Abstract: An improved utilization of the storage space on a helical scan recording and/or reproduction apparatus in particular according to the D6 format. In the case of a data transfer rate in which the apparatus recording rate corresponds to an integer multiple of the data transfer rate of data signals to be recorded, the recording is effected in a manner dependent on the ratio of apparatus recording rate to the data transfer rate by a corresponding first portion of the volume of data being written to first data frames (7) and, after corresponding rewinding, by the corresponding second portion of the volume of data subsequently being written to second data frames (8).

Abstract: An improved utilization of the storage space on a helical scan recording and/or reproduction apparatus in particular according to the D6 format. In the case of a data transfer rate in which the apparatus recording rate corresponds to an integer multiple of the data transfer rate of data signals to be recorded, the recording is effected in a manner dependent on the ratio of apparatus recording rate to the data transfer rate by a corresponding first portion of the volume of data being written to first data frames (7) and, after corresponding rewinding, by the corresponding second portion of the volume of data subsequently being written to second data frames (8).

Abstract: A method of recording and/or playing back a data signal, in an apparatus in which a tape helically encircles a drum containing a headwheel, and the heads scan oblique tracks on the tape, features reduction of the tape velocity by a factor 1/n where n is a positive integer. Along with the tape velocity change, the static tracking angle between the tape and drum is correspondingly adjusted so that the heads will continue to scan along a standard track pattern or format. The data rate of data signals retrieved from the tape (e.g. high-date rate satellite transmissions) or of incoming data signals can be converted to a different data rate by intermediate steps of writing to a digital memory and reading back at a more desirable data rate.

Abstract: Picture field ordinal numbers recorded near the synchronizing signals of video tape recordings are currently stored in a register as the tape is played back while a modulo 4 up/down counter is incremented or decremented according to the direction of tape transport. A comparison operation checks whether the picture field numbering is in step with the counter for detection of discontinuities or errors. Then a longitudinal track with coded pulses can be read from the tape. A further comparison can be made for checking reliability, bridging errors, and for detecting and indicating discontinuities in picture field numbering sequences.

Abstract: A sphere which may be rotationally displaced by manual action, protruding from a control panel, is mechanically connected for resolving its rotary motion into motions about two axes perpendicular to each other, for control of the direction and speed operation of a video recorder and playback equipment. When any of several particular rotary displacements of the sphere have taken place, a controllable brake system bears on the mechanical coupling between the sphere and at least one of in the electronic transducers to exert a brake torque to simulate an index position. One such position is a neutral setting or "rest position". The y axis is used for gradual speed change and the x axis is used for stepwise speed change. The axis for gradual speed change has an initial threshold on each side of the rest position to determine direction. On the other axis, the speed steps may be separate for each direction, respectively on opposite sides of the rest position.

Abstract: Test node equipment is provided between successive component groups operating in cascade and each test node is connected to a data bus system through which test patterns can be provided by a test pattern generator and from which signals can be evaluated by a test pattern analyzer, the test pattern generator and the test pattern analyzer being under control of a test computer. Each test node has a state in which the output of the preceding component group passes through it to the next component group with only a possibility of monitoring possible deficiencies by the test computer and other states in which the cascade operation of component groups can be interrupted at a test node for inserting a test pattern to a following component group or receiving a processed test pattern from a preceding component group.

Abstract: A system for testing and/or monitoring a digital videotape apparatus makes use of the presence several identically equipped recording and reproducing channels to detect or test for errors by comparing the treatment of the same data in two or more channels. Comparisons are made at test nodes between reference "signatures" and actual "signatures" in normal operation or in test operation. Syndrome units are used to test or monitor circuits for protection against errors and for error correction. The monitoring and testing is done in a system which connects a microcomputer to test nodes of the equipment to be tested or monitored over a test bus.