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 and reproducing apparatus capable of recording video, audio and other information on a magnetic tape by, for example, the helical scanning method. A rotary head is rotated at an m-fold speed to record intermittent tracks on the magnetic tape so that real-time simultaneous monitoring is performed. By high-speed dubbing due to high-density intermittent recording and by increasing the number of repetition of track scanning, the information is recorded and reproduced simultaneously with a plurality of channels. Any tracking error is detected to form a continuous and uniform track pattern. With this intermittent comb-shaped recording, reciprocating recording and reproducing can be realized.

Abstract: A rotary head type magnetic recording/playback apparatus for recording a video signal and an audio signal on multiple helical tracks formed on a magnetic tape and reproducing the video signal and audio signal therefrom. The apparatus includes a recording section for treating the helical tracks as multiple track groups each including N helical tracks, recording only a video signal on (N-K) helical tracks in each track group used as video-only tracks, and recording a video signal and an audio signal in a mixed manner on K helical tracks used as video/audio mixed tracks, and a reproducing section for reproducing the video signal and audio signal from the helical tracks in each of the track groups.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus, when the reproduced audio data is processed in the reproduction system and the record system and is re-recorded in every cycle of N times the cycle during which the reproducing magnetic head scans a pair of recording tracks, the recording magnetic head is positioned behind the reproducing magnetic head for 8.5+4N track pitch so that the reproduced audio data can be re-recorded on the original recording track, therefor a write-after-read processing can be realized. In the recording magnetic head positioned behind the reproducing magnetic head for the specific track pitch, the audio data is stored in a memory circuit for time base compression and expansion with a multichannel mode such as to record the reproduced audio data at the same part on the magnetic tape, so that a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus which enables to perform the write-after-read processing can be obtained with simple construction if the number of channel is switched.

Abstract: A total of eight magnetic heads are attached to a rotary drum in a manner such that the magnetic heads of four channels are spaced apart from the other magnetic heads of four channels by an interval of 180.degree.. A magnetic tape is wrapped around the peripheral surface of the rotary drum in a range of 270.degree.. The channels are repaired off and time divisionally multiplexed so that four signals are formed. Those signals are subjected to digital recording processes by the circuit blocks. Recording data of eight channels having phases which coincide with the recording phases of magnetic heads is produced by the FIFO memories on the output side.

Abstract: A video and audio signal recording apparatus for recording video and audio signals on parallel tracks formed on a recording medium, includes: a divider for dividing a video signal into video signal blocks each contained in a unit period which is N times (N=1, 2, . . .) as long as one field period of the video signal; another divider for dividing an audio signal into audio signal blocks each contained in a specific period which is synchronized with the unit period; and a recorder for recording signal contained in each of said video signal and audio signal blocks in each of fully independent areas on the recording medium such that any two of the fully independent areas adjacent to each other in a track width direction are separated from each other by an unrecorded area composed of L unrecorded consecutive tracks (L=1, 2, . . .

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus is arranged to reproduce an information signal from a recording medium on which the information signal is recorded, to detect a recorded position of the information signal on the recording medium and to form an after-recording signal on the basis of the result of detection of the recorded position, so that the after-recording signal can be recorded on the recording medium by after-recording without ruining the existing information signal already recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: To provide a R/W circuit in which the output of an AGC is not shifted even if the output of a R/W amplifier irregularly varies during a transition time so that the detector output is not delayed. Means are provided for setting the output of a R/W amplifier 12 to a high impedance state for a predetermined time after the operation of a magnetic recording apparatus is switched from writing to reading, which comprise switches 20 and 22 connected to the outputs of the R/W amplifier 12 and an output control circuit 24 for controlling opening and closing of the switches. The output control circuit 24 opens the switches 20 and 22 for a predetermined time after switching to reading so that the irregular output of the amplifier 12 does not influence succeeding circuits.

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: An alignment tape for magnetic recording and playback devices contains recorded tracks useful for aligning the tape path on a rotating drum. The recorded tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to avoid interference from adjacent recorded tracks when the playback head is off-track. The alignment tracks are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance normally occupied by three tracks. This ensures that interference from an adjacent track when the head is off-track is minimized or eliminated. An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the recording of the alignment tape.

Abstract: An information data recording/reproducing apparatus where input information data is divided into sectors and distributed to be recorded on a magnetic tape by a plurality of magnetic heads. In a recording mode, the sector phase of the information data to be recorded is identified by input sync data which represents the phase relation thereto. In a playback mode, the sync data which identifies the sector phase of the recorded information data is obtained form the magnetic tape and used to control the playback operation. The phase relation of the information data can be restored exactly.

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: A rotary scanning-type magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus comprises a plurality of magnetic heads installed on a rotary drum, and being in contact with a magnetic tape running on the peripheral surface of the rotary drum, for recording the information signal onto the magnetic tape and/or reproducing the information signal from the magnetic tape, a plurality of recording circuits connected to the magnetic heads respectively, for processing the information signal to be recorded on the magnetic tape transferred from outside the rotary drum and output it to the magnetic head, a rotary transformer for transferring the information signal sent from outside the rotary drum to the recording circuits, and a control circuit for sequentially selectively bringing the recording circuits into an active state according to the rotational position of the rotary drum, and bringing the recording circuits into an active state only during a period of time when the information signal is detected.

Abstract: In a magnetic disk unit, a magnetic head to be activated is switched from a first magnetic head to a second magnetic head in accordance with an instruction supplied from a host system in a state where a plurality of magnetic heads are positioned at a cylinder on magnetic disks. The magnetic disk unit includes a digital servo controller for monitoring at predetermined intervals whether or not the instruction for the changing of the magnetic head is supplied from the host system, a first output circuit for outputting a first signal for a predetermined time from a time at which the digital servo controller recognizes that the instruction for the changing of the magnetic head is supplied from the host system, and a second output circuit for outputting a second signal at least from a time at which the instruction for the changing of the magnetic head is input to the magnetic disk unit to a time at which the digital servo controller recognizes that the instruction is supplied from the host system.

Abstract: A multiple channel magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus records data on oblique tracks on a tape by a leading head and trailing head mounted on a rotating drum. First and second pilot areas for tracking are turned at opposite ends of each track. A tracking error detector is provided for receiving, when the leading head is scanning the first pilot area, a first reproduced signal from the first head, and for detecting two pilot signals from the tracks on both Sides of a scanning track, and for generating a first tracking error signal indicative of a difference between the detected two pilot signals. Similarly, the tracking error detector receives, when the trailing head is scanning the second pilot area, a second reproduced signal from the second head, and for detecting two pilot signals from tracks on both sides of a scanning track, and for generating a second tracking error signal indicative of a difference between the detected two pilot signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic recording and reproducing unit of a helical scan type having a slow speed tape running mode in which the speed of running a magnetic tape is slower than that of a standard running mode. The magnetic recording and reproducing unit of the present invention has a pair of azimuth heads of mutually different azimuthal angles which are mutually adjacently disposed on the outer periphery of a rotating cylinder and another pair of azimuth heads of mutually different azimuthal angles which are mutually adjacently disposed at positions symmetrical with the first pair of azimuth heads with respect to a rotating center of the rotating cylinder. Each pair of the two pairs of azimuth heads alternately traces tracks recorded with image signals on a magnetic tape to reproduce the recorded image signals.

Abstract: A digital video recording system for digitizing analog video signals and recording the digital signals on video tape and for reading digital video signals from video tape and producing an analog video signal. The recording system comprises an A/D converter, a data compressor for compressing digital video signals at a data rate of 1/N (N an integer greater than 1), an encoding and modulating mechanism that provides digital data segments, and a control mechanism for controlling the system such that recording data for one field, which is normally recorded in M tracks (M: an integer greater than N) in ordinary recording mode, is recorded in about M/N tracks in a long recording mode.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus of the rotary head type which is simple in construction and allows, when record data to be re-record are prepared, only the prepared record data to be re-record in a postrecording mode readily. The information recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a digital mixer which replaces data reproduced from a selected portion of a recording medium with record data to be re-recorded, and the resulted data are supplied by way of a recording circuit to a pair of recording magnetic heads so that they are recorded to the selected portion of the recording medium. The recording magnetic heads are mounted on a rotary head at mounting heights lower than a pair of recording and reproducing magnetic heads disposed on the rotary head.

Abstract: Rotary head recording and/or reproducing apparatus in which respective oblique tracks on a record medium are scanned, each track having an information signal area in which information data is recorded and a track following area in which a tracking control pilot signal is recorded. The track following area precedes the information signal area; and in the preferred embodiment, an additional track following area follows the information signal area. The pilot signal is recorded in only a portion of the track following area, the remainder of which has timing sync data recorded therein. In an after-recording mode the timing sync data is reproduced, detected and used as a reference to define an after-record area.

Abstract: A recording apparatus of the present invention includes selective guard adding means for predicting, at the time of editing, positions of adjacency of new tracks to previously recorded tracks obtained at the time of completion of new track recording, and adds, at the time of editing, guards to locations where disturbance due to residue of erasing of the same azimuth might occur in order to remove or reduce the disturbance due to residue of erasing of the same azimuth caused at the editing point. When performing reproduction from a recording medium whereon tracks recorded by heads of at least two kinds of azimuth angles are disposed alternately and a plurality of tracks are handled as one recording unit and recorded, a reproducing apparatus of the present invention is so configured that the center of each of heads located at both ends of reproducing heads may be shifted to the inside as compared with each corresponding recording track.

Abstract: In rotary head reproducing apparatus of the type having heads which scan successive tracks on a record medium that is movable at a controllable speed, wherein such tracks contain a pattern of tracking control signals that are used by a servo control arrangement to determine and correct tracking errors, at least one of the tracking control signals that are reproduced from the tracks is detected, and if that tracking control signal is not sensed for a predetermined time interval, the speed at which the record medium is driven is changed to a predetermined speed (e.g. greater or less than the normal speed), thereby forcing tracking errors. This prevents lock-up which could occur when the tracks which are scanned by the heads are precisely out-of-phase from the correct tracks.

Abstract: A recording/playback device for a magnetic tape includes a rotary drum about which the magnetic tape is wrapped obliquely, two recording heads arranged within the rotary drum at an angular distance of substantially 180.degree. from each other for recording data, and two playback heads arranged within the rotary drum at an angular distance of substantially 180.degree. from each other for reproducing recorded data. The recording heads and the playback heads are substantially orthogonally arranged within the rotary drum. There is a height difference between the playback heads and the recording heads related to a track pitch of a recording format for a particular magnetic tape, with the playback heads being mounted at a lower position relative to the recording heads. The recording/playback device also includes a signal processing circuit for recognizing the readout timing of playback data sequentially entered from the playback heads for monitoring the data recorded by the recording heads.

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: A magnetic tape recording apparatus having an ordinary recording mode and an editing mode in which an information signal is recorded additionally to information already stored in previously formed oblique tracks is provided in which a high degree of accuracy is assured for tracking servoing upon editing by forming on the tape a track area for tracking in an area at a predetermined position of every other one of the oblique tracks. After the recording apparatus forms a tracking area in a particular oblique track, the recording apparatus prevents its rotary head apparatus from forming another tracking area in an adjacent oblique track.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complete digital data storage (DDS) magnetic tape system for utilization with a host unit. The invention comprises a host device interface for interfacing the host unit with the DDS system, a controller/formatter for encoding and decoding data from and to the magnetic tape, an automatic track follower (ATF) for performing automatic track following on the magnetic tape, a driver for driving the magnetic tape, a read/write (R/W) channel for channeling data thereto and therefrom, a read/write (R/W) head drum for transferring data to and from the magnetic tape, and the controller/formatter, the ATF, the driver, the R/W channel, and the R/W head drum all being under software programmable control.

Abstract: A data tape recorder having a data compressor/expander for recording digital information on a magnetic recording tape and for reproducing it therefrom. In a digital audio tape recorder having a 4-head deck each provided with two recording heads and two reproducing heads, a switching pulse interval is channel-counted to a multichannel interval, and if the channel count signal and a channel selection signal by user are identical, only a reproducing signal of the selection channel among the signals being reproduced from the reproducing heads is expanded and reproduced. Moreover, in order to record data to a corresponding channel, the expanded reproducing data and compressed input data are multiplexed by the channel selection signal. Thus, the record/reproduction of a multichannel for a long time is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing from a recording medium a frequency-modulated audio signal which has its carrier level in a specific period determined according to the kind of information and for producing the audio signal after processing the reproduced audio signal is arranged to control the signal processing action according to the output of a detecting circuit which detects the level of a difference between the carrier level of the frequency-modulated audio signal obtained in the specific period and the carrier level obtained in a period other than the specific period or detects changes taking place in the carrier level. This arrangement enables the apparatus to process the audio signal appositely to the kind of the frequency-modulated signal thereof without recourse to any additional reproducing circuit solely for this purpose. Further, the apparatus is arranged to prevent any faulty signal processing action by nullifying as necessary the output of the detecting circuit.

Abstract: A video tape recorder in which video and audio signals of a plurality of channels are simultaneously recorded onto the same tape by using the same tape running mechanism and the signals of a plurality of channels may be simultaneously reproduced from the tape. The video tape recorder of the invention comprises a recording system and a playback system. The recording system includes a recording processing unit for converting the plurality of video signals into recordable signals, respectively; first and second rotary head pairs which are oppositely arranged with respect to a cylinder. Each head has a track width narrower than a recording track pitch and have gap azimuth angles in an opposite relation. Each head records the signals onto the tape and reads out the signals from the tape. The recording system further includes a unit for recording a control signal synchronous with a vertical sync signal included in one video signal onto a control track.

Abstract: A dubbing system for duplicating a tape-shaped recording medium on which an amount of information signals for a given period of time are recorded in each of many tracks having different azimuth angles between adjacent tracks includes a reproducing apparatus wherein N rotary heads (N: an integer which is at least 2) which have different azimuth angles between adjacent heads and rotate in a closely adjacent state are used for reproducing, as N channel signals, information signals from N adjacent tracks formed on a first tape-shaped recording medium, and a recording apparatus wherein N rotary heads which have different azimuth angles between adjacent heads and rotate in a closely adjacent state are arranged to receive the reproduced N channel signals and to record them on a second tape-shaped recording medium while forming N adjacent tracks on the second tape-shaped recording medium.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus includes two recording heads, two re-recording heads and one erasing head. The two recording heads are utilized to record directly adjacent recording tracks having no guard band therebetween. The adjacent recording tracks constitute a recording track set, and a plurality of such recording track sets are recorded on a recording medium such that a guard band is provided between adjacent ones of the recording track sets. The erasing head has an erasing width which is greater than a corresponding width of each recording track set, and it utilized to erase an already recording track set which was recorded using the two recording heads. The re-recording heads each have a recording width which is greater than that of each of the two recording heads, and are utilized to record newly recorded track sets in place of the already recorded track sets erased by the erasing head.

Abstract: Spatial demultiplexing of data (e.g. video data) is employed in a digital recorder comprising four heads (A, B, C, D) organized as 2 groups (A/C; B/D) each of 2 heads, whereby a field of data comprising a plurality of lines is spatially demultiplexed into i.times.4 data processing channels such that each data processing channel receives a different set of pixels including alternating pixels on every fourth line. The technique finds particular application to the recording of video data in compressed form as the distribution of the pixels to the data processing channels enables efficient compression to be achieved. The video data can be decorrelated before compression. The spatial demultiplexing is then performed on the decorrelated data.

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

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for selectively recording and reproducing information on either an analog signal magnetic tape or a digital signal magnetic tape. A head drum is provided with both analog signal heads and digital signal heads, and a signal current is selectively applied to each head depending on the type of tape loaded in the apparatus. When an analog signal magnetic tape is loaded, the head drum is rotated in the direction corresponding to the direction of tape travel. When a digital signal magnetic tape is loaded, the head drum is rotated in the direction opposing the direction of tape travel.

Abstract: A device for switching from the write mode to the read mode includes a read head connected between a first and a second input terminal of the differential amplifier, the second input terminal being connected to a constant voltage through a capacitor and to the amplifier output through the resistor. The apparatus includes a circuit for generating a voltage ramp, after a write operation; a circuit for discharging an initial current in the read head proportionally to the voltage ramp between the beginning of the ramp and a first threshold voltage of the ramp; a switch for shorting the resistor to a low value, at least between the first threshold voltage and a second ramp threshold voltage; and a detector for detecting the second threshold voltage and for providing, in the vicinity of the threshold, a progressive control of the switch.

Abstract: A data recorder includes a recording unit for recording data having a predetermined data format and a frame address in a recording medium in units of frames each consisting of predetermined amount of data, and for forming a plurality of Partitions each consisting of a plurality of data areas in which different types of data are recorded during recording. The data recorder performs initialization of a length of at least one of the Partitions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary drum unit in a helical scan type magnetic recording/reproducing device for use with a video tape recorder, digital audio tape recorded, or the like and is intended to permit the stable run of the tape with highly accurate formation of track patterns. In the helical scan type rotary head drum unit of the present invention, a dislocation of the tape upon the drums having no lead is detected by tape position sensors arranged along a guide line and the rotary head is moved in the axial direction of the drum by driving a dynamic tracking actuator in a manner to correct the deviation of the tape from the guide line.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus includes a rotatable rotating assembly and a fixed assembly disposed opposite thereto. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recording and reproducing heads and an erasing head mounted on the rotating assembly and first and second rotary transformers, having primary windings mounted on the rotating assembly and secondary windings mounted on the fixed assembly. A control signal generator is mounted on the rotating assembly and receives signals via the primary winding of the second rotary transformer. A first signal processor is mounted on the rotating assembly and connects the plural recording and reproducing heads to the primary winding of the first rotary transformer and a switch connects the erasing head with primary winding of the second rotary transformer. A recording and reproducing processor is connected the secondary winding of the first rotary transformer while a modulation signal generator is connected to the second winding of the second rotary transformer.

Abstract: A digital data recording apparatus includes a plurality of encoders for subjecting digital signals to a prescribed signal processing so as to supply a plurality of digital data signals, a memory part for temporarily storing the plurality of digital data signals supplied from the plurality of encoders, a selection part responsive to a sequence of selecting signals for selecting one of the plurality of digital data signals output from the memory part in accordance with the sequence of selecting signals and for supplying a selected digital data signal to a recording amplifier, and a timing control part for supplying one of the selecting signals to the selection part in accordance with a prescribed time sequence when a recording head is brought in contact with a magnetic tape within a time period in which a rotary drum is rotated one revolution, and for allowing the plurality of digital data signals supplied from the plurality of encoders to be written to the memory part at a first frequency, and for allowing the

Abstract: A data recording and/or reproducing apparatus records and/or reproduces data and data management information corresponding to the data on helical recording tracks. It can be feasible to detect the use of the helical record tracks in reproducing and immediately access the recorded data, the data record region and the data management region in recording or reproducing.

Abstract: In a rotary head type recording and/or reproducing apparatus having an n number (n: an integer at least 3) of rotary heads for recording or reproducing signals on or from a recording medium, when the recording medium is allowed to travel at a first speed, a signal is recorded or reproduced by using all the n number of rotary heads. When the recording medium is allowed to travel at a second speed which is lower than the first speed, a signal is recorded or reproduced by using only a predetermined m number (m: an integer at least 2 but not exceeding n) of adjacent heads. A distance on the recording medium between tracing positions of adjacent heads included in the predetermined m number of heads when the medium is traveling at the first speed differs from a distance on the recording medium between tracing positions of other adjacent heads included in the n number of rotary heads.

Abstract: A device for reproducing a picture without noises in slow and/or high speed search modes of operation and a method therefor. The device records an address indicative of tape position on a control track of a video tape, the address being comprised of a single address block; jumps over a certain number of the addresses when operating in the slow mode of operation, to perform accurate tracking and thereafter reading picture data, records the picture data in a memory, and reproduces the picture data repeatedly during jumping over the certain number of addresses; switches successively the heads substantially at 1/4 and 3/4 positions of a full control tracking time when operating in the high speed search mode of operation, thereby recording the picture data in the memory so as to form a complete picture of one frame to be reproduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically controlling adjustment of a head switching point in a VCR allows for automatic adjustment of the head switching point instead of the conventional manual adjustment thereof. The adjustment can be performed during every tape playback routine, thereby providing stable image quality. According to the present invention, a drum pulse signal is amplified by an amplifier, delayed by a time constant of a delay monostable multivibrator and output as a head switching signal by a frequency generator. The microcomputer outputs control data to adjust a head switching point by adjusting the constant of the monostable multivibrator such that a desired head switching point is obtained. The control data from the microcomputer is converted by a digital/analog converter into an analog voltage signal for adjustment of the time constant of the delay monostable multivibrator, thereby enabling the desired adjustment of the head switching point.

Abstract: A recording apparatus records a first information signal in a first recording area in a helical track by a rotary head, and optionally records a second information signal in a second recording area preceding the first recording area. The switch timing of the rotary head is determined and the end of the second recording area is detected. A third information signal is recorded between the first and second recording areas at a position which is adjusted based on the switch timing of the rotary head and the detected end point of time of the second recording area.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a rotary head type magnetic recording/reproducing unit comprising a drum for receiving in close contact a magnetic tape on its periphery and a pair of magnetic heads arranged on the drum for running slantly on the magnetic tape for recording or reproduction of signals, wherein the span of contact of the drum's periphery and the magnetic tape is greater than that of a signal recording or reproducing operation on the magnetic tape by either of the magnetic heads. With such an arrangement, signal recording or reproducing operations of the unit can be conducted under a condition where the tape and the magnetic head are stably in contact with each other and therefore any distorted or deformed envelope waveforms may be eliminated.

Abstract: Audio playback system and method for a Hi-Fi VCR capable of preventing an occurrence of noise when audio heads are switched. When an azimuth occurs with respect to each arrangement angle of audio heads or when one of audio signals played back audio heads is delayed due to the elasticity of VCR tape, a correction signal generator detects a phase difference between the audio signals and corrects error in the audio signals according to the detected phase difference. By switching units, error corrected audio signals are switched and combined into continuous audio signals, each corresponding to a stereo channel. As a result, it is possible to avoid an occurrence of noise at a portion at which audio signals of the same stereo channel are connected.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is provided which includes a head structure compatible with a long-time play mode in handling either of two kinds of signals containing different amounts of information, such as a current digital picture signal and a high-definition (HD) digital picture signal in the rate of two to one at a constant number of revolutions of the drum by restricting an increase of the number of heads. In an aspect of the apparatus, four heads are arranged on the rotating drum equally 90.degree. spaced, a fifth head of an opposite azimuth is mounted close to any of those heads, the number of drum revolutions is increased to twice larger than the normal number, the current digital picture signal is recorded and reproduced for each channel by using two heads, that is, the fifth head and a head positioned 180.degree. opposite to the fifth head.

Abstract: A digital video recording system for digitizing analog video signals and recording the digital signals on video tape and for reading digital video signals from video tape and producing an analog video signal. The recording system comprises an A/D converter, a data compressor for compressing digital video signals at a data rate of 1/N (N: an integer greater than 1), a selector mechanism for selecting between the compressed digital video signal and a non-compressed digital video signal, and a control mechanism for controlling the system such that recording data for one field, which is normally recorded in M tracks (M: an integer greater than N) in ordinary recording mode, is recorded in about M/N tracks in a long recording mode.

Abstract: A recording apparatus of the present invention includes selective guard adding means for predicting, at the time of editing, positions of adjacency of new tracks to previously recorded tracks obtained at the time of completion of new track recording, and adds, at the time of editing, guards to locations where disturbance due to residue of erasing of the same azimuth might occur in order to remove or reduce the disturbance due to residue of erasing of the same azimuth caused at the editing point. When performing reproduction from a recording medium whereon tracks recorded by heads of at least two kinds of azimuth angles are disposed alternately and a plurality of tracks are handled as one recording unit and recorded, a reproducing apparatus of the present invention is so configured that the center of each of heads located at both ends of reproducing heads may be shifted to the inside as compared with each corresponding recording track.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording a video signal having interlaced fields on a recording medium sequentially using a plurality of rotating heads, a rotational phase of a rotating head relative to a vertical synchronizing signal of the video signal to be recorded is relatively switched for a period corresponding to a phase difference between a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal of each field. It is thereby possible to obtain an excellent video signal without producing discontinuity of horizontal synchronizing signals in a reproducing operation even if a video signal of each field is recorded using any of the plurality of rotating heads having different rotational phases. At that time, objective rotational phases of a rotating cylinder provided with the plurality of rotating heads are present in the same number as the number of rotating heads. Hence, the speed of the start-up synchronizing operation is increased.

Abstract: A recording head arrangement is disclosed which may be employed in a video signal recording and/or reproducing device in which a video tape is helically wound on a drum carrying recording heads for recording and/or reproducing a video signal. The video signal is divided for representing upper and lower half images on a screen. The recording head arrangement includes first and second heads mounted on the drum adjacent each other. The first and second heads have the same azimuth angle which is inclined in a first direction with respect to a direction perpendicular to the head advancing direction. Third and fourth heads are mounted on the drum 180 degrees spaced from the first and second heads, respectively. The third and fourth heads have the same azimuth angle which is inclined in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.