Abstract: A storage mechanism utilizing a single data recorder from which multiple channels of compressed video data may be simultaneously accessed. The data access to and from the data recorder via a single data access path takes place at a higher data rate (f.sub.1, f.sub.2) than the data rate (f.sub.3, f.sub.4) at which that compressed data needs to be decoded to support a video signal. A video router is used to direct the reproduced data stored within two data channel buffers to respective JPEG decoders where they are decompressed into a signal suitable for driving two digital monitors. In operation, a segment of compressed video data for one channel is recovered from the data recorder and stored within one of the buffers from which it is continuously read at a lower data rate (f.sub.3, f.sub.4). The data recorder then cues to another part of the medium from which data for the second channel is reproduced and stored within another buffer. The process is then repeated.

Abstract: A digital video tape recording/playback system having a plurality of recording heads (A, B, C, D) on a rotating head mechanism 94 for recording slanting tracks 108 which extend diagonally across a tape 82 provides processing of video signals in a plurality of data processing channels with selective connection of the data processing channels to the recording heads such that data from a plurality of data processing channels are stored in respective portions of a slanting track (A+/A-; B+/B-; C+/C-; D+/D-). The data in each data processing channel and recorded in each track portion is sampled with a substantially even distribution over a field of video signals to provide for effective concealment of recording/playback errors. Preferably, two data processing channels are recorded on each track, the respective portions being located in upper and lower portions of the tape, respectively.

Abstract: Data formatting apparatus for formatting variable bit length data words into successive fixed bit length data words comprises an N-bit circular buffer comprising a plurality of concatenated buffer sections, each buffer section having the same bit length as one of the fixed bit length data words. A modulo-N counter generates a count of the cumulative length of received variable bit length data words. Each received variable bit length data word is stored in the N-bit circular buffer at a bit position dependent on the count signal, and, in response to a detection that data has been stored in all of the bits of that buffer section, the stored data from that buffer section is output as a fixed bit length data word.

Abstract: Image processing apparatus is described for filtering a digital representation of a raster scanned image into a plurality of sub-bands in the two-dimensional spatial frequency domain, the resolution of the raster scanned image in a first direction (usually the horizontal direction) being greater than the resolution of the raster scanned image in a second direction (usually the vertical direction). The image processing apparatus has a decimation filter means comprising a number of multi-tap digital decimation filters for spatial filtering in the first and second directions. The mean of the filter lengths of the filters used for filtering in the first direction is greater than that of the filters used for filtering in the second direction. Complementary interpolation apparatus for reconstructing the image from the plurality of sub-bands is also described.