Abstract: Recorded features on a recording medium have inter-feature pauses which must be reliably detected in order to control the selective replay of the features. Certain noise signals located within an inter-feature pause complicate the detection of the latter. These noise signals include low-frequency signals which have high voltage levels at playback speed, and middle- and high-frequency signals which have high voltage levels at fast forward or rewind speed. These high voltage levels of the noise signals could be mistaken for audio signals. A signal-processing circuit filters the noise signals from the audio signals. A control circuit changes the impedance of the signal-processing circuit such that the signals are filtered according to a first predetermined filter characteristic when the recording medium advances at playback speed, and according to a different second predetermined filter characteristic when the recording medium advances at fast forward or rewind speed.

Abstract: Recorded features on a recording medium have inter-feature pauses between features and intra-feature pauses during features. In order to selectively replay the recorded features, the inter-feature pauses must be detected and reliably distinguished from the intra-feature pauses. An information signal indicative of the time duration of each pause is generated, and a tape speed signal indicative of the speed of the recording medium is generated throughout advancement of the latter. A decision time period is initially established as the standard for distinguishing between inter-feature and intra-feature pauses. The decision period is updated in response to changes in the advancement speed of the recording medium. The time duration of each pause is compared with the time duration of the updated decision period for generating an output control signal which controls the selective replay capability of the recording/reproduction system.

Abstract: A home entertainment system and lighting cabinet simulates the sound and lighting effects of a discotheque. Light rays from a bank of differently colored lights are directed both to a mirrored rotating globe and to a rear reflecting panel behind the globe. A plurality of reflecting part-spherical domes and pyramidal-like projections are arranged on the rear panel and are configurated to reflect at least some of the impinging light rays back to the globe for subsequent reflection therefrom. The light rays reflected off the globe, domes and projections are projected about the room in which the system is located in a very dense pattern of reflected differently colored images. A stereo music system is mounted on the cabinet to combine a discotheque sound effect with the above-described lighting effect.

Abstract: A play/record switching circuit for an electrical signal reproducing and recording apparatus having inputs for source data signals and a microphone data signal, and a tape head for generating a tape head reproducing signal and for receiving one of the data signals to be recorded. The circuit includes one mechanical switch for selecting one of said signals, another mechanical switch for selecting either a play or a record mode, and electrical amplifiers for processing the various signals and for monitoring the processed signals. Positive- and negative- logic-controlled electronic bilateral switches are controlled by a D.C. voltage control signal for selecting the appropriate processing amplifier and the appropriate monitor amplifier in dependence upon which mode has been selected and which signal has been selected by both mechanical switches. The electronic amplifiers and the bilateral switches and the D.C. control signal circuitry are all incorporated on a single integrated circuit chip.