract: A record and playback system comprises a signal source such as a video camera, a recording apparatus such as a VTR, and a control circuit device connected between the signal source and the recording apparatus. The control circuit device sends one or a few frames selected from a plurality of still picture frames to the successive frames of a composite picture signal given from the signal source to the recording apparatus, as well as sends a signal showing the total time length of a number of still picture frames. As a result, it is possible to record much and various picture information on a small volume of a record medium.

Abstract: An image/audio information recording/reproduction apparatus has a first recording device for receiving a first electrical signal representing image information and recording the image information on a dynamic recording medium of a given type, a static recording medium of a given type for storing a second electrical signal digitally representing audio information accompanying the image information, and a second recording device which is electrically connected to the static recording medium. The second recording device determines a memory address in the static recording medium of audio information accompanying the image information in a manner corresponding to a recording position of the image information on the dynamic recording medium, and records the audio information in the static recording medium in accordance with the determined memory address. The static recording medium includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory.

Abstract: A video signal recording mode detecting apparatus is provided to detect a plurality of recording modes in which frequencies of the carriers in FM video signals are different. By counting the number of pulses that result from wave-shaping the carrier of an FM video signal during a predetermined period, it is possible to detect the particular video signal recording mode being employed. By using a digital detecting mode circuit recording modes having different carriers can be positively detected by relative small-scale circuits suitable for fabrication as integrated circuits.

Abstract: An information signal recording apparatus of this invention records on a recording medium a signal which includes a first information signal and a second information signal which differs from the first information signal. It multiplexes the second information signal with a signal which is the first information signal during a first period and which is a constant frequency signal during a second period which differs from the first time period on a frequency basis, and records a resultant information signal on the recording medium. In consequence, the information signal can be recorded on the recording medium in such a way that the time base variations generated in the information signal reproduced from the recording medium can be readily corrected without using a special signal.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus selectively performs video recording and audio recording on a common magnetic tape. In an audio recording mode, the video recording area used to record video signals in a video recording mode is divided into a plurality of segments serving as audio recording channels. The recording and/or reproducing apparatus is provided with a recorded channel detector and an indicator including a plurality of indicator segments, each of which corresponds to one audio recording channel. The detector produces a detector signal representing that the current channel is pre-recorded. The indicator segments are responsive to the detector signals from the recorded channel detector to turn ON to indicate that the corresponding audio recording channel is occupied. This arrangement facilitates channel selection for the audio recorder by simply monitoring the indicator.

Abstract: A rotary head type recording and reproducing apparatus of the kind recording information codes on a tape-shaped recording medium by forming many parallel recording tracks and at the same time an additional code consisting of one byte at a predetermined position in each of the recording tracks and reproducing, by means of rotary heads, the signals from the medium, the apparatus is arranged to perform the reproduction as follows; A tracking error signal is formed by using signals reproduced from the rotary head. The tracking error signal is sampled at such a timing that enables the rotary head to reproduce the additional code. The position of the recording medium relative to the rotary head is controlled on the basis of the tracking error signal thus obtained.