Abstract: In a video signal recording/reproducing apparatus, a video signal is subjected to bit rate reduction including a variable length processing to obtain a coded data. The coded data is separated into basic data which shows a basic construction of video image and has a fixed data length and additional data which shows detailed information of the video image and has a variable data length. In recording the coded data containing basic data and additional data on a recording medium, the basic data is recorded in one region on the recording medium and the additional data is recorded continuously in a region other than the basic data recording region, by which both data are recorded in separated regions on the recording medium.

Abstract: A magnetic reproducing device such as a VTR, DAT, or the like reproduces recorded information from inclined tracks on a magnetic tape, having auxiliary information, such as address information, recorded in areas in the inclined tracks, includes a rotary magnetic head rotatable for successively scanning the tracks on the magnetic tape to generate a reproduced signal representative of the auxiliary information. A pulse signal is generated having pulses in synchronism with each rotation of the rotary magnetic head through a predetermined angle. Window pulses used subsequently to extract the auxiliary information in the areas from the reproduced signal are generated based on the pulse signal.

Abstract: A digital video tape recorder includes a rotary drum that has a leading head and a trailing head mounted thereon for recording video signals in respective slant tracks scanned on the tape while the tape is advanced. Each of the tracks includes, in sequence in the scanning direction of the respective head, a first auxiliary recording area, a second auxiliary recording area and a video signal recording area. The heads are displaced with respect to each other on the drum in the scanning direction by a distance that is less than the distance in the scanning direction between an ending edge of the first auxiliary recording area of the track formed by the trailing head and a starting edge of the video recording area of the track formed by the leading head. Because of the arrangement of the heads, after-recording of audio signals in the first auxiliary recording area by the trailing head is completed before the leading head begins reproduction of video signals.

Abstract: A system for recording analogue and/or digital signals (especially analogue voice signals) on magnetic tape has a plurality of individual input channels and a time division multiplexing circuit which samples the analogue signals in the input channels cyclically, in a pre-arranged sequence. The samples are output to a single output channel for recording on a standard VHS magnetic tape. In the replay mode, recorded signals are distributed to respective output channels by a demultiplexing circuit.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape on which digital picture data is recorded along helical tracks formed on the tape, the format used therefore is such that: each picture data segment consisting of picture data of one frame or one field is recorded in a plurality of consecutive tracks, the picture data segments are grouped into blocks, each block comprising a plurality of picture data segments, block numbers identifying the respective blocks are recorded in the tracks in the respective blocks, and picture numbers identifying the respective picture data segments within each block are written in the tracks which also record the picture data segments.

Abstract: High density recording systems and methods are disclosed which employ a radiation beam to form spot-like recordings in record members such as discs, tapes and cards. The angle, offset or cross-sectional shape of the recording beam can be varied so as to vary the angle, offset or shape of the corresponding recordings in the record member. The recorded information can be electro-optically or magnetically detected and discriminated from each other to provide high density recordings of alphanumeric characters or digital data. Enhanced detection scanning is effected by ultrasonically vibrating the laser or an optical element, such as a prism or mirror receiving the reading light beam, in a manner to cause it to scan back and forth laterally to the record track as a longitudinal scanning movement is effected parallel to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the track. The reflected light is detected, computer processed and analyzed to effect proper detection of the recordings to generate correct data therefrom.

Abstract: A helical scan magnetic tape recorder includes a rotary scanner having magnetic heads which record and reproduce data on slant tracks of magnetic tape helically transported about the rotary scanner. Low frequency tones representing a time code or other digital information are recorded by the data heads of the rotary head scanner in the same lateral location such as preamble segments of the data tracks. The recorded time code is recovered by means of a stationary magnetic head. The recovered low frequency tones are converted into digital information such as a digital time code which provides tape location information for editing or searching purposes as well as other auxiliary information such as recorder serial number, data rate codes, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic recording/reproduction device (such as VTRs and DATs). A cue signal becomes a mark of its position for automatic operation and automatic editing and is to be recorded in advance with the contents of a program. The frequency of the cue signal is selected within the audio signal band. On an auxiliary audio track (24) in a magnetic tape (21), an audio signal as well as a cue signal is recorded in time division manner. Determination is made of a correct cue signal by providing a mute period before the cue signal recording region and detecting a cue signal by a filter after the detection of a mute period. The frequency ratio of the cue signal to control signal (CTL) is determined by a counter (6) with a CPU (7) being used to identify a cue signal in response to the frequency ratio. By dividing the reproduced signal into blocks, the cue signal is detected from the cycle number distribution of the frequency.

Abstract: A data signal reproducing apparatus has an envelope detector for detecting a DPSK-modulated data signal, a change point detector for detecting a point of change of the detected envelope, and a latch for inverting and holding an output signal every time the change point detector detects a point of change of the envelope. An electronic still camera incorporating the data signal reproducing apparatus has a magnetic head that reads a picture signal and a DPSK-modulated data signal which have been recorded on a recording medium in the form of a multiplex recording signal. An extracting device extracts the DPSK-modulated data signal from the multiplex recording signal read by the magnetic head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for recording the low frequency band of an audio signal on an amplitude modulated carrier above the highest frequency component of the audio signal. The carrier frequency is at least 19 kHz and is recorded at an adequate level above the noise floor typically about 10 to 30 dB below peak level. The audio signal with the low frequency band optionally attenuated or omitted is directly recorded in the normal audio region on the same track with the corresponding AM carrier. During playback the amplitude modulated carrier is recovered using a highpass or bandpass filter, demodulated and the low frequency signals mixed with the audio. When applied to audio tape reproduction, the present invention improves bass response as compared to direct recording alone. High quality low noise tape and narrow bandwidth of the AM signal allows audio reproduction with high signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium forming many parallel tracks on the medium and for reproducing the information signal from the medium, a tracking control system is arranged to record a pilot signal of a given frequency along with the information signal in the first of the many tracks; to have the pilot signal also recorded in second and third tracks adjoining the first track on both sides thereof but at pilot signal phases shifted from the pilot signal phase of the first track to equal degrees in the directions opposite to each other at parts of the second and third tracks aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the first track; and, in reproducing the information signal, the position of the recording medium and that of a reproducing head relative to each other are controlled on the basis of the pilot signal of the given frequency reproduced by the reproducing head from the first track along with the information signal.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus is arranged to extract a specific signal respectively from signals reproduced by a plurality of heads provided for reproducing signals recorded in parallel in a plurality of channels on a recording medium, to detect a phase difference between the extracted specific signals, and to control the position of the plurality of heads relative to the recording medium in accordance with the phase difference detected.

Abstract: A device capable of reproducing recording information without error and which eliminates a deterioration in a reproduced image quality during a dubbing operation. The still image reproducing device has a change-over switch that is capable of selectively delivering a demodulated image signal obtained through delaying an image signal by a time corresponding to 0.5 H. A control circuit outputs a switching control signal upon completion of one full rotation of a recording medium. A decoder decodes the demodulated recording information in response to a decoder control circuit, enabling the decoder to operate when the change-over switch is delivering the demodulated composite image signal. In the still image recording device, the composite image signal is FM demodulated. The demodulated composite image signal is multiplexed with a signal obtained by encoding and modulating the recording information. The multiplexed signal is supplied to a recording head through the gate circuit.

Abstract: An original film or video sound track and a translation of this sound track into another language are separately recorded and a predetermined positioning timewise relative to the original sound track introduced to the output of the translation to make for best clarity and understanding of the two audio outputs when they are superimposed. The audio levels of the original sound track output and the translation are then set to predesired levels and combined with each other. The combined signal is then fed to an audio compressor which is triggered by an attack signal generated by a second recording of the translation which is advanced in time by 0.5-2.0 seconds relative to the first translation recording. The combined original and translation audio signal is thus ramped down to a lower level a predetermined time period before and during the time the translation audio is present, the sound track level being restored to its original audio level a predetermined time period after the translation audio has stopped.

Abstract: A superimposing circuit for a video apparatus comprises a first switch circuit for selecting an input video signal in response to a selected record or a playback mode, a second switch circuit for synthesizing a video signal and character information during the record mode, a third switch circuit for synthesizing the video signal and the character information during the playback mode, a switch device, a comparator for receiving the output of the switch device as a reference level, a character generating circuit, and a controller for controlling the switching of the second switch circuit and the third switching circuit in accordance with the selected one of the record mode and the playback mode.

Abstract: A rotary head type recording and reproducing apparatus of the kind recording information codes on a tape-shaped recording medium by forming many parallel recording tracks and at the same time an additional code consisting of one byte at a predetermined position in each of the recording tracks and reproducing, by means of rotary heads, the signals from the medium, the apparatus is arranged to perform the reproduction as follows; A tracking error signal is formed by using signals reproduced from the rotary head. The tracking error signal is sampled at such a timing that enables the rotary head to reproduce the additional code. The position of the recording medium relative to the rotary head is controlled on the basis of the tracking error signal thus obtained.

Abstract: A recording method is provided for simultaneously inputted sound signals of a plurality of types that are respectively time-base-compressed, rearranged serially according to types, and recorded on a track of a magnetic disk. In a reproduction method, time-base-compressed sound signals of a plurality of signal types are reproduced serially from a magnetic disk, and rearranged in parallel according to the signal types in the time base expansion.

Abstract: In an information signal recording apparatus having an m (m.gtoreq.2) number of heads arranged to record, in many parallel tracks on a recording medium, information signals of the m number of channels by simultaneously tracing the surface of the medium while simultaneously forming thereby the m number of tracks, pilot signals of an n number of kinds are recorded in rotation along with the information signals of the m number of channels in such a way as to recur in a cycle of an (n.times.m) number of tracks.

Abstract: High density recording systems and methods are disclosed which employ a radiation beam to form spot-like recordings in record members such as discs, tapes and cards. The angle, offset or cross-sectional shape of the recording beam can be varied so as to vary the angle, offset or shape of the corresponding recordings in the record member. The recorded information can be electro-optically or magnetically detected and discriminated from each other to provide high density recordings of alpha-numeric characters or digital data. Enhanced detection scanning is effected by ultrasonically vibrating the laser or an optical element, such as a prism or mirror receiving the reading light beam, in a manner to cause it to scan back and forth laterally to the record track as a longitudinal scanning movement is effected parallel to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the track. The reflected light is detected, computer processed and analyzed to effect proper detection of the recordings to generate correct data therefrom.

Abstract: An information signal comprised of a video component and a tracking information component which has been recorded in parallel oblique tracks on a record medium is reproduced by plural transducers which scan successive tracks. The tracking information component is separated from the reproduced information signal to derive error detection signals representing scanning errors of the transducers. Plural ones of the error detection signals are averaged to produce tracking control signals.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing method and corresponding apparatus are provided, in which in phase monaural audio signals are separately mixed with a clock signal and a data signal, which are opposite in phase to each other, and the mixed signals are recorded in separate channels on a recording medium. Upon reproduction and recombination of the signals recorded in the two channels, the clock signal and the data signal cancel each other out so that the listener hears only the combined monaural audio signals but the clock signal and the data signal can be separated from the reproduced two channel recorded signals prior to their recombination and be used to generate visual display data concerning the recorded signals.

Abstract: A multi-channel recording apparatus in which n rotary heads (n is 3 or higher integer) are arranged on the outer peripheral edge of a drum is evenly spaced relation, and a tape-shaped recording medium is trained round the drum over an angular range of at least 360.degree..times.(1-1/n), while recording (n-1) channels of a signal on the recording medium by using the (n-1) of the n heads which are simultaneously tracing on the medium.

Abstract: A multi-channel information signal reproducing apparatus for reproducing information signals from a tape-shaped record bearing medium having a plurality of areas which respectively extend longitudinally in parallel with each other, wherein only the signal reproduced from one area, designated by a designating circuit out of the plurality of areas, is taken among the signals reproduced by a rotary head, which obliquely traces the tape-shaped record bearing medium, thus, reproducing the information signal, and, at the same time, the designating circuit is controlled based on the signal reproduced by the rotary head.

Abstract: An audio signal recording apparatus comprises a detector for detecting a silent part of an incoming audio signal within the audio signal corresponding to less than a threshold value and generating a detection signal, a circuit for generating a reference signal of a predetermined frequency, a modulator for modulating the incoming audio signal to produce a modulated audio signal, a circuit for superimposing the reference signal on the modulated audio signal in response to the detection signal to produce a recording signal, and a recording circuit for recording the recording signal on a record bearing medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for encoding identification information onto video signals provided by a plurality of video signal sources (cameras) comprises a switching arrangement for supplying, in sequence, a plurality of independent video signals, each from one of the video sources. An A/D converter converts signal components associated with single field intervals to digital representations and the digital representations are stored in digital memory banks. The memory banks can be divided into two separate halves, each capable of storing a single field of video signals. The memory banks are enabled by a head switching (frame rate) signal from an associated VCR so as to alternately store a single field of video in one half while reading out twice in succession from the other half video signals stored during a preceding frame interval. An encoder adds identification information to the video signals which are read out so as to distinguish those signals from the signals provided from other video sources.

Abstract: A multiple independently positionable recording-reading head optical disk system. The system includes at least one optical disk having an arrangement of data elements. A plurality of recording-reading heads read and write data onto the optical disk. An apparatus for transporting the plurality of recording-reading heads over one side of the optical disk enabling each of the recording-reading heads to read data from or write data onto the optical disk independently of the other recording-reading heads.

Abstract: A rotary type recording and/or reproducing apparatus is provided with a rotary head which is arranged to record and/or reproduce information signals individually on or from a plurality of parallel areas longitudinally extending on a tape-shaped recorded bearing medium by obliquely transversely tracing the plurality of areas; a first detection circuit which is arranged to at least partially detect signals produced from the rotary head; a second detection circuit which is arranged to detect the rotation phase of the rotary head; and an arrangement for outputting a plurality of binary signals which respectively indicate whether the information signals are recorded or not in at least two of the plurality of areas according to the outputs of the first and second detection circuits.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium forming many parallel tracks on the medium and for reproducing the information signal from the medium, a tracking control system is arranged to record a pilot signal of a given frequency along with the information signal in the first of the many tracks; to have the pilot signal also recorded in second and third tracks adjoining the first track on both sides thereof but at pilot signal phases shifted from the pilot signal phase of the first track to equal degrees in the directions opposite to each other at parts of the second and third tracks aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the first track; and, in reproducing the information signal, the position of the recording medium and that of a reproducing head relative to each other are controlled on the basis of the pilot signal of the given frequency reproduced by the reproducing head from the first track along with the information signal.

Abstract: In this invention, pack data of a character mode including a character code is generated by a sub-code processor. The pack data is continuously recorded on a magnetic tape for a plurality of frames by rotary heads. When the pack data of the character mode is played back by the rotary heads, a controller detects the character code included in this pack data and supplies the detected code to a display to display corresponding characters.

Abstract: A recording system and a recording and/or reproducing apparatus in which a first information unit signal is recorded on a recording medium; a first data unit signal relating to the first information unit signal is recorded on the recording medium at the rear side of the first information unit signal; when a succeeding second information unit signal newly appears thereafter, second information unit signal is recorded on the recording medium at the rear side of the first information unit signal; and a second data unit signal relating to the second information unit signal and the first data unit signal are recorded together on the recording medium at the rear side of the second information unit signal.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing device with an automatic tracking control function which can record and reproduce signals by means of a rotary head incorporating plural heads of different azimuth. The device performs tracking control by detecting, based on a timing of a synchronizing signal of a track, crosstalks of pilot signals obtained from adjacent tracks and comparing the crosstalks to use the difference as a tracking error signal. A form of the synchronizing signal is different alternately in a series of tracks of the same azimuth. The device comprises a designation element and a detection element for the synchronizing signal form.

Abstract: A data signal is modulated by an exclusive-OR operation applied to a carrier signal and a data signal to be recorded. Demodulation is similarly performed by an exclusive-OR operation applied to the carrier signal and signal indicative of read data. This makes it possible to construct the modulating/demodulating circuit in the form of a digital circuit.

Abstract: A digital signal reproducing apparatus which reproduces digital PCM audio signals recorded on a recording medium in the form of single helical tracks. The apparatus is provided with at least two rotary heads for reproducing a plurality of signals on the recording medium. When there are variations in the performance of the rotary heads or in the conditions under which they are mounted on a drum, the apparatus is capable of performing control by a capstan servo in equal amounts for its heads based on the difference between the levels of crosstalk of pilot signals from the two tracks adjacent to the track being scanned (i.e., on-track) by the individual heads and without requiring any cumbersome adjusting operations if the heads are deviated in the same amounts with respect to the track being scanned. The adjustment of the levels of crosstalk is implemented using either a gain variable amplifier circuit or an analog divider circuit.

Abstract: A plurality of audio messages are recorded on a multitrack tape. A digital location code is recorded on the first track followed by recording of a first audio message. The remaining tracks are recorded with digital location codes simultaneously with the recording of the first message. When a second message is to be recorded while the first message is still being recorded on the first track. Recording of the digital codes on the second track is stopped and the second audio message is recorded on the second track. When all the audio messages are recorded the tape motion is stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an information signal with rotary heads in each of a plurality of areas extending in the longitudinal direction of a tape-shaped recording medium is arranged to reproduce with the rotary heads a signal already recorded in a first area among the plurality of areas; and to record the information signal in the second of the areas while performing tracking control over the rotary heads by using the reproduced signal obtained from the first area.

Abstract: A digital signal reproducing apparatus which reproduces digital PCM audio signals recorded on a recording medium in the form of single helical tracks. The apparatus is provided with at least two rotary heads for reproducing signals on the recording medium. The apparatus, however, is not provided with an erase head. Previously recorded signals are erased by overwriting, as a result of which a problem may arise in which a sync signal remains unerased. Therefore, a level of a pilot signal frequency component sampled in response to the sync signal is compared with a predetermined level to see if the sampled level is appropriate. It it is not appropriate, capstan servo control is not performed.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a recording signal processing section, a head section, and a reproduced signal processing section. The recording signal processing section comprises a plurality of recording signal processing circuits each for converting a video signal to one or more recordable signals, and a first switch circuit for selectively connecting one of the recording signal processing circuits to the head section. The head section has a plurality of magnetic heads mounted on a single rotary cylinder for recording the recordable signals on a magnetic tape and reproducing the recorded signals from the magnetic tape.

Abstract: When a record carrier (14) is inscribed for an n.sup.th time (n>1), in which record carrier the information is recorded in first blocks (FB) in tracks (T.sub.1, T.sub.2, . . . ) which adjoin each other and which are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the record carrier, each track containing at least one first block (FB.sub.1) of information and at least one second block (SB.sub.1) of tracking signals (f), only the first blocks of new information are written over the first blocks recorded previously in the tracks and the second blocks of tracking signals are not erased from the record carrier. These second blocks are employed for the purpose of tracking when the record carrier is inscribed for the n.sup.th time. In this way it is achieved that the new information is recorded exactly in the original tracks, so that perfect inserts can be made.

Abstract: A multitrack recording apparatus includes a multi-channel recorder for recording musical timing data on a recording medium, a modulator for variably setting a recording cycle of the musical timing data, and a keyboard for designating a desired search position of the recording medium according to the musical timing data. The apparatus also includes a reproduction head for reproducing the musical timing data from the recording medium, a controller for calculating the driving position of the recording medium on the basis of the reproduced musical timing data and for controlling the driving of the recording medium to stop the recording medium at the designated search position, and a dispaly unit for displaying musical data on the basis of the reproduced musical timing data.

Abstract: A method of producing a tracking control signal in a rotary head type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and a rotary head type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus capable of a proper tracking by the use of the tracking control signal.

Abstract: In this invention, pack data of a character mode including a character code is generated by a sub-code processor. The pack data is continuously recorded on a magnetic tape for a plurality of frames by rotary heads. When the pack data of the character mode is played back by the rotary heads, a controller detects the character code included in this pack data and supplies the detected code to a display to display corresponding characters.

Abstract: A system having a system control section and a tape driving mechanism section, in the case where a tape in which subcode data representing the beginning position of a tune is recorded is reproduced, takes out the subcode data from reproduced signals, judges whether the beginning portion of the tune is being reproduced or not, and if is not, makes a tape driving mechanism carry out a search operation so that the tune is reproduced from its beginning.

Abstract: In an apparatus for magnetically recording and/or reproducing an information signal, such as, an 8 mm video tape recorder, and which records index signals representing various data in the tracks in which the information signal is recorded, code signals indicative of the start point and the end point, respectively, of the index signal are recorded at the start and the end, respectively, of the recorded index signal. In the reproducing mode, when the start code is obtained, the following blocks representing the index signal are taken in and, when the end code is obtained such blocks are latched and subject to the reproducing processing while further taking in of the index signal is inhibited for several horizontal or line periods.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing an information signal, such as, a PCM (pulse-code modulated) signal and the like, in slant tracks on a recording tape by means of rotary heads, and in which, when an index signal is recorded in, or erased from an area adjacent a part of a slant track in which the PCM signal is recorded, an index area signal which specifies the area for recording or reproducing the index signal is formed on the basis of address data in the reproduced PCM signal. Therefore, the index signal area always has a predetermined positional relation to a recording area of the PCM signal so that when the index signal is recorded in or erased from the index signal area, erasure of the adjacent PCM signal is prevented.

Abstract: A helical scanning type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus records a signal representing recording conditions on a magnetic tape when a recording is effected thereon, together with a PCM audio signal. At the time of reproduction, reproducing conditions are controlled so as to be the same as the recording conditions on the basis of the signal representing recording conditions reproduced.

Abstract: An audio signal reproducing apparatus for reproducing audio signals from a tape-shaped recording medium on which the audio signals are recorded together with mark signals respectively showing the longitudinal positions of the audio signals along the medium is arranged to detect the moving direction of the medium taken in recording in response to an instruction given to detect one of the mark signals and to search out the mark signals by moving the medium in the direction determined according to the result of the detection.

Abstract: A PCM signal recording and reproducing apparatus comprises first and second memory circuits, in which PCM signals are read and written using the first memory circuit, while PCM signals stored in the second memory circuit are error-corrected. At the end of writing by the first memory circuit, the first and second memory circuits are interchanged to read the error-corrected PCM signals stored in the second memory circuit. The read-out error-corrected PCM signals are then recorded on another magnetic tape.

Abstract: In a tracking control apparatus for controlling tracking alignment of a rotary head with respect to record tracks appearing in succession on a record medium and in each of which there are recorded, at predetermined positions varying from track to track in accordance with a predetermined repeating sequence, pilot signals for controlling tracking and position detecting signals having different recorded length and which identify the positions of the pilot signals. An identifying signal for identifying the recorded length of a position detecting signal recorded in a track being traced by the rotary head is generated from the output of the rotary head, and a sampling signal is generated in response to the identifying signal for sampling a pilot signal reproduced as cross-talk from an adjacent track so as to reduce the pull-in time of the tracking alignment operation.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and marking television commercials is provided. A first comparator is utilized for comparing the television video signal to an adjustable reference voltage and for generating a triggering signal when a video signal is not present at the comparator input. A second comparator compares the television audio signal to a second adjustable reference voltage to provide a triggering signal when an audio signal is not present at the comparator input. The outputs from the two comparators are supplied to a one-shot timer mechanism which is adapted to generate an output signal of a predetermined time period only upon the simultaneous absence of an audio and video signal, thus signifying a fade break in the television broadcast signal. The timed output signal from the timer mechanism is connected to a low frequency oscillator which generates a low frequency output signal upon being actuated by the output from the timer mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a VTR of the helical scan type having a plurality of rotary magnetic heads. This VTR can select one of a first and a second signal recording forms which are different from each other, and record signals on a magnetic tape. In the first recording form, a frequency-modulated video signal including a luminance signal and a color signal and a frequency-modulated sound signal are recorded on the same track so as to be superimposed one on the other. In the second signal recording form, a frequency-modulated luminance signal and a frequency-modulated color signal are recorded separately on tracks adjacent to each other. This VTR has compatibility with respect to the recording/reproducing of two different signals.