Abstract: In order to produce synchronous control signals of a video recorder, in particular of a digital video recorder, a position pulse of the scanner motor, which coincides with the beginning of the video frame, is used as time zero point. Time markers in which changes in the control signals take place are calculated starting from this time zero point. These time markers and the bit patterns occurring at these time markers are stored as data words in a data field and, for corresponding time markers, the corresponding data word is output in parallel, that is to say synchronously. A realization is possible by means of a microcontroller and a controllable output memory, the microcontroller containing the functions of capture register, timer, calculation unit and comparator.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus operates on a magnetic tape on which information is recorded according to one of first, second, and third predetermined recording formats. The signal reproducing apparatus includes first and second heads. The first head reproduces a signal from the magnetic tape, and has a first predetermined azimuth angle. The second head reproduces a signal from the magnetic tape, and has a second predetermined azimuth angle different from the first predetermined azimuth angle. A first detector detects a level of the signal reproduced by the first head. First components are separated from the signal reproduced by the second head. The first components have frequencies in a first predetermined band. A second detector detects a level of the first components. Second components are separated from the signal reproduced by the second head. The second components have frequencies in a second predetermined band separate from the first predetermined band.

Abstract: An analog and digital combination recording and reproduction apparatus uses the existing head layout found in an analog recording and reproduction apparatus such as an existing VHS system, for recording and reproduction of both analog and digital signals on a magnetic tape. Using a video signal head or a hi-fi audio signal head for use in an extended play mode, digital video and audio signals are simultaneously recorded on tracks obtained by bisecting the standard play mode track width. Thus, the analog and digital signals can be recorded and reproduced without having additional heads for digital recording and reproduction, thereby providing a simple structure and minimizing costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring the read/write reliability of data storage devices contained within a data cartridge library system. The data cartridge library system includes multiple player/recorder devices. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the data cartridge library computer queries a player/recorder device after it has been involved in a read/write operation. In one embodiment, the information queried is the Write and/or Read ECC Error Rates. In another embodiment, the Write and/or Read ECC Error Rates are assessed to determine whether the subject player/recorder device is experiencing read/write problems and whether remedial action is warranted. In another embodiment, the subject player/recorder device is tested using a certified test cartridge and a known data pattern.

Abstract: In order to enable both reproduction of the azimuth-recorded old format and recording and reproduction of the new format of a different azimuth angle without increasing the number of heads, the number of channels of rotary transformers and the number of changeover switched, attached on a rotary drum are a head Hw1 and a head Hr1 (whose azimuth angle is -.THETA.) which are located in opposite positions apart by 180.degree., and a head Hw2 and a head Hr2 (whose azimuth angle is +.beta.) which are also located in opposite positions apart by 180.degree.. Another head Hr3 (whose azimuth angle is +.THETA.) is attached on the drum 3 in a position apart from the head Hr1 by 90.degree.. Recording of the narrow-track new format and RAW operation are done by the heads Hw1, Hw2, and reproduction of the new format is done by the heads Hr1, Hr2. Reproduction of a signal recorded in the old format is done by the heads Hr1 and Hr3.

Abstract: A digital video/audio recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a video signal high-efficiency encoder having a variable reduction rate, an audio signal high-efficiency encoder having a variable reduction rate, and a controller for controlling the reduction rates in both of the high-efficiency encoders. The reduction rates in both of the high-efficiency encoders are controlled in such a manner that the sum of the information amount of the video signal and that of the audio signal, after high-efficiency encoding, is maintained constant. When recording multi-channel audio signals, the reduction rates in both of the high-efficiency encoders are controlled according to the number of audio signal channels to be recorded. The high frequency components of the high-efficiency encoded video and audio signals are recorded at the end portions of recording tracks on a magnetic tape, while the low frequency components thereof are recorded in the central portion of the recording tracks.

Abstract: Data validation uses redundant storage of the data on two-layer magnetic tapes. A method and system provide data recording and reading on such magnetic tapes with a high degree of protection from errors and/or fraudulent behavior. The two-layer tape includes a first layer with a high coercive field positioned on a support and a second magnetic layer with a lower coercive field covering the first layer. Synchronous recording is done on the two layers so that all data is recorded on the second layer and some of the date is recorded on the first layer. Data on the second layer is validated upon reading by reading the data in the first layer after erasure of the second layer.

Abstract: A tape recording medium with slant tracks formed in two longitudinal areas above and below a center line on the recording medium, wherein the slant tracks each include subcode data at a midportion of each track with two control data areas on either side of the subcode and two data areas on the outboard sides of the control data areas. The data areas can include audio data, video data, or computer data or a mixture thereof and the control data provides information specifying the kind of digital data that is recorded for use in reproducing.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly having two heads with the magnetic layer of one angled between 80 to 100.degree. of the gap of the other, and method and apparatus using same. The angle formed on a magnetic tape by side surfaces of a laminated magnetic film of the first magnetic head and the surfaces of a magnetic gap of the second magnetic head are between 80 and 100.degree..

Abstract: A head arrangement and head offset are set so that the track pattern continuously recorded on a continuously running tape will be ordered in the sequence of recording when taken along the time dimension. In intermittent-feed still-speed recording, recording information is divided for recording, and the magnetic tape is fed momentarily by a distance equal to the tape amount recorded. In a helical scan magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, intermittent still-speed recording is performed at prescribed intervals of time, and playback is performed with conditions that satisfy .vertline.v.vertline..ltoreq.r/N (N: positive integer, v: real number, r: positive real number) when the magnetic tape is played back at a speed v times as fast as normal playback speed and the rotary drum is rotated for playback at a speed r times as fast as recording speed.

Abstract: A rotary of a head drum assembly for a VCR in which the structure thereof is simple, thereby facilitating the manufacture and assembling thereof. Stator and rotor bodies of the rotary transformer are annular disc-shaped. The stator body has one stator channel formed on its upper surface, and the rotor body also has one rotor channel formed on its lower surface. Two stator coils are wound and attached in the stator channel, and two rotor coils wound and attached in the rotor channel. The rotor coils are electrically connected to two magnetic heads mounted on an upper drum of the head drum assembly, and the stator coils are electrically connected to a video signal processing system. A head switcher is provided so that video signals read by the magnetic heads can be alternately transferred to two preamplifiers of the video signal processing system.

Abstract: In an arcuate scanner, a read head senses passage over a reference stripe recorded on a moving recording tape. Detection and logic circuitry respond to the read head signal to detect the reference stripe and determine an angular position of the read head with respect to an index associated with the arcuate scanner head assembly. Timing operations of the arcuate scanner and alignment of the arcuate scanner head assembly with regard to an information recording region on the tape are controlled in reference to the detection of the reference stripe.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus realizes an auto-tracking in reproducing a plurality of recorded signals simultaneously with a simple construction. The signal reproducing apparatus is featured by comprising a plurality of reproducing circuits for reproducing a plurality of recorded signals from a plurality of tracks TQ1, TQ2, TP1, TP2, TA1 and TA2 formed on a recording medium, a plurality of amplitude level detection circuits for detecting amplitudes of at least two of output signals of the reproducing circuits and an operation circuit for generating a tracking control signal from a signal obtained by processing the amplitude level detection signals from the amplitude level detection circuits in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing digital information from a recording medium having a plurality of parallel tracks and digital information recorded thereon as n-channel (n being an integer greater than or equal to 2) digital signals. The n-channel digital signals are reproduced by n-reproducing heads. The digital information contained in the reproduced signals is stored in a storage device. Discriminating data is obtained for determining which of the n-channel digital signals reproduced correspond to the reproducing heads. The timing of an access device, accessing the storage device for performing a predetermined processing of the digital signals stored in the storage device relative to the reproducing timing of the digital information reproduced by the n reproducing heads, is controlled in accordance with the discrimination data.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus comprises a magnetic tape running apparatus to rotate a rotary drum and run a magnetic tape with the magnetic tape being contact with, at least, part of the circumferential surface of the rotary drum, a plurality of erasing magnetic heads installed on the rotary drum so that the magnetic tape are in contact with the heads and used to erase recording signal, a plurality of recording magnetic heads used for recording, a plurality of erasing circuits installed on the rotary drum to output erasing signal to each of the erasing magnetic heads, a plurality of recording circuits connected to the recording magnetic heads respectively and installed on the rotary drum so that the recording circuits are selectively be gone to enable state and disable state, one or more rotary transformers connected to erasing circuits in common, and a driving circuit to record information signal in the magnetic tape through recording magnetic heads, recording circuits, and rotary transformers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and replaying variable speed data uses a rotating drum device. When information to be recorded is presented to the transfer rate of the information, be recorded is determined. If this information is not presented at a standard information transfer rate (N), it is converted to that standard rate. If the information not only is not at the standard rate N, but is outside a predetermined amount from that standard rate, the travel speed of the magnetic medium is slowed and the activation sequence of the magnetic recording head is altered. In the case where the information to be recorded is at a rate outside of the predetermined rate, the magnetic medium travel speed is reduced from the standard speed (L/T) in relation to the information transfer rate of the information to be recorded. If the tape speed is reduced to L/XT, then the activation sequence is every Xth head.

Abstract: A device for recording an information signal on a magnetic tape by using a helical scan include a rotary drum, a plurality of types of magnetic heads including at least one magnetic head of each of the types provided on the rotary drum for recording a corresponding type of the information signal, and switching units which switch the at least one magnetic head between a recording of the information signal and an erasing of the information signal. During rotation of the rotary drum, one type of the at least one magnetic head erases the information signal prerecorded on the magnetic tape before another type of the at least one magnetic head records a corresponding type of the information signal on the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder (VCR) is disclosed which is capable of displaying the video being erased during a recording operation. Thus, during a recording operation the user is able to monitor the video being erased, so as to stop recording if the VCR has reached a video the user wishes to preserve. The VCR is capable to display the video being erased during a recording operation by doubling the rotational speed of the head cylinder during a recording operation. Since the rotational speed is doubled, half of the time period is used for reading and half for recording. The VCR includes a decompressing circuit to restore the video read during the double speed rotation of the head cylinder, and also includes a compressor to compressed the externally supplied video so as to record that signal at double the normal rotational speed.

Abstract: In a video tape recorder capable of recording information for a long time, first and second rotary heads are angularly spaced by 180.degree. and are arranged without a step between their respective planes of rotation. In a frame recording operation, an odd field of a frame is recorded by the first head in a first track on the tape while the latter is in a stationary condition and an even field of the same frame is stored in a field memory, whereupon, the tape is intermittently driven a distance corresponding to the track pitch and then, while the tape is again in its stationary condition, the stored even field is read from the memory and recorded by the second head in a second track adjacent the first track.

Abstract: A rotary head recording/reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing digital signals into and from helical tracks on a tape-like recording medium with a rotary head is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a recording head section composed of first and second recording heads having different azimuth angles are closely located on a rotary drum; a first reproducing head section provided at 90.degree. to the recording head section, the first reproducing head section being composed of first and second reproducing heads closely located, the first and second reproducing heads having azimuth angles corresponding to the first and second recording heads of the recording head section, respectively; and a second reproducing head section provided at 180.degree.

Abstract: A video tape playback device in which heads are tracking-controlled according to a predetermined tracking control value, in order to accomplish automatic tracking so that noise is not regenerated on the screen during an abnormal speed playback.

Abstract: A method of generating a control signal is comprised of the steps of detecting a drum rotational amount on the basis of a switching signal which switches a plurality of rotary heads, detecting a displacement amount of a control signal on the basis of a signal indicative of the drum rotational amount and levels of reproduced signals from the plurality of rotary heads, detecting a rotary frequency of a capstan motor, generating a pseudo control signal by frequency-dividing a detected signal indicative of the rotary frequency of the capstan motor by a predetermined value, and correcting a phase of the pseudo-control signal generated on the basis of the signal indicative of the displacement amount of the control signal.

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 method and arrangement that provides the proper timing for starting the search for a format timing mark on arcuate data tracks recorded by an arcuate scanner prevents mis-identification of the format timing mark caused by same azimuth interference. Mis-identification of the format timing mark is avoided by preventing reading of the signal from a first azimuth read head of arcuate scanner until the read head reaches a safe zone in its data track. The safe zone is a pad area written by a first azimuth write head, located on a data track between two pad sections of second azimuth data tracks written by second azimuth write heads. In the safe zone, it is not possible for the first azimuth read head to read two adjacent pad sections of the first azimuth written by two different first azimuth write heads. Once in the safe zone, the read signal from the first azimuth read head can be safely read to look for the format timing mark.

Abstract: A rotary transformer circuit, for a video cassette recorder, including: a single rotary transformer; a plurality of magnetic heads for recording/playing back signals on the magnetic tape; and a switching circuit for selectively sampling each of the plurality of magnetic heads and for forming a signal of concatenated individual-head sub-signals and for selectively connecting a signal of concatenated individual-head sub-signals to corresponding ones of the plurality of magnetic heads. The switching circuit transferring the signal of concatenated individual-head sub-signals through the single rotary transformer. The circuit avoids noise caused by cross-talk when using multiple rotary transformers.

Abstract: A disc recording device for recording a first information signal and a second information signal, e.g. a pilot signal, on a disc-shaped recording medium comprises an optical pick-up having first and second laser diodes for recording the first and second information signals on the disc-shaped recording medium, a first modulator for modulating the first information signal at a first frequency, a first laser diode modulator for driving the first laser diode based on a signal outputted from the first modulator, a generator for generating the second information signal of a second frequency and a second laser diode modulator for driving the second laser diode based on the second information signal.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly having two heads with the magnetic layer of one angled between 80.degree. to 100.degree. of the gap of the other, and method and apparatus using same. The angle formed on a magnetic tape by side surfaces of a laminated magnetic film of the first magnetic head and the surfaces of a magnetic gap of the second magnetic head are between 80.degree. and 100.degree..

Abstract: A first head changeover signal generation circuit generates a first head changeover signal to be used for switching between first heads and between second heads. A second head changeover signal generation circuit generates a second head changeover signal to be used for switching between the pair of first heads and the pair of second heads. A head amplifier selects one of FM field signals reproduced by the first and second heads in accordance with the first and second head changeover signals, and a FM detection circuit converts the selected FM signal into a video signal. A pseudo vertical sync signal generation circuit generates a pseudo vertical sync signal in accordance with the first and second head changeover signals. A switch selects, in accordance with the second head changeover signal, one of the as-produced pseudo vertical sync signal and a delayed pseudo vertical sync signal delayed by a variable delay circuit. The selected pseudo vertical sync signal is added to the video signal.

Abstract: A magnetic-tape apparatus with a rotary scanning device in which a plurality of magnetic heads are mounted at the circumference and are associated with rotating amplifiers, which for the signal transfer are connected to stationary devices at a stator side via respective rotary transformers. The stator side of the rotary scanning device includes a generator for the generation of a phase-data signal including a periodically recurring pulse sequence bounded by synchronization pulses (S) and comprising between the synchronization pulses a bit-serial sequence of pulses whose pulse edges time the transfer of the signals from and to the magnetic heads. A feedback register circuit at the rotor side derives various timed head-switching signals for turning on/off the rotating amplifiers from an optically transmitted phase-data signal.

Abstract: A time lapse magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus for recording and reproducing picture signals while intermittently thinning them out in a frame unit is used for monitoring and burglar-proofing in plants, shops, banks, etc. Recording picture information is generated and added to one continuous picture signal obtained by sequentially switching the output of each video camera, and is then recorded. A speed multiple k for a normal tape travelling speed is optimally set by servo circuit on the basis of the recording picture information (the total number m of channels) detected from the reproduction picture signals reconstructed by double-azimuth four heads at the time of search reproduction, and a search reproduction picture throughout the full screen of a monitor television is obtained in full recording channels.

Abstract: A time lapse VTR carrying out field extraction recording includes a gate for extracting intermittently a supplied video signal at a ratio of one field to every three fields, a switching circuit for designating selectively a tape running speed of either 1/9 or 1/12 the tape running speed of a SP mode in the VHS system, and a servo control circuit for driving a capstan motor to run a magnetic tape at the designated tape running speed. The video signal extracted intermittently by the gate circuit is recorded at an azimuth angle differing from each field by a plurality of video heads on a magnetic head running at the designated tape running speed. As a result, the reproduction compatibility of a magnetic tape having field extraction recorded by a time lapse VTR with an EP mode of a conventional VTR of the VHS system is ensured.

Abstract: A rotary head type recording apparatus comprises a rotary head which is arranged to record signals on a tape-shaped recording medium by tracing the medium; a transport device for longitudinally moving the tape-shaped recording medium; a recording circuit which is arranged to cause a recording signal to be recorded on the recording medium by supplying the recording signal to the rotary head; a recording control circuit which controls the start and stop of signal recording by the recording circuit; and a transport control circuit which controls the start and stop of the recording medium moving action of the transport device. The operation timing of the recording control circuit is arranged to be substantially identical to that of the transport control circuit.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing a video signal recorded on a video track of a magnetic tape by pair of magnetic heads arranged in a rotation drum so as to oppose to each other at an angle of 180 degrees, while rotating a capstan for moving the magnetic tape in the longitudinal direction, a memory controller controls the reproduced video signal to be written into and be read out from two memories, each of which stores a video signal of at least one field. Then, a quality of image judgment circuit judges a part of the reproduced video signal having a quality of image higher than a predetermined threshold quality level, among a plurality of parts of the reproduced video signal obtained through scan of a pair of magnetic heads.

Abstract: A magnetic recorder and/or reproducer is provided for preventing a crosstalk phenomenon from occurring between adjacent tracks by a "wide head" during "long time" record mode. The magnetic recorder and/or reproducer includes a rotation drum which has a pair of first heads for recording and/or reproducing during a standard record mode and a pair of second heads for recording and/or reproducing during a long time record mode. The rotation drum also has a pair of flying erase heads whose head width is greater than or equal to the standard record track width of a standard record mode. The pair of flying erase heads is separated from the bottom surfaces of the pair of first heads by a first offset and is separated from the bottom surfaces of the pair of second heads by a second offset. Furthermore, one of the flying erase heads forms a predetermined angle with one of the first heads.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing apparatus having rotary heads, heads A, C, E and G having a first azimuth, and heads B, D, F and H having a second azimuth are alternately arranged, and heads A' and E' having a second azimuth are disposed adjacent to the heads A and E', respectively. The use of the heads A', C, E' and G permits recording and reproducing at 1/2 speed with the same track pitch. The positions of the heads A and E are deviated by predetermined amounts from the equal interval positions on the periphery of a rotating drum so that recording and reproducing can be performed with the same track pitch at least at 1/4 speed.

Abstract: Tracking control apparatus and method for a digital/analog recording/playback system which is capable of recording and playing back a digital video signal as well as an analog video signal compatible with an existing VHS system. A tracking signal is recorded by first and second heads for the recording and playback of an analog video signal, and a digital video signal is recorded by third and fourth heads for the recording and playback of the digital video signal. The recorded tracking signal is played back by the first and second heads and the recorded digital video signal is played back by the third and fourth heads. The digital video signal is recorded on a portion of a tape wound at an angle of 180.degree. with respect to a head drum and the tracking signal is recorded on upper and lower 5.degree. portions adjoining the 180.degree.-wound portion of the tape. Therefore, a loss of the digital video signal can be avoided. This has the effect of obtaining a high picture quality.

Abstract: A magnetic reproduction device includes a comparator for comparing the level of reproduced signals obtained by tracing the same track with magnetic heads having different azimuths, and switches for selecting and supplying any of the reproduced signals in accordance with the result of the comparison. The magnetic heads thus used for reproduction are therefore determined simultaneously with the start of reproduction. This allows for the automatic supply of correct reproduced signals, even if an azimuth of the magnetic heads which recorded the signals is unknown.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus comprises a magnetic tape running apparatus to rotate a rotary drum and run a magnetic tape with the magnetic tape being in contact with, at least, part of the circumferential surface of the rotary drum, a plurality of erasing magnetic heads installed on the rotary drum so that the magnetic tape are in contact with the heads and used to erase recording signal, a plurality of recording magnetic heads used for recording, a plurality of erasing circuits installed on the rotary drum to output erasing signal to each of the erasing magnetic heads, a plurality of recording circuits connected to the recording magnetic heads respectively and installed on the rotary drum so that the recording circuits are selectively be gone to active state and non-active state, one or more rotary transformers connected to erasing circuits in common, and a driving circuit to record information signal in the magnetic tape through recording magnetic heads, recording circuits, and rotary transfo

Abstract: A video tape recorder enables a normal video signal for an aspect ratio of 4:3 or a wide-picture video signal for a greater aspect ratio of, for example, 16:9 to be selectively recorded/reproduced onto and from a magnetic tape. In order to identify which of the aspect ratios the reproduced video signal is based on, a recording mode signal indicative of the aspect ratio is recorded on the magnetic tape together with the video signal. A code signal or a pilot signal is used for the recording mode signal. In the reproducing operation, the aspect ratio of a reproduced picture is recognized from the recording mode signal, and a signal indicative of the aspect ratio is delivered to an external device, such as a television set, together with reproduced video/audio signals. In a case where the reproduced picture is a wide picture and where the external device does not conform to the wide picture, the aspect ratio of the video signal is changed.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus for expanding the functions of the VTR with a limited number of heads. The apparatus includes audio heads A1 and A2 having azimuth angles of .+-.30 degrees respectively, video heads SP1 and SP2 having azimuth angles of .+-.6 degrees, video heads WP1 and WP2, and video heads WQ1 and WQ2. The audio heads A1 and A2 are used commonly in the standard play mode of the VHS, in the extended play mode and in the wide mode.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing plural types of data signals respectively different in data rate, and capable of completely eliminating noise when reproducing data signals of high data rate or low data rate at slower or faster speed than normal speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital/analog video signals including a single head drum attached with heads for processing analog video signals and heads for processing digital video signals, and switches performing switching operations on the basis of the kind of input video signals. The head drum is variable in speed, depending on the kind of input video signals. In accordance with the apparatus, both analog and digital signals can be recorded and reproduced by a single recording unit and a single reproducing unit both capable of varying in characteristic, based on a video signal received thereto. This provides a reduction in manufacture cost and a light, thin, simple and compact construction of the existing VCRs.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in which the reproduced audio data is processed and is recorded in every N cycles during which the reproducing magnetic heads scan a pair of recording tracks. The recording magnetic head is positioned behind the reproducing magnetic head for 8.5+4N track pitch, so that a write-after-read processing is provided. Using the recording head positioned behind the reproducing head, the reproduced audio data is stored in a memory for time base compression or expansion, and in a multichannel mode the reproduced audio data is read out and recorded performing write-after-read processing even if the number of channels is changed. The 2.sup.n channel audio data is recorded using interleave processing in every N cycles of the heads forming a pair of recording tracks so that even if the cycle in which a pair of recording tracks is not an integral multiple of the sampling cycle, the plural channels of audio data can be recorded and/or reproduced.

Abstract: A recording head Hw1 records a record signal including a data region, a pilot signal region, and a mask region with a width of 3 Tp. A recording head Hw2 overwrites the record region of the head Hw1 with another data. Since the recorded signal includes the mask region, the pilot signal region recorded by the head Hw1 is not erased. The recording head Hw1 overwrites with a record signal. At this point, since the recorded signal contains a mask region, the former pilot signal region is not erased. Instead, a new pilot signal region is formed. By repeating these operations, pilot signal regions are adjacently formed at track edges of a track corresponding to the recording head Hw1. Since the pilot signal is reproduced by a reproducing head with the same azimuth as the recording head, the pilot signal with a short wavelength can be used.

Abstract: A method and tape recorder apparatus are disclosed for recording a signal on a tape. The tape recorder apparatus is provided with a memory for storing a signal to be recorded on a tape. The tape recorder apparatus has a recording head for recording the signal stored in the memory. The tape recorder apparatus also has a playback head for reproducing the signal recorded by the recording head on the tape. Furthermore, the tape recorder apparatus has a comparison circuit for comparing the signal reproduced by the playback head with the signal stored in the memory. Depending on errors identified by the comparison circuit in the reproduced signal, the signal in the memory is re-recorded on the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an electric signal (A) on a magnetic record carrier (1) includes at least one pair of write heads (K.sub.1, K.sub.2) having a mechanically rigid coupling to each other and arranged on a head drum (40). The record carrier (1) is wrapped around the head drum through a wrapping angle .alpha.. The pair of heads (K.sub.1, K.sub.2) writes pairs of tracks (T.sub.1, T.sub.2 ; T.sub.3, T.sub.4 ; . . . ) on the record carrier. The apparatus further includes a signal separator (4) for dividing the electric signal into consecutive blocks, after which the signal blocks having odd sequence number (B.sub.1, B.sub.3, . . . ) are applied to a first output (5) and the signal blocks having even sequence number (B.sub.2, B.sub.4 . . . ) are applied to a second output (6). In a time-base correction circuit (7) the signal blocks (A.sub.1, A.sub.2) are time expanded or compressed. .alpha. Differs from 180.degree..

Abstract: Method for increasing the recording time of a digital video tape recorder ("VTR") and for supporting multiple normal play modes of digital VTR operation, e.g., a standard play mode of operation and one or more long play modes of operation. To achieve long play mode operation data reduction is performed on a received full rate video data stream to generate a reduced rate video data stream. Data reduction is performed using data prioritization and selection, requantization of full rate data stream, and/or by selecting data to be included in the reduced rate data stream as a function of what portion of a video frame the data represents. The reduced rate data stream is generated to be compliant with the data format of the full rate data stream. During long play mode recording operation the data in the reduced rate data stream is recorded on a tape at the same tape data density as used during standard mode VTR operation.

Abstract: Recording areas for tracking on which specific servo patterns are recorded are provided preceding data tracks on which data is to be recorded on a recording tape scanned by a helical scan system. The data tracks and recording areas for tracking are recorded at different azimuths. At the time of a playback operation, etc., the specific patterns in the recording areas for tracking are played back by the helical scan system and tracking is performed by using the playback timing.

Abstract: An improved helical scan type video taperecorder for reproducing a high quality video signal with no distortions, and thereby eliminating a sag distortion is provided by applying a continuous reproduced video signal prepared by inserting FM signals reproduced by a pair of rotary heads into no-signal field intervals of a FM signal reproduced by a single rotary head, only the FM signal from which is used for displaying, to a clamp circuit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reproducing main information data from a recording medium on which data train including the main information data, address data, and error correction data for an error correction have been recorded, the main information data in the data train reproduced by reproducing heads to trace on a recording medium is written into a memory in accordance with the address data in the data train and an access timing of an error correction circuit to the memory and a main information data reading timing from the memory are determined in accordance with the address data in the data train, thereby preventing a competition of addresses in the memory irrespective of the conditions such as a conveying speed of the recording medium upon reproduction and the like.