Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a first module having a plurality of first write transducers, and a plurality of second modules each having a second write transducer. Planes of deposition of write gaps of the second write transducers are oriented at an angle of greater than 4 degrees relative to planes of deposition of write gaps of the first write transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a loop filter that receives a plurality of input signals. Each of the input signals is based on a different timing error detector output signal. The apparatus also includes a plurality of read channels, a plurality of interpolation filters, and an array of transducers. Each of the interpolation filters is in communication with a corresponding one of the read channels. Each of the transducers is in communication with a corresponding one of the read channels. The loop filter processes the plurality of input signals, and outputs a different total phase signal for each received input signal. Each of the interpolation filters samples the corresponding read channel based on one of the total phase signals output by the loop filter. The loop filter processes the plurality of input signals by calculating a phase estimate of the samples, and a skew estimate of the samples, relative to written data.

Abstract: A computer program product is provided for performing symbol timing recovery in a parallel recording channel system. The computer program product comprises a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to receive a plurality of timing-error estimates for a plurality of read channels. Each of the timing-error estimates corresponds to one of the read channels. Also, the program instructions are executable by the processor to cause the processor to calculate a common phase based on the plurality of timing-error estimates. Moreover, the program instructions are executable by the processor to cause the processor to calculate a skew of a transducer array based on the plurality of timing-error estimates, and to calculate a different total phase estimate for each read channel based on the calculated common phase and the calculated skew of the transducer array.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic disk drive system in which the write element leads the read element in the tangential direction of rotation of the magnetic disk. In addition, the servo sector information is preferably arranged such that information that is not needed for write operation is placed at the end of the servo sector. In this way, the servo read operation can be terminated sooner and the write operation can initiate sooner after going over the servo sector. The write element in a write operation writes data to the data sector of a track until an end of the data sector before reaching a front end of a servo sector following the end of the data sector. The read element reads information in the servo sector needed for the write operation. The write element starts writing data in a next data sector following the servo sector after the write element reaches the next data sector and after the read element has read all information in the servo sector needed for the write operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head system including a plurality of recording heads for azimuth recording. The system includes a first recording head having a plurality of magnetic gaps having a first azimuth angle, and a second recording head having a plurality of magnetic gaps having a second azimuth angle different from the first azimuth angle. After first magnetization patterns are formed on a recording medium by the first recording head, second magnetization patterns are formed by overwriting side edge portions in the formation direction of the first magnetization patterns by the second recording head. This makes it possible to prevent the worsening of the accuracy of the magnetization pattern width due to a relative height stagger (offset) between the heads, to thereby enhance the accuracy of the magnetization pattern width, and to achieve high-density recording.

Abstract: A rotary magnetic head apparatus which can be formed into a smaller size in which signals of a plurality of recording tracks which are recorded on a tape-like information recording medium are reproduced by using a plurality of reproduction heads without depending on the arrangement of the recording tracks in the information recording medium. The rotary magnetic head apparatus includes a rotary drum, a fixed drum, a reproduction signal selection device, a rotor reproduction signal wiring section, and a stator reproduction signal wiring section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head system including a plurality of recording heads for azimuth recording. The system includes a first recording head having a plurality of magnetic gaps having a first azimuth angle, and a second recording head having a plurality of magnetic gaps having a second azimuth angle different from the first azimuth angle. After first magnetization patterns are formed on a recording medium by the first recording head, second magnetization patterns are formed by overwriting side edge portions in the formation direction of the first magnetization patterns by the second recording head. This makes it possible to prevent worsening of the accuracy of magnetization pattern width due to a relative height stagger (offset) between the heads, to thereby enhance the accuracy of the magnetization pattern width, and to achieve high-density recording.

Abstract: In a helical scan type magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, input data is encoded into n-channel (e.g., n=4) signals for recording by first to fourth recording heads, and the recorded signal is reproduced by 2n reproducing heads, subjected to a non-tracking process and decoded. In the apparatus, the first to fourth recording heads are configured as a single multi-gap head having four gaps. Each of the heads is made of a lower magnetic pole and an upper magnetic pole through a gap. The core width of the second to fourth heads is formed as a track pitch TP+&agr;1 so as to overlap by &agr;1 with a track pitch TP of the first to third heads to attain a predetermined recording width. The core width of the first head is formed as a track pitch TP+&agr;2 (&agr;2 >&agr;1) . As a result, high-density recording can be implemented.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording with a new signal encoding format, apparatus for recording this format and reproducing apparatus for reproducing signals from this format. A standard VHS signal is recorded as a first set of parallel slant tracks having a predetermined spacing between each slant track. A high definition television signal is recorded in pairs of slant tracks of a second type that flank a slant track of the first type and are narrower in width than the slant track of the first type they flank. Additionally, the azimuth angle of the tracks of the first type alternates between different predetermined values for successive tracks, and the azimuth angle of the tracks of the second type differ both from the azimuth angle of the tracks of the first type which they flank, and from the azimuth angle of the tracks of the second type which are positioned next to them in the space between tracks of the first type.

Abstract: A magnetic reproduction apparatus with a cross-talk reduction system that includes first and second magnetic heads, wherein the distance between the first magnetic head which has a plus azimuth angle and the second magnetic head which has a minus azimuth angle is provided so that the second head scans a track which is previously scanned by the first magnetic head. The apparatus also provides (i) a delaying circuit for delaying a first reproduction signal of the first magnetic head, (ii) a first filter for extracting a cross-talk component from an output of the delaying circuit, (iii) a second filter for extracting a cross-talk component from a second reproduction signal of the second magnetic head, (iv) a first adder for adding the second reproduction signal's cross-talk component which is inverted and the output of the delaying circuit, and (v) a second adder for adding the first reproduction signal's cross-talk component which is inverted and the second reproduction signal.

Abstract: In an azimuth recording format, the crosstalk of the A channel into the B channel is higher than the crosstalk of the B channel into the A channel because, at the ends of a magnetic recording where the switching contour of constant magnetic field strength is equal to the media magnetization switching field, the switching contour follows a curve. The resulting curvature at the ends of the magnetic recording vary accordingly the angle of azimuth rejection between the B to A azimuth relative to the A to B azimuth at the edges of the track. The use of a record head of a unique design wherein the trailing pole face of the head extends laterally beyond its leading pole face at the over-writing side of the head, removes the curvature at the ends of the transition recordings forming the recorded tracks.

Abstract: By merely using one reproducing head, an overwriting operation and an ATF operation can be performed, thereby reducing a crosstalk obstruction and modulation noises. Recording heads 7 and 8 having different azimuth angles and a reproducing head 9 having the same azimuth angle as that of the recording head 7 are provided for a drum 3. An (A) track constructed by a data region and an ATF pilot region is recorded to a magnetic tape 1 by the recording head 7. A (B) track constructed by a data region in which a single signal of a short wavelength is recorded and an ATF pilot region is recorded to the magnetic tape 1 by the recording head 8. Upon reproduction, the (A) track is reproduced by the reproducing head 9. Although the (B) track is not reproduced, the single signal is recorded as a (B) track, so that the overwriting operation and the ATF operation of an area method can be performed and, further, an excellent signal can be reproduced from the (A) track.

Abstract: A magnetic head comprises a head base (56), and a pair of magnetic head chips (57, 58) of different azimuth angles (.theta..sub.1, .theta..sub.2) disposed on the head base (56). The pair of magnetic head chips (57, 58) are disposed in a stepped arrangement with respect to the direction of arrangement of tracks on a magnetic recording medium with a step (DA) substantially equal to the pitch (P) of tracks on the magnetic recording medium. The gap distance (GL) between the magnetic gaps of the magnetic head chips (57, 58) is shorter than the sum of the step (D) between adjacent tracks and the length (L) of interblock gap regions between video signal regions and audio signal regions arranged along the direction of the movement of the magnetic head. The magnetic head permits satisfactory audio signal after-recording and extended recording and reproducing of digital video signals on the magnetic recording medium even if the magnetic recording medium is a narrow magnetic tape of 8 mm or less in width.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording information and tracking signals on magnetic tape includes first and second magnetic heads for recording the information signals on the magnetic tape. The first and second magnetic heads are mounted for rotation about an axis for scanning the magnetic tape for recording the information signals in successive tracks. The first and second magnetic heads are disposed at respective positions along the axis separated from one another by substantially one track pitch and have respectively different azimuth angles. A third magnetic head serves to record the tracking signals on the magnetic tape and is mounted at a position rotationally substantially opposite a rotational position of the first magnetic head and is substantially axially aligned therewith.

Abstract: A video tape recorder includes a cylinder provided to rotate about its axis. A magnetic tape moves along a portion of the cylinder surface such that the cylinder surface obliquely traverses the magnetic tape. At least one pair of magnetic heads are mounted on the cylinder surface for recording and reproducing video signal on the tape, and another pair of magnetic heads are mounted on the cylinder for recording and reproducing audio signal on the tape.

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: In the present alignment disk for adjusting the tracking and azimuth of a magnetic head, a track includes adjacent first and second regions which are circular and substantially concentric. First data and second data are recorded on the first region of the track at first and second angles with respect to a width direction of the track, respectively. Third and fourth data are recorded on the second region at third and fourth angles with respect to the width direction, respectively. The tracking and azimuth are adjusted on the basis of the voltage level relation between the output signals, which correspond to the first and third data and the first and second data readout by a magnetic head.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a digital signal composed of a plurality of different types of data. A plurality of rotary heads are coupled together to form a head unit, in which the heads are spaced from each other by predetermined distance in a track pitch direction and in a head scanning direction. A record device supplies the rotary heads with the digital signal for recording in adjacent tracks on a magnetic tape. The digital signal is supplied to the rotary heads in a timed manner such that the areas in adjacent tracks in which the same types of data are recorded are displaced from each other along the tracks by the predetermined distance in the head scanning direction.

Abstract: A method of recording signals on a magnetic medium, in which a first magnetic head (1) blanks a wide track by recording signals at a first azimuth angle and a second magnetic head (2) records a narrower signal track (15) by recording signals at a second, differing azimuth angle. This permits feeding the same current or signal through the head windings (8,9) of both heads, thereby economizing on driving circuitry (10). Due to the differing azimuth angles, the reading head does not pick up any significant amount of noise from the border regions defined between the edges of the signal track and the wider blanking track. The width of the signal track and the widths of the border regions sum to equal the width of the blanking track.

Abstract: A magnetic head, and method of its construction, for placing multiple, high tolerance servo information tracks in evenly spaced configuration across the width of a magnetic medium in a single pass of the magnetic head over the medium. The head comprises a monitoring fixture which secures a full-width write transducer, in tandem with a multiple-track write transducer. Preferably, the transducers are angularly skewed with respect to the travel direction of the magnetic medium, but are substantially parallel to each other. In operation, the magnetic medium first passes adjacent the full-width write transducer which writes a servo pattern across the width of the magnetic medium at a first frequency. The magnetic medium next passes adjacent the multiple-track write transducer which writes servo information onto multiple tracks in the magnetic medium at a second frequency.

Abstract: A magnetic recording system including a write head comprising a write transducer having a gap configured at an angular orientation with respect to direction of travel of an adjacent magnetic medium. Servo information is recorded by the write head into a servo, or higher coercivity, layer of the magnetic medium in a plurality of parallel, adjacent tracks and at an angle corresponding to the angular orientation of the write transducer. The servo information is at one of two frequencies, with adjacent tracks being at different frequencies with respect to each other. A read head includes a first transducer configured at an orientation corresponding to the angular orientation of the servo information. The first transducer and its related circuitry detect information from the parallel servo tracks, and generate an error signal indicating actual position of the second transducer as compared to its desired position with respect to the servo tracks.

Abstract: A combined magnetic head for recording a data track on a guard band between main tracks of a floppy disk. A guard band data head for data tracks is positioned above the guard band and has a width so as to record satisfactorily data on the guard band without degrading recorded information on the main tracks irrespective of whether the recording is performed with the data head stretching over the main tracks. The width is preferably between 40% and 60% of the guard band.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, desired information is recorded on a main track of a magnetic disk using a magnetic head. Other information is recorded on a guard band which is adjacent to the main track using another magnetic head. Each of the magnetic heads has a magnetic layer, an insulator layer, and a conductor layer formed of thin films. The heads are adjacent to each other in the widthwise direction of the track with a predetermined relative azimuth angle between them in which is greater than 0.degree. and no greater than 45.degree.. The magnetic head for the main track is applied with an optimum recording current. The magnetic head for the guard band is applied with a recording current so that its magnetomotive force is within the range of 40% to 80% of the magnetomotive force of the magnetic head for the main track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic recording which permits two information signals to be recorded so that they overlay one another. The first and second tracks cross each other without generating crosstalk during reproduction of the two information signals.

Abstract: A rotatable magnetic head assembly for use in a magnetic tape recording/play-back device of the helical scanning type, the assembly comprising two diametrically oppositely located magnetic transducing heads (12, 12'). In order to enable recording of a number of tracks simultaneously without the use of a protective band, the heads (12, 12') are constructed and aligned relative to other so that they each form two oblique tracks (38A, 38B) on a magnetic tape (6) and a given intermediate space. At least one track (39A) is formed in the intermediate space by the other head.

Abstract: An audio signal recording/reproducing system is used in a time-lapse video tape recording device for time-lapse recording a video signal on a magnetic tape at predetermined time intervals. The audio signal recording/reproducing system comprises a memory which stores an audio signal and time-compresses the stored audio signal to output it as the time-compressed audio signal at one field period, and a magnetic head for recording the one-field period audio signal on the magnetic tape. Each of the audio signal recording tracks recorded on the magnetic tape is arranged between two adjacent video signal recording tracks. The audio signal recorded on the magnetic tape is read out by the magnetic head and stored in the memory again. The audio signal stored in the memory is expanded in its time-base to be reproduced as continuous sound.

Abstract: A multi-channel recording apparatus capable of recording information signals in a plurality of areas on a recording medium, having a function to record, in connection with a first instruction information for change-over of the recording areas, a second instruction information concerning the recording area to be selected after the change-over, together with the information signal to be recorded in the area.

Abstract: A rotary head type reproducing apparatus for reproducing information signals recorded in a plurality of recording tracks by tracing, with rotary type magnetic heads, the recording tracks which are formed on a tape-shaped magnetic record bearing medium in a direction of crossing the longitudinal direction of the medium comprises: pairs of magnetic heads which are positioned in the vicinity of each other with each pair of heads arranged to have different azimuth angles from each other; a rotary member arranged to have the pairs of magnetic heads mounted on the circumference thereof; rotation period detecting means arranged to detect the rotation period of the rotary member and to produce a rotation period information signal corresponding to the rotation period detected; and output selection means for selectively producing, according to the rotation period information signal, the information signals reproduced from the recordng tracks by the pairs of magnetic heads through their tracing action on the tape-shaped

Abstract: A rotary head playback for a tape recorded with slanted tracks, each containing many blocks with recorded block addresses. The rotary head is rotated at twice the normal speed so that it scans in a direction inclined to the tracks and scans across multiple tracks per pass, i.e., one track is scanned in multiple passes. The blocks are stored in a memory according to read block addresses. The memory is read in a given sequence of block addresses.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus which reproduces speech sounds at a speed faster than a normal reproduction speed. The outputting operation may be performed, making it easier to hear speech sounds when the video searching operation is performed through hearing of the speech sounds in the VTR or the like. The reproduction is adapted to be performed by the other head which is different in azimuth angle during the normal reproduction operation from the double azimuth heads during a given frame reproduction in the 1.5 times speed reproduction with one head of the rotary heads of the normal two heads being provided as a double azimuth head. The noise caused through the reproduction of the adjacent track may be removed.

Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus wherein a video signal and an audio signal are recorded on the same recording track, a signal subjected to a quadrature differential PSK modulation with PCM audio signal is generated as an audio recording signal. The audio recording signal is disposed between occupied bands of FM luminance signal and down converted chrominance signal in a video recording signal and also recorded on a track where the video recording signal is to be recorded.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recording a digital information signal are disclosed in which a signal to be recorded is pulse-code-modulated (PCM) and the PCM signal is recorded on a recording medium by a rotary head as a slant tracks with no guard band between adjacent tracks and then reproduced therefrom. In this case, a tracking pilot signal is recorded on a part of each track independently of the PCM signal. The recording positions of the pilot signals on respective tracks are determined in such a manner that when succeeding three tracks are seen from the direction perpendicular to the tracing direction of the rotary head, they are not superimposed upon one another. Upon reproducing, when the record track is traced by the rotary head, the pilot signals from both tracks adjacent to the track to be traced are reproduced and a tracking signal is generated from the reproduced outputs whereby a playback rotary head traces the record track.

Abstract: Both an audio signal and a video signal are recorded on a video tape (3) by way of a pair of audio heads (Ha1, Ha2) and a pair of video heads (Hv3, Hv4) both mounted on a rotary cylinder (1) of a video tape recorder of helical scan type which can be operated in a standard-time mode and a long-time mode. In the long-time mode, audio tracks (8, 8', 8") are formed successively without having guard bands therebetween, and video tracks (7, 7') are formed upon the audio tracks with guard bands therebetween such that boundaries (L1, L2) between consecutive audio tracks (8, 8', 8") are covered by video track (7, 7'). The audio and video heads are positioned such that the audio heads are advanced by a given angle (T+.theta.) from the video heads in a direction of the rotation of the cylinder, and the distance (X') between the bottom of the audio heads and the bottom of the video heads is determined as a function of a track pitch (P.sub.2), the angular displacement (T+.theta.

Abstract: Described is a magnetic recording device in which digital data are recorded with higher density in such a manner that plural recording tracks are sequentially formed on the magnetic recording medium. In the magnetic recording device, any two adjoining tracks are formed by separate magnetic heads whose azimuth angles are equal to +.theta., -.theta., with the absolute value of the angle .theta. being selected to satisfy the relation 16.degree..ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.22.degree., in a manner so that the crosstalk level between any two neighboring tracks may be reduced without affecting the SN ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for effecting high density magnetic recordings on magnetic record members such as tape, cards, discs and drums coated with magnetic recoding material. A plurality of different recordings may be provided as overlapping domains or arrays of domains along a single select magnetic record track, thus doubling or additionally multiplying the total amount of information which may be recorded along each record track of a multiple track record member. In one form, one or more magnetic transducers mounted on a common support, may be pivotally driven to variably align their pole pieces and recording or reproduction gaps with a select record track of a record member to provide respective recordings, the domains of each of which are differently aligned from the domains of the others, permitting such different recordings to overlap along the same length of the same track and to be discretely detected by suitably aligned pickups.

Abstract: A rotary transformer is employed in a 4-head type recording and/or reproducing apparatus which has a rotary body which is wrapped with a magnetic tape, and four heads mounted 90.degree. apart from each other on the rotary body for recording and/or reproducing a video signal onto and/or from the tape. The rotary transformer device comprises a rotary core which has five circular grooves formed in one surface thereof and is rotated unitarily with the rotary body, a first short-circuiting ring embedded in a center groove among the five grooves of the rotary body, first through fourth ring-shaped coils embedded in the remaining four grooves of the rotary body, a stationary core which is stationary at a location separated from and opposing the rotary core and has five circular grooves, a second short-circuiting ring embedded in a center groove among the five grooves of the stationary core, and fifth through eighth ring-shaped coils embedded in the remaining four grooves of the stationary core.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording and reproducing digital color video signals from successive, parallel tracks on a magnetic tape includes a rotary guide drum about which the magnetic tape is wrapped for an angle greater than a nominal angle of 180.degree.

Abstract: A multi-mode recording and playback system for VTR records audio signals and video signals and plays them back from audio tracks and video tracks on a magnetic tape by means of a plurality of rotating audio and video heads. A rotating drum around which a magnetic tape is wound carries therewith first to fourth rotary video heads and first and second rotary audio heads in predetermined relations with respect to angle and vertical level. In a desired mode, the audio heads write (read) audio signals in audio tracks, and the video heads write (read) video signals in video tracks, such that the centers of the audio and video tracks substantially coincide with each other.

Abstract: A helical scan type magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in which a magnetic tape is guided helically around a rotary magnetic head assembly over an angular range approximating to 360.degree.. Two magnetic heads are disposed relatively closely to each other at an angle smaller than 180.degree.. The rotary magnetic heads assembly performs a single complete rotation for a unit period, for example, one field period. In recording, video signal of the unit period undergoes time axis compression to be compressed to a period corresponding to a scanning period of the heads during which the magnetic heads are in contact with the magnetic tape in each rotation of the head assembly and supplied to alternately the magnetic heads which are so designed that the azimuth angles of the respective gaps differ from each other.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction system of a helical scanning type provided with audio heads which rotate together with the rotary video heads so that the frequency-modulated audio signal is recorded by the audio heads on the video track on which the video signal will also be recorded. The audio signal is recorded first on the video track, and then the video signal is recorded over the record of the audio signal, whereby the audio signal has an expanded frequency band thereby to provide an improved sound quality.

Abstract: A reproduction device for a helical scanning type video tape recorder with a head section comprises upper and lower immovable cylinders and a head drum rotatably set between the cylinders. A magnetic tape slides along the peripheral surface of the head section. The head drum is rotated by a head drive section at a prescribed speed. The running speed of the magnetic tape is controlled by a capstan, which is mechanically connected to a capstan device section. Two exclusive special reproduction heads are mounted on the peripheral surface of the head drum. The special reproduction heads are mounted on the peripheral surface at different heights as viewed from the direction in which the rotary shaft of the head drum extends. The height difference is chosen to be smaller than the pitch of the respective adjacent tracks formed on the magnetic tape in accordance with the azimuth recording process.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus of the kind in which the azimuth angles of recorded signals in adjacent tracks on a magnetic recording medium are made different with each other so as not to require a guard band and having a rotary head assembly including at least a pair of magnetic transducing heads, each having the head width larger than the track width, when a portion of an audio signal on the magnetic medium is re-recording, an identification information signal is recorded on a predetermined track in connection with the first or last track for which the re-recording is required so that signal deterioration and noise caused by track width fluctuation or variation is compensated for.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus comprises a guiding mechanism for guiding a magnetic tape, and a main head and a sub-head for scanning and recording a composite video signal throughout a predetermined range of the magnetic tape. The main head and the sub-head is separated by a predetermined angle and mounted on a rotary body with a difference in their height positions. The main head scans over the magnetic tape to record a signal by forming a first track part comprising a plurality of tracks formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape, in a first region along the width direction of the magnetic tape, while the sub-head scans over the magnetic tape to record a signal by forming a second track part comprising a plurality of tracks formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape, in a second region different from the first region along the width direction of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously reproducing video signals having block synchronization signals and that have been recorded in successive, parallel channel tracks extending obliquely on a magnetic tape, with adjacent ones of the tracks having the video signals recorded therein with different azimuth angles, the apparatus including two magnetic heads movable in a direction along the channel tracks for reproducing the signals recorded therein; a phase detecting circuit for detecting a phase error between the block synchronization signals reproduced from adjacent ones of the tracks by the two magnetic heads; and a control circuit for controlling the relative positions between the tracks and the magnetic heads in response to the detected phase error so that the two magnetic heads accurately scan respective ones of the tracks.

Abstract: A single multi-track head having a plurality of head gaps aligned on a center axis thereof is arranged to assume respectively first and second inclined positions with respect to a transverse axis of a magnetic recording tape. The number of the head gaps equals a half of the total number of tracks to be formed on the tape, and the head gaps are equidistantly spaced so that only odd tracks are formed to record a digital signal when the tape runs in one direction with the multi-track head in one of the first and second inclined positions. When the tape has come to the end, the tape is turned upside down to continuously record the digital signal on even tracks. Before forming the even tracks, the multi-track head is manually or automatically operated to assume the other inclined position. With this operation, the odd and even tracks have different azimuths from each other preventing cross-talk between adjacent tracks.

Abstract: In an apparatus which reproduces video signals from oblique tracks successively formed on a tape, there are provided at least two main rotary heads having different azimuth angles with respect to each other an auxiliary rotary head having the same azimuth angle as that of one of the main rotary heads and which is disposed to substantially scan the same track as that scanned by the one of the main rotary heads.

Abstract: Apparatus in which a recording transducer is moved along a rotating record medium to develop a series of imprints which are phase-synchronized from track to track. The adjacent tracks are merged with the result that the imprints form a slanted pattern of generally continuous lines extending at an angle to the record tracks.More than one recording can coexist in the same medium surface by means of utilizing a plurality of such slanted patterns, each of a different slant. For multiple recordings, either a plurality of transducers are used to record and playback, or a single transducer can be used by rotating it to the appropriate orientation.Sound is recorded in the sync. intervals in the form of samples which form a staggered pattern of their own from track to track, so that only one sound sample may be read out at a time, even when the tracks have been heavily overlapped. Since the sound samples utilize a much smaller portion of the medium surface than the video, there is room in the sync.

Abstract: A pair of detecting heads are disposed in positions corresponding respectively to single heads at both ends of a multichannel head unit, symmetrically inclined with respect to the tape traveling direction. The center positions of these detecting heads are severally in alignment with the center positions of tracks of a magnetic tape. The phase difference between track playback signals reproduced respectively by these detecting heads is detected, and a tracking error is corrected in accordance with the phase difference.

Abstract: A video signal, speed-change reproducing system has a tape on which a video signal has been recorded. The tracks are disposed contiguously and obliquely relative to the tape longitudinal direction. The successive tracks are individually recorded by a plurality of rotating heads having gaps of mutually different azimth angles. The tape travels at a selected speed V which is represented by the equation ##EQU1## wherein Vo is the tape speed for normal reproduction (and recording), and n is a positive or negative integer. A pair of rotating reproducing heads have reproducing gaps which are also of the same mutually different azimuth angles that are used for recording. The reproducing heads are adapted to successively scan the tracks of the tape to reproduce the recorded video signal. The centers of the track width of the rotating heads are different in height positions with respect to the rotational planes in which the heads travel.

Abstract: A video signal, speed-change reproducing system uses a tape on which a video signal has been recorded. The recorded tracks are disposed contiguously and obliquely relative to the longitudinal tape direction. The tracks are recorded and formed by a plurality of rotating heads having gaps of mutually different azimuth angles. The tape travels at a selected speed V represented by the equation ##EQU1## wherein Vo is the tape speed for normal reproduction (and recording), and n is a positive integer. For reproduction, a plurality of rotating reproducing heads have gaps of mutually different azimuth angles which are the same as the azimuth angles used at the recording time. These heads successively scan the tracks of the tape to reproduce the recorded video signal. The rotating reproducing head is controlled to rotate in such a phase relation that each time instant when the level of the reproduced signal becomes a minimum value is within or in the vicinity of a vertical blanking period.