Abstract: The invention relates to a changeover device which uses both analog and digital signals as input signals and supplies an analog output signal. The changeover device contains a digital-to-analog converter whose output level is adjustable. Matching to the level of the analog input signal is thus achieved. Preferred applications of the invention are picture-in-picture insertions in which an additional picture in analog form is intended to be inserted into a main picture in digital form.

Abstract: A hard disk drive read circuit for d=1 run length limited (RLL) encoded data which processes multiple consecutive data samples in parallel. The circuit of the present invention receives an analog signal from the read head of the hard disk drive. The circuit comprises a plurality of digital detection channels, coupled to the analog signal, each channel outputting an alternate bit of digital data represented by the analog signal. A timing circuit, coupled to the plurality of digital detection channels, generates a plurality of timing signals controlling the plurality of digital detection channels. The timing circuit derives timing information from one of the digital detection channels. The d=1 RLL code is modified so that there are at most nine consecutive 0's in the digital data output by the digital detection channel from which the timing circuit derives the timing information. An encoder generates the encoded digital data to be recorded on the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A high-speed dubbing system which is not a complicated system adjusts phase shifts to return a plurality of multiple divided master tape audio signals to a time series signal array which is the same as that of the original master tape signal. The dubbing system has a continuous digital audio signal obtained by playing back the master tape at a nominal playback speed; the audio signal is divided by a specified division unit and an array of data blocks is obtained and converted to generate N units of divided master tape playback signals, a specified length portion of each data blocks of the N systems of divided master tape playback signals is replaced by phase matching code data. The N systems of divided master tape playback signals are intermittently recorded onto tape at the nominal playback speed to produce N divided master tapes. These N divided master tapes are played back simultaneously and in synchronism to obtain N systems of playback signals.

Abstract: In a multitrack recording arrangement in which information may be recorded in or reproduced from a plurality of adjacent tracks simultaneously and in which the plurality of adjacent tracks are longitudinally partitioned into segments referred to as tape frames, each tape frame being formed of a plurality of laterally adjacent track segments referred to as track frames, each tape frame is assigned to one of a plurality of channels, one channel of information being recorded in each n-th tape frame.

Abstract: A high speed dubbing apparatus for producing magnetic tapes such as video, audio or computer soft tapes, is provided. Typical form of the apparatus may comprise 3 master tape playback devices for synchronously playing back 3 divided master tapes respectively recorded with 3 divided master signals obtained by dividing time-divisionally an original master signal having an original data sequence by 3 and for outputting the 3 divided master signals, a triple speed recording signal producing device for time-compressing each of the 3 divided master signals to 1/3 to obtain a triple speed recording signal from the 3 divided master signals while restoring the original data sequence in the triple speed recording signal and a recording device for recording the triple speed recording signal on a plurality of slave tapes running at a speed which is 3 times the normal playback speed of the slave tapes.

Abstract: A television storage system for editing and special effects equipment in which live video input material is recorded and converted into two parallel streams of real time live video with the input video recorded as compressed segments independently accessible on multiple synchronous disk drives.

Abstract: A track following positioning system including filtered average servo demodulators for maintaining the position of a magnetic tape head in alignment with tracks of data stored in magnetic medium. A servo head tracks a centerline in a servo written region of the magnetic medium and generates servo head signals corresponding to the displacement of the servo head from the centerline. A filtered average servo demodulator detects the servo head signals and generates servo error signals for realigning the tape head with respect to the magnetic medium in response thereto. To generate servo error signals, the filtered average servo demodulator peak detects and averages the rectified and filtered output signals and then subtracts a proportion of the peak detected signals from the average detected signals.

Abstract: A data editing apparatus includes a mass storage device to edit multimedia data such as picture, audio, text and other data. By the visual graphic display of the time positions of the edited information, the user can easily grasp the reproduction time of the picture, text and audio data, thereby simplifying synchronization of plural media data. Graphic editing may be effected to facilitate multimedia data editing.

Abstract: A high speed dubbing apparatus for producing magnetic tapes such as video, audio or computer soft tapes, is provided. Typical form of the apparatus may comprise 2 master tape playback devices for synchronously playing back 2 divided master tapes respectively recorded with 2 divided master signals obtained by dividing time-divisionally an original master signal having an original data sequence by 2 and for outputting the 2 divided master signals, a double speed recording signal producing device for time-compressing each of the 2 divided master signals to 1/2 to obtain a double speed recording signal from the 2 divided master signals while restoring the original data sequence in the double speed recording signal and a recording device for recording the double speed recording signal on a slave tape running at a speed which is twice the nominal playback speed of the slave tape.

Abstract: A disk apparatus composed of a disk recording system includes a disk recording medium divided into a plurality of regions in a track direction; a data compressor for compressing the data in terms of time, a recording data delaying apparatus for rearranging the compressed data in time series, a data compounding apparatus for compounding the respective channels into one data a data recording apparatus for recording on the disk recording medium the compounded data; and a data reproducing system including a data reproducing apparatus for reproducing compressed data recorded on the disk recording medium; a data separating apparatus for separating for each channel the reproduced data; a reproducing data delaying apparatus for adjusting the timing of the data of each channel; a data expander for expanding the compressed data of a plurality of channels; an apparatus for compressing in terms of time the data of each channel of signals of a plurality of channels; and separating, recording in a track direction the data

Abstract: A data editing apparatus includes a mass storage device to edit multimedia data such as picture, audio, text and other data. By the visual graphic display of the time positions of the edited information, the user can easily grasp the reproduction time of the picture, text and audio data, thereby simplifying synchronization of plural media data. Graphic editing may be effected to facilitate multimedia data editing.

Abstract: An information signal recording apparatus of this invention records on a recording medium a signal which includes a first information signal and a second information signal which differs from the first information signal. It multiplexes the second information signal with a signal which is the first information signal during a first period and which is a constant frequency signal during a second period which differs from the first time period on a frequency basis, and records a resultant information signal on the recording medium. In consequence, the information signal can be recorded on the recording medium in such a way that the time base variations generated in the information signal reproduced from the recording medium can be readily corrected without using a special signal.

Abstract: In a digital VTR, supplied digital video information is separated into 0th to second stage data by an information separating circuit (300) employing a hierarchical coding method. The 0th stage data are subjected to processes such as error correction as main information capable of roughly forming video signals by themselves. The first and second stage data are subjected to error correction and the like as subinformation forming details of the image. The main information and the subinformation are recorded on a magnetic tape such that the main information is recorded at the central portion of each recording track and the subinformation is recorded on both outer side portions of the recording track. During high speed reproduction, at least the main information is reproduced from the magnetic tape and rough video information is formed based on the reproduced main information.

Abstract: In an audio and video recording apparatus, a video signal is separated into a luminance signal and a chrominance signal. The luminance signal is separated into low frequency and high frequency components. The high frequency component signal is subjected to balanced modulation to be thereafter band-compressed by interleaving the lower side band thereof to the low frequency component. The chrominance signal is processed to be a line sequential color difference signal. An audio signal is sampled and encoded. The luminance signal, the color difference signal and the audio signal are subjected to time-axis compression multiplexing in one frame with a synchronizing signal, address signals and control signals. The multiplex signal is recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: A video tape recorder has a pair of rotary magnetic heads spaced apart by 180.degree. from each other on a rotary cylinder which rotates one turn (360.degree.) during each field of a video signal to be recorded. A recording circuit has first and second memories for respectively storing first and second channel component signals of the video signal contained in at least one field for time-compressing them. The first and second memories are controlled to output the time-compressed first and second channel component signals alternately. A reproducing circuit has third and fourth memories for respectively time-expanding the time-compressed first and second channel component signals contained in a reproduced signal to obtain the original two-channel component 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 in 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 digital information signal recording apparatus has a first mode in which a digital information signal of one channel is recorded on a recording medium at a given bit rate and a second mode in which digital information signals of n channels (n: an integer which is at least 2) are simultaneously recorded on the recording medium at a bit rate which is 1/n of the given bit rate.

Abstract: A wide band video signal recording apparatus is arranged to simultaneously record, on a recording medium, multi-channel video signals which are obtained by frequency modulating a luminance signal included in a wide band video signal; by frequency dividing the frequency modulated luminance signal at different phases thereof to obtain multi-channel luminance signals; and by multiplexing a carrier chrominance signal included in the video signal with the low band of at least one of the multi-channel luminance signals.

Abstract: A video signal is time division multiplexed prior to recording using a time base compression device including a random access memory, instead of serial shift registers or the like. Large time base errors in the incoming video signal are accommodated without creating conflicts between memory read and write operations of successive video lines and without requiring a spare memory. Instead, the time compression random access memory has dual data ports, and successive video lines are loaded into and unloaded out of different locations in the random access memory simultaneously through different ports at different data rates to achieve the requisite time compression. As a result, the usual requirement to route incoming video signals to a spare memory in case of a time base error, for avoiding memory read and write conflicts, is eliminated by the invention.

Abstract: In a time division multiplex video reproducing apparatus, a dual purpose memory serves to (a) perform time compression for time division multiplexing and (b) perform as a variable delay line for time base error correction. Seemingly unavoidable conflicts in the allocation of memory space (between multiplexing operations and time base error correction operations) are eliminated by performing the time base error correction operations during a memory idle time inherent in the time division multiplexing process. As a result, time base error correction in this invention requires little additional hardware and no additional space in the memory beyond that required for time division multiplexing.

Abstract: Two pairs of opposing magnetic heads mounted in quadrature on a rotary drum simultaneously receive two independent video channels, one channel being quadrature-delayed with respect to the other. The heads simultaneously record the two video channels in adjacent tracks on a video tape moving at twice the normal linear tape speed. To playback one of the two simultaneously recorded video channels, the two pairs of heads retrace their respective recorded tracks while the video tape moves at twice normal linear speed, but only one opposing head pair is connected to playback circuitry. In an alternative embodiment, the tape moves at standard speed while the heads skip-field record the two quadrature-delayed video channels.

Abstract: A video tape reproduction apparatus is operable in a conventional mode in which a field of video information is recorded in a single track on magnetic tape, and in a high quality mode in which a field of video information is recorded in two adjacent tracks. In the high quality mode, in order to minimize skew errors (which may occur during playback when switching in mid-field from track to track), the second half of the field is delayed before it is recorded in the second track. Preferably the first half of each field is recorded with an integral number of horizontal lines so that switching is effected during a horizontal blanking interval.

Abstract: A color video signal recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a first circuit for generating a low-frequency luminance signal, a second circuit for forming a time base compressed line-sequential color difference signal, a circuit for generating a time-division-multiplexed signal in which the output signals of the first and second circuits are multiplexed in time-sequence, a modulator for frequency-modulating a carrier by the time-division-multiplexed signal, a first converter for generating a low-band converted high-frequency luminance signal, a circuit for recording a frequency-division-multiplexed signal of at least the output signals of the modulator and the first converter on a recording medium and reproducing the same from the recording medium, a second converter for obtaining a reproduced high-frequency luminance signal from the reproduced signal, a circuit for obtaining a reproduced luminance signal from the reproduced high-frequency luminance signal and a reproduced low-frequency luminance signal

Abstract: A color video signal transmitting apparatus comprises first and second input terminals supplied in parallel with a time base compressed luminance signal and a first time base compressed line-sequential color difference signal which are obtained from one or a plurality of pickup elements of a television camera by changing an effective horizontal scanning period of the one or a plurality of pickup elements to a predetermined short period, a circuit for producing a second time base compressed line-sequential color difference signal by time base compressing the signal from the second input terminal, a circuit for obtaining a multiplexed signal of a second synchronizing signal having a predetermined width and being in phase with a first synchronizing signal from a third input terminal and a discriminating signal of every two regular horizontal scanning periods which is used to discriminate either one of two kinds of time base compressed color difference signals which make up the second time base compressed line-se

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing digital signals on a multi-track recording medium, wherein a signal to be written in a memory is selected from among signals of each track demodulator a demodulation means (50) by a writing track selection circuit (200), the signal of the writing track selected by the track selection circuit (200) is stored in a memory (102), the timing of writing the signal of the selected track is determined by a write timing setup circuit (300), and the timing of reading is determined by a read setup circuit (400) so that the signal stored in the memory (102) is read out during two write timing periods set by the write timing setup circuit (300), and the memory (102) is directed for writing or reading selectively by a read/write selector (100) in accordance with the output signals from the write timing setup circuit (300) and read setup circuit (400), so that writing or reading takes place at an interval of 1/2ANfc.

Abstract: A clock pulse generating circuit in a color video signal reproducing apparatus comprises a first PLL supplied with a horizontal synchronizing signal within a time-division-multiplexed signal reproduced from a recording medium and having a response characteristic such that the first PLL can sufficiently follow a time base deviation in the horizontal synchronizing signal, a second PLL supplied with the horizontal synchronizing signal and having a response characteristic such that the second PLL substantially does not follow a time base deviation or noise in the horizontal synchronizing signal, a circuit for resetting a variable frequency oscillator within the first PLL by a reset signal, where the reset signal is obtained by tapping a signal which is subjected to a phase comparison with the horizontal synchronizing signal in a phase comparator within the second PLL, and a switching circuit for producing a write-in clock pulse from a pulse which is obtained from the first PLL during a write-in operation of memor

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: A video-tape recording and reproducing apparatus comprises: a transformer system to divide the field signal into multi-channel transformer signals; a system to record and reproduce these multi-channel transformer signals using a multiple magnetic head; a jitter detection head to record and reproduce fixed frequency signals placed in juxtaposition with the above-mentioned magnetic head; and a system to mix the jitter component signal produced by the jitter detection head, after pole reversal, into each channel of the above-mentioned transformer signal. This video-tape recording and reproducing apparatus achieves high quality video reproduction by eliminating noise caused by tape travel irregularity.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and reproducing system of the type wherein a plurality of rotating magnetic heads record the video signal on a magnetic tape as tracks which are inclined at an angle relative to the direction of travel of the magnetic tape, the audio signal is time compressed and recorded by the rotating magnetic heads on tracks contiguous with either or both ends of said video signal recording tracks, whereby even at a considerably low tape transport speed the audio signal may be recorded in a stable manner.

Abstract: To provide for narrow band storage of wide band signals, a dynamic memory e.g. a tape has a plurality of storage tracks, and storage arrangements which are present as one more than the number of storage tracks. Each storage arrangement includes a storage circuit. A first transfer switching system temporally subdivides the broad band signals and applies them to the various storage circuits. A second transfer switching system provides for cyclical connection of the storage circuits to the tracks of the magnetic tape. The signals to be stored are cyclically applied to the inputs of the storage circuits by the first transfer switching system and read out therefrom in a longer time interval, the time stretching factor corresponding to the number of storage circuits less one. To increase the storage density on the tape, the second transfer switching system connects the storage circuits, cyclically, with a number of transducers for magnetic tape memory which is one less than the number of storage circuits.

Abstract: In order to record and play back video signals on magnetic tape, the magnetic tape is fed past a magnetic head and reversed periodically. A stationary multi-track magnetic head is used, and a magnetic tape moves relatively thereto. The head gaps of the multi-track head are successively allocated to the lines of a half-picture in accordance with circuit technology during forward travel. In this case, the half-picture is recorded by gap-wise scanning in the form of very narrow short non-overlapping stepwise parallel tracks and is reproduced during playback. During backwards travel of the magnetic tape, the head gaps are then allocated to the lines of the half-picture in the reverse sequence so that the track sequence is shifted by at least one gap during each reversal. The gaps missing at the end of the track sequence are made up cyclically by the corresponding number of gaps at the other end of the row of head gaps.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for partitioning a wide-band signal into a plurality of separate narrow-band signals partition the wide-band signal into a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component at least partially above the low-frequency component in the spectrum of the wide-band signal. The low-frequency component is translated into a first narrow-band signal having a band of frequencies at least partially higher than the frequencies of the low-frequency component. The high-frequency component is partitioned into at least two separate further narrow-band signals, each having a bandwidth smaller than the bandwidth of the high-frequency component. Alternatively or additionally, sequential pluralities of elements (samples) of the wide-band signal are distributed over a plurality of groups, and each plurality of elements in each group is separately stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a picture film via a video-disc which consists in analyzing the pictures of the film on a plurality of interlaced fields which are successively recorded onto a video-disc. These fields are then read simultaneously on this video-disc and the video signal thus obtained are used for modulating a display apparatus scanned according to a primary raster with a superimposed raster. A coding device is used for mixing the video signals and producing signals for synchronizing the display apparatus.

Abstract: A system comprising a playback unit and an associated long-playing record on which sound information is recorded in a time division multiplex code on several tracks. Upon reproduction the same track is scanned n times with the aid of a beam of light before this beam of light is directed to the next track. With the aid of a sampling gate the pulses comprising the sound information in time division multiplex code and associated with a first sound channel are sampled with the aid of said sampling gate while during a second revolution pulses from a second sound channel etc. are sampled.In order to operate this sampling gate in synchronism with the scanning of said pulses the playback unit comprises first synchronizing means responding to pulses also comprising the sound information. Furthermore, at the commencement of each track, starting pulses are provided to which second synchronizing means respond.

Abstract: A television signal recording and reproducing system wherein a television signal to be recorded is sequentially sampled at a predetermined number of points during each horizontal scanning period thereby to convert the television signal occupying a wide band into substantially vertically scanned signals. The converted signals, which have also been divided into multichannel signals, are recorded on a recording medium with a multichannel magnetic head. Reproduced signals from the multichannel head are sampled and added to produce the original television signals in a similar but reverse operation to the recording operation.

Abstract: Adaptor for reliably switching between audio and video information signals obtained from an external audio input device (e.g., the tape of a standard audio cassette recorder or player) with only the video information signals being applied to standard television receiver.