Abstract: A recording apparatus for a multitrack longitudinally extending record carrier records information by moving forward and reverse along various tracks in successive sub portions of the record carrier in a serpentine manner. This makes it possible to quickly access a desired portion of a recorded motion picture simply by changing tracks instead of having to wait until all intervening portions of the motion picture have been scanned. The apparatus is thus well suited to multimedia recording.

Abstract: It is known to adjust the width/height ratio (aspect ratio) in charge coupled imaging devices in that a number of columns may or may not be used on either side of the imaging matrix. It is possible in this manner, for example, to reduce the aspect ratio to 4/3 starting from a device with an aspect ratio of 16/9 corresponding to a widescreen TV. Practice has shown that this reduction in the width impairs the quality of the imaging device in the 4/3 mode. According to an aspect of the invention, an FT device with an aspect ratio of 4/3 is used and operated as a 4-phase CCD in the 4/3 mode. To obtain the 16/9 aspect ratio, the height of the device is reduced in that selected lines are not used. For this purpose, the sensor matrix is operated as a 3-phase CCD, whereby the number of lines in vertical direction is increased.