Abstract: A data recording/recovery device (20) comprises a packet generator (34) for including recordable information into a packet (44), the packet initially having a nominal run length limited (RLL) sequence if it were RLL encoded. A randomizer (38) uses a randomizer input value (50) to obtain a modified packet (46) which, when encoded, will at least partially have a different run length limited sequence than the nominal run length limited sequence. A write channel (40) records the modified packet (46) as a track packet at a destination physical location (42) on a storage medium (22). The randomizer input value (50) used to obtain the modified packet (46) is related to a predetermined physical location on the storage medium. In one example embodiment the randomizer input value is related to the destination physical location on the storage medium.

Abstract: A helical scan tape recorder (30) comprises a rotatable scanner (84) and a transport system for transporting magnetic tape proximate the rotatable scanner in a manner so that information is recorded during a revolution of the scanner. A controller performs a pause routine (120) for pausing during a recording operation on tape. The pause routine, when executed, performs the steps of: determining a tape pause position reference value indicative of a pre-pause last recording position on the tape; recording an erase signal on the tape after the pre-pause last recording position; rewinding the tape; transporting the tape in a forward direction and obtaining a current tape position value; determining when the current tape position value reaches a predetermined value relative to the tape pause position reference value; and at beginning of a next revolution of the scanner, commencing recording of one or more post-pause stripes on the tape.

Abstract: A data recording/recovery device (20) comprises a packet generator (34) for including recordable information into a packet (44), the packet initially having a nominal run length limited (RLL) sequence if it were RLL encoded. A randomizer (38) uses a randomizer input value (50) to obtain a modified packet (46) which, when encoded, will at least partially have a different run length limited sequence than the nominal run length limited sequence. A write channel (40) records the modified packet (46) as a track packet at a destination physical location (42) on a storage medium (22). The randomizer input value (50) used to obtain the modified packet (46) is related to a predetermined physical location on the storage medium. In one example embodiment the randomizer input value is related to the destination physical location on the storage medium.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and/or adjusting the positioning of a magnetic tape using central control packets that are recorded to the tape is presented. Central control packets are used for adjusting the timing of the read head signal over the tape, adapting the reel count to that of the drive at the time the tape was recorded, and monitoring filemarks for logical tape positioning.