Abstract: An automatic cassette changer wherein a plurality of types of cassettes having different recording formats can be used. The automatic cassette changer comprises a plurality of types of cassettes in which different types of record media having different recording formats are accommodated, a cassette storage rack having a plurality of bins for storing the cassettes therein, a plurality of recording and/or reproducing apparatus each provided for selectively recording and/or reproducing a format signal in accordance with a selected one of the recording formats of the plurality of types of cassettes, and a transport mechanism for selectively transporting the cassettes between the bins and the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A bidirectional, multitrack magnetic tape subsystem is disclosed which is for use with a two-reel, belt-driven tape cartridge in which the tape tension increases linearly with tape travel in either direction. Upon completion of writing or reading data along one track, the tape is stopped at one extremity thereof and then reversed toward the other extremity, with the head unit held on said one track. Only after the tape has been reversed a predetermined short distance is the head unit shifted from said one to another track, preferably with the tape held at a standstill during such shifting. Thus the head unit travels between the bidirectional tracks on the tape when the tape tension is substantially at a minimum, thereby avoiding possible damage to the tape.

Abstract: An invention for positioning information tracks that are on a recording medium so that the scan path of a replay transducer is aligned with respect to those tracks has been discovered. The invention relieves tracking systems of the requirements of having dedicated servo heads, servo tracks, embedded servo recordings or preformatting procedures. A replay transducer "looks" for a synchronization mark on a data track to arrive at a prescribed time determined in a calibration step. The correct arrival time of the synchronization mark assures the correct positioning of the data track with respect to the scan path. Alternatively, an early or late arrival time signals an incorrect position and triggers a correction adjustment to the recording medium advancement mechanism.