Abstract: An automatic scanning and control apparatus determines the location of a predetermined segment of an image field being scanned. The predetermined segment presents an image which is optically differentiatable from the surrounding area of the image field. The apparatus includes a beam device for selectively scanning the image field and producing an output signal thereof. The beam device includes means for modulating the output signal in accordance with variations in the image field. The predetermined segment of the image field causes modulation of the output signal of the beam device by providing an inflection therein when the beam scans across the segment. An analyzing circuit is adapted to accept the output signal from the beam device. Means generate a locating signal in predetermined time relation to the scanning. Comparator means compare the inflection in the output signal with the locating signal so that the location of the predetermimed segment of the image field can be determined.

Abstract: A video system is arranged to record, on a second recording medium of a relatively small capacity, a given period portion of a video signal relating to an image plane representing each of varied programs included in the video signal and information on a recorded position of each of the programs on a first recording medium which has a relatively large capacity.

Abstract: A video signal recording system is provided in which the number of horizontal scanning lines of a high-definition television system video signal is converted to be M times as large as the number of horizontal scanning lines of an ordinary television video signal. The converted video signal is divided into M vertical sections and N horizontal sections so that M.times.N sections of the divided video signal are separately recorded onto M.times.N recording media respectively. In this way, a high-definition television system video signal can be displayed on a plurality of ordinary television receivers without losing the high-definition television system picture quality.

Abstract: A still video apparatus having a play back function of a picture signal and a sound signal recorded onto a recording medium, wherein a demodulated brightness signal and a color difference signal, a composite signal thereof, a demodulated sound signal and a sound output signal having an extended time base are selectively supplied to an external device by a single connector.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for optically recording on an optical disk a television signal comprised of a color image signal and an audio signal; one horizontal period portion of an original luminance signal and one horizontal period portion of two original color difference signals from a standard television signal are time-base-compressed to generate a time-base-compressed video signal for one horizontal period, the audio signal is digitized and time-base-compressed, and then the time-base-compressed digital audio signal and the time-base-compressed video signal are time-division-multiplexed with each other and recorded on the optical disk.

Abstract: In a system for recording digital data obtained based on an information signal on a magnetic tape and/or reproducing digital data obtained based on an information signal from a magnetic tape, a magnetic recording apparatus comprises an encoder for producing, based on the information signal, one of plural kinds of digital data which have different transmission rates respectively, a time base processor for selectively converting a time base of digital data obtained from the encoder so as to produce modified digital data having a predetermined transmission rate, a recording modulator for producing a recording signal corresponding to the modified digital data, a recording portion provided with a rotary magnetic head device to which the recording signal is supplied and a tape guide for guiding the magnetic tape and operative to cause the rotary magnetic head device to contact with the magnetic tape for forming oblique record tracks on the magnetic tape, a head driver for rotating the rotary magnetic head device at

Abstract: An improved video recorder/transceiver with expanded functionality ("VCR-ET") including a capability for storing video and video programs in digital format, editing such programs, transferring such programs onto a hard copy magnetic media, and transmitting such programs to a remote location using a second VCR-ET. The increased functionality is realized through the use of analog to digital conversion, signal compression and intermediate storage in an integrated circuit, random access memory. The recorder/transmitter has capabilities to transmit and receive program information in either a compressed or decompressed format over fiber optic lines, conventional phone lines or microwaves.

Abstract: In a digital data recording and reproducing apparatus which digitizes an input video signal, records or reproduces digital data on or from a magnetic recording medium of a recording and reproducing unit of the apparatus and converts the digital data read out of the recording and reproducing unit into an output video signal, a converting circuit is provided, on the input side of the recording and reproducing unit, which receives an input data signal of a larger sampling image matrix size than that for the recording and reproducing unit and divides the input image data signal into constituent sampling image matrix sizes by a predetermined fraction to deliver a divided image data signal at a data rate commensurate with the sampling image matrix size for the recording and reproducing unit, and an inverse-converting circuit is provided, on the output side of the recording and reproducing unit, which receives the divided image data signal and reconstructs it into an output image data signal of the original large sa

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording a selected one of at least two different types of video signals, such as, a studio standard video signal and a video signal transmitted in the MUSE system, which are respectively characterized by different numbers of effective scanning lines and different durations of the video parts in the respective effective scanning lines, analog-to-digital conversion circuits convert an input video signal of the selected type into digital signals, a digital signal processing ciruit successively writes and reads, and thereby temporarily stores, samples of the digital signals from the analog-to-digital conversion circuits, digital-to-analog conversion circuits convert digital signals read by the digital signal processing circuit into analog signals, a recording signal processing circuit receives such analog signals and processes the same to provide a recording signal for recording on a recording medium, and a control circuit for the digital signal processing circuit is operative to select the

Abstract: A mechanism in an automatic tape cassette changer for engaging and moving tape cassettes from a tape cassette container to engage a tape cassette player/recorder. The mechanism comprising an engagement mechanism on a rail and a cam mechanism, where the engagement mechanism engages one of a plurality of tape cassettes in a tape cassette container and moves the tape cassette engaged along the rail to a second position where the cam mechanism causes the tape cassette engaged to move into a playing/recording position of a tape cassette player/recorder, the engagement mechanism then moves back along the rail to its initial position and remains there during the playing/recording of the tape cassette engaged with the tape cassette player/recorder. The mechanism provides for this series of steps to be performed in reverse when the tape cassette in the cassette tape player/recorder is to be moved back from the tape cassette player/recorder to the tape cassette container.

Abstract: A magazine in which a plurality of cartridges are contained as vertically moved stepwise by a distance separating two successive ones of the cartridges. The lift has a plurality of lift steps alternately engaged by a latching member. A rotary disk having two pins on its face is arranged adjacent the latching member. During rotation of the disk, one of the pins pivots the latching member out of engagement with a lift steps while the other of the pins supports the disengaged lift step to raise or lower the lift, depending upon the rotational direction of the disk. Further rotation of the disk permits the spring biased latching member to pivot back into a path where it engages the next lift step, thereby accomplishing one step of movement of the lift. Each time the lift is moved by one step, a pinch roller arrangement detects whether a cartridge is in the magazine corresponding to the position currently aligned with the inlet/outlet of the tape changer.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a video apparatus for storing video images on a recording medium and replaying the stored images on a display. A camera mechanism converts light images into electrical video signals. A processor circuitry coupled to the camera mechanism includes means for converting the electronic video signals into a low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal with the bandwidth substantially lower than in a standard television video signal. A recording mechanism coupled to the processing means stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on an audio cassette, which has a standard speed allowing storage of an audio bandwidth signal. The recording mechanism includes a drive mechanism for driving the audio cassette at higher than normal speed to increase the bandwidth storage capacity of the audio cassette. A recording head mechanism stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on the audio cassette.

Abstract: An encoder circuit utilizes a pair of digital memories clocked at a slower write than read rate to compact analog input data, blanking and synchronization pulse intervals, and generate NTSC video. The NTSC formatted data may be stored utilizing conventional NTSC tape or disc recording equipment or may be transmitted, duplicated, monitored or transcribed utilizing readily available NTSC video equipment. A decoder circuit is provided to reprocess the NTSC video formatted data and restore it to its original form by removing the synchronization and blanking intervals and, utilizing a pair of digital memories clocked at a faster write than read rate, re-stretch the data which was compacted in the time dimension by the encoder circuit.

Abstract: Video signals within one vertical scanning period are divided into a plurality of line block signals. These line block signals are shifted on time base, and a redundant interval (.tau..sub.H) is formed between two line block signals. Further, a plurality of segment signals, each of which includes a plurality of line block signals, are formed. A redundant interval (.tau..sub.S) is formed between two segment signals. The interval of the vertical blanking signal is shortened. Recorded video signals comprise the redundant intervals (.tau..sub.S) and the segment signals including the redundant intervals (.tau..sub.H) and the line block signals. A horizontal synchronizing signal of negative polarity, for example, is added in the redundant interval (.tau..sub.H). Magnetic heads are switched in the redundant interval (.tau..sub.S).

Abstract: A method for scanning and generating image information includes generating a radiation beam and scanning an image field containing variable image information. Optical variations are detected in the image field, with electro-optical detection means to produce electrical control signals. The electrical control or detection signals are compared with information obtained from recordings in a memory. When an operable match is effected between select of the electrical detection signals and the information recorded in the memory, a coded electrical control signal is generated.

Abstract: An improved video recorder/transmitter with expanded functionality including a capability for editing and/or copying from one video tape to another using only a single tape deck. The increased functionality is realized through the use of analog to digital conversion, signal compression and intermediate storage in an integrated circuit, random access memory. The recorder/transmitter has capabilities to transmit and receive program information in either a compressed or decompressed format over fiber optic lines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video tape recorder capable of recording and reproducing signals with largely different frequency bands such as narrow band signals including NTSC signal and wide band signals represented by high definition television signal. In a time axis expansion circuit, wide band signals are expanded of their time axis and divided into plural channels, and the band frequencies of these channels are lowered, and at the same time, the widths of plural heads are set narrower than the head width used when recording and reproducing the existing narrow band signals, thereby realizing the recording and reproduction of narrow band signals and wide band signals at identical rotating speed of the cylinder and at identical rotating speed of the capstan.

Abstract: A method and system of recording on a video signal recorder a serialized stream of pulse code modulated digital data bits. The video signal recorder has multiple record/playback heads and is of the type normally adapted to record video signals such as television signals under the control of synchronizing signals included in the video signals. Data frames having a predetermined number of data bits of the serialized stream of pulse code modulated digital data bits are successively applied at a given frequency to a data buffer. The frequency of the data bits of the data frames output from the data buffer is increased thereby compressing in time the data frames. Buffer zones of filler bits provide a predetermined period of time between successive data frames. Synchronizing signals are inserted in the buffer zones for controlling the timing of switching events between recording heads to occur within the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of storing high resolution images on a videodisk in which signals associated with partial images are stored on successive disk tracks, the partial images making up the high resolution images. The partial images have a horizontal overlap of one point per line, which points are subsequently eliminated during the process of reconstructing the high resolution image. An encoder and decoder for effecting the above process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recording N-channel video signals and M-channel audio signals (N, M being natural numbers) includes the steps of periodically extracting the video signal for one unit period, thereby thinning out the video signal, for each of the N-channel video signals, in turn combining the extracted video signals by a time division multiplexing operation. The method also includes the step of coding each of the M-channel audio signals to form M code trains, compressing in time each of the M code trains by a factor of 1/M or less and dividing each of the M code trains into a plurality of blocks, successively combining each block from the M code trains by a time division multiplexing operation. The video and audio signal obtained by the above multiplex operations are recorded on a single recording medium.

Abstract: An automatic changer for cassette tapes suited for the use in an automobile or the like is described a tape container which holds a plurality of cassette tapes fits into an automatic recording medium changer for selecting, playing, and recording tapes, for example. The tape container fits into an opening protected by a sliding door. The sliding door is driven by a motor which slides the door open and shut, exposing and covering the opening, respectively, thereby providing protection against foreign particles. The tape container is moved into the automatic changer by worm gears driven by a motor which stops automatically upon the tape container reaching a specified position. After selecting a particular tape, the automatic changer moves the selected tape into a recording section of the automatic changer. The selected tape is moved onto a slider by a series of gears. The slider is pulled along a rack by another series of gears and into position for play or record.

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: In a rotary magnetic head helical scan type video tape recorder using a segment recording system, a video signal of one vertical scanning period is divided into n video signal blocks, where n is an integer equal to or larger than 2, and a redundant period having a selected length is inserted into the video signal blocks in a recording mode. Each of the video signal blocks has a number of horizontal scanning lines equal or smaller than N/n, where N is the number of the horizontal scanning lines in a field of the video signal. In a reproducing mode, a time axis error of reproduced series of the video signal blocks is corrected at least during the redunant periods. Then, the corrected blocks are converted into the original video signal.

Abstract: A time base corrector is comprised of a plurality of system function modules implementing the functions for time base correcting an analog composite color video signal with a stable reference video signal. The system function modules obtain control data and communicate status data to a system control through a plurality of module function registers located in each module. The module function registers are connected to and selectable by a system bus of a microprocessor. The microprocessor has the module function registers mapped as addresses in its memory space to provide an architecture for communication and control of each function module by the system control.

Abstract: A video signal recording and/or reproduction apparatus in which an analog video signal from the inlet is digitized to form video data, then the video data are stored in a memory means for a time, then the stored video data are read out from the memory means before they are recorded on a recording medium. When reproducing the recorded video data from the recording medium, the reproduced video data are stored in a memory means for a time, then the stored video data are read out from the memory means, then the analog video signal is restored from the read video data, and then the analog video signal is produced at the output of the apparatus. Further, by taking the synchronism of the write and read control signals of different frequency for either of the memory means of the recording and reproducing systems, it is made possible to assure accurate and reliable conversion between the analog and digital forms of the video signals when either in the record or in the reproduction mode.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus comprises a sampling circuit for sampling an input video signal by a signal having a predetermined frequency f.sub.s, a circuit for obtaining a multiplexed signal by multiplexing a reference burst signal to the output sampled signal of the sampling circuit, and a circuit for recording the multiplexed signal on a recording medium. A video signal recording and reproducing apparatus comprises in addition to the constituting elements of the recording apparatus, a circuit for reproducing the recorded multiplexed signal from the recording medium, a circuit for obtaining from the reproduced multiplexed signal first and second reproduced sampled signals having a relative time difference of one horizontal scanning period, a circuit for generating first and second sampling pulses having the same frequency f.sub.s and having phases which mutually differ by 180.degree.

Abstract: In a camera integrated with a VTR, a hotographing method by use of a self timer is disclosed. This method comprises the steps of: setting a recording standby state; supplying to a display section a repetitive signal for allowing the display section to be alternately repetitively lit on and off by operating a self timer operating element; supplying a light-on signal to the display section when a predetermined time has passed to thereby light on the display section, supplying an operation signal to the VTR section, cancelling the camera recording standby state, and thereby starting a recording; and stopping the supply of the light-on signal to the display section after the elapse of a predetermined time after the recording was started to thereby light off the display section, stopping the supply of the operation signal to the display section, and thereby returning to the camera recording standby state.

Abstract: A tape recorder includes: a cassette tape compartment in which a plurality of cassette tapes are detachably mounted; a capstan for coaxially mounting the plurality of cassette tapes housed in the cassette tape compartment; a roller provided for each of the cassette tapes and which can be pressed against the capstan; a playback and/or recording head provided for each of the cassette tapes; a selector for selecting the cassette tape to be driven and a separate selector for selecting one of a plurality of cassette tape drive modes; a mode position selector to be retained in the position corresponding to the mode selected by the mode selector; a controller for controlling the position of the roller provided for each of the cassette tapes according to the position of the mode position selector; and a device for electrically enabling the playback and/or recording head to operate for playback of at least one of the cassette tapes or for recording on at least one of the cassette tapes.

Abstract: A video apparatus for storing video images on a recording medium and replaying the stored images on a display includes a camera which converts light images into electrical video signals. A processor coupled to the camera converts the electronic video signals into a low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal with the bandwidth substantially lower than in a standard television video signal. A recorder coupled to the processor stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on an audio cassette, which has a standard speed allowing storage of an audio bandwidth signal. The recorder includes a drive for driving the cassette at higher than normal speed to increase the bandwidth storage capacity of the cassette. The video apparatus also includes a switch mechanism for switching the video apparatus from a record mode where video images are stored on the cassette to a playback mode where the stored images are read off the cassette and displayed on the video display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording-playback apparatus suitable for recording and reproducing a signal including a broad-band composite video signal and a method therefor. The broad-band signal is time-sliced into signals in two channels, and each divided signal is expanded on the time axis so that it is converted into a lower-band signal before being recorded on a magnetic tape. In the time axis expansion process, the vertical blanking signal and/or horizontal blanking signal is not expanded, whereby the divided video signals have a still lower frequency band.

Abstract: A field/frame conversion circuit for use in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus which magnetically records and reproduces still images or the like. In the field/frame conversion circuit, after the frequency of a field signal obtained from a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disc and composed of frequency-multiplexed brightness and chroma signals is converted into a higher frequency band than the frequency band of the brightness signal, the field signal is delayed in the frequency modulated state thereof 0.5 horizontal scan period necessary for the field/frame conversion by a signal delay line having a wide band frequency characteristic. The thus delayed field signal and an undelayed field signal are selected alternately at every one vertical scan period by signal switching means so as to perform the field/frame conversion.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing apparatus for reproducing video signals from a record bearing medium on which many recording tracks are formed in parallel to each other with a given-period portion of the video signal recorded in each of the tracks are arranged: To compare, on the basis of signals reproduced by a reproducing head, the level of a reference signal with that of a reproduced state detection signal the level of which varies according to the reproduced state of the video signal; to determine, on the basis of the result of comparison, whether or not the video signal reproduced by the reproducing head is to be written into a memory device which is capable of storing the given-period portion of the video signal therein; and to change a level relation between the reproduced state detection signal and the reference signal from one level relation over to another according to the track pitch of the recording tracks which is detected using the signals reproduced by the reproducing head.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing video signals is disclosed. First and second video signals from an imaging unit and an external video input, respectively, are coupled to the apparatus. A converter circuit selectively acts to form a time expanded or time compressed version of the input video signal depending upon whether the input is the first or second input signal. In the former case, the first input video is recorded on a recording medium and the time expanded version coupled to a display, while in the latter case, the second input video signal is coupled to the display and the compressed version recorded. During the reproduction, the converter circuit also generates a time expanded version of the reproduced signal for coupling to the display.

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 recording and/or playback machine (1) for tape-shaped record carriers (20) is equipped, for indicating continuous recording times, with a counter (45) having an indicating element (46) which travels along the entire length indicating scale (26) of a predetermined total length for each of the possible continuous total-recording times and which can be driven via a speed change gear (71) mechanism switchable in steps, which can be switched to different speed ratios for driving the indicating element at speeds inversely proportional to the corresponding continuous total-recording times. The machine (1) is designed for receiving a cassette (4), in which the record carrier (20) is accommodated and which has at least one indicator (28,29) for indicating the continuous total-recording time obtainable by means of this record carrier, and in the machine (1) there if a sensing device (91) for sensing the indicator of a cassette inserted into the machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic recording device simple in arrangement, in which, while a motion picture is being recorded, a unitary part of the motion picture is extracted to perform a still picture recording operation with high picture quality.

Abstract: An image signal recording apparatus of the kind handling and recording on a recording medium an image signal which corresponds to a still image consisting of a plurality of horizontal scanning lines and which consists of a plurality of horizontal scanning line information signals corresponding to the horizontal scanning lines is arranged to receive the image signal by the unit of the horizontal scanning line information signal; to obtain horizontal scanning line information data by digitizing the horizontal scanning line information signals; and to form an n number (n: an integer which is at least one) of recording tracks on the recording medium by recording on the medium the horizontal scanning line information data which corresponds to an m number (m: an integer which can be expressed as 1.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.10) of horizontal scanning lines.

Abstract: A hierarchy of video standards is provided in a recording format for video record and replay systems to achieve performance flexibility, such as in regard to television studio and portable recording equipment. This recording format divides the tape into a plurality of longitudinal segments with each segment being assigned to tracks in which full raster information is recorded at a fractional resolution equal to the quotient of one divided by the number of the plurality of longitudinal tape segments.

Abstract: The binary coded data signal is divided into data blocks in the video translation system in accordance with the invention. n copies are made of each data block. Televison synchronization signals are added to the original data block and to the n copies thereof, the assembly thus forming a video data block. This video data block is transferred to a video processing device, for example, a video recorder in which it is recorded. When the video data block is recovered, the corresponding data block is recovered from the n+1 data blocks present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing spurious audio frequency sounds in a system in which electrically represented audio frequency sounds are very significantly raised in frequency and are conformed to a video line signal format. A sufficient number of guard samples ("M") are included at the beginning of each line of electrically represented audio frequency sounds to allow the amplitude response of the video line signal to reach the specified value prior to the occurrence of the samples that are used. The additional guard samples are provided by RAM memory (3), which is controlled by state machine (4). Fewer additional guard samples ("K") may be provided at the end of a video line to enhance tolerance to small timing variations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recording and reproducing a PCM audio signal either alone or together with a video signal, using a rotary-head type scanner. An analog audio signal is converted into a digital signal having a predetermined number of quantization bits in each predetermined sampling period. The digital signal is recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, and an analog audio signal is reproduced from the digital signal reproduced from the recording medium. In the reproducing mode, the signal reproduced from the tape is written into a memory where error detection, correction and deinterleaving are carried out, and the signal is then read from the memory and applied to a D/A converter. The write rate from the memory depends on the video field period, and the read rate depends on the sampling period. Accordingly, the difference between the write address and the read address of the memory depends on the difference between the field period and the sampling period.

Abstract: Audio signals that correspond with still images are recorded in an electronic still camera on the same magnetic disc as the visual images. By time-base compressing the audio signal and dividing each record track into a number of segments, ten seconds of audio can be recorded for each image without requiring a large processor memory. Identification codes are added to the time-base compressed audio to permit multiple audio tracks to be associated with a recorded image and to record audio signals of time length less than the allotted duration, so that a number of images can be recorded in rapid succession without waiting for each of the successive allotted audio time periods to expire.

Abstract: A field/frame conversion circuit for use in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus which magnetically records and reproduces still images or the like.In the field/frame conversion circuit, after the frequency of a field signal obtained from a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disc and composed of frequency-multiplexed brightness and chroma signals is converted into a higher frequency band than the frequency band of the brightness signal, the field signal is delayed in the frequency modulated state thereof 0.5 horizontal scan period necessary for the field/frame conversion by a signal delay line having a wide band frequency characteristic. The thus delayed field signal and an undelayed field signal are selected alternately at every one vertical scan period by signal switching means so as to perform the field/frame conversion.

Abstract: In a helical scanning type VTR utilizing a tracking error signal method using four kinds of pilot signals, a tape speed at recording is detected by comparing a threshold level value with the level difference between the outputs before and after the change in the two kinds reference signals which are supplied to a multiplying circuit within one magnetic head scanning period, the multiplying circuit obtaining sum and difference frequency signals between a reproduced pilot signal and the reference signal.

Abstract: In a VTR which provides recording and reproduction of one field video signal the signal is divided into N signal portions with the use of M number of magnetic heads. The signal to be recorded into the nth (n=1, 2, . . . , N) track is delayed by a time (n-1).multidot.T at the recording end and an addition signal of period E is inserted into the blanking period which results from the delaying, and during reproduction or play-back the signal reproduced from the n-th track is delayed by a time (N-n).multidot.d, and is TBC processed, thereby obtaining a composite screen with no skew.

Abstract: Video reproduction apparatus in which a plurality of parallel channels of frequency modulated video information signals reproduced from magnetic tape are automatically calibrated during demodulation to constrain each video information signal between the same peak to peak black and white analog signal range. The demodulator for each video channel includes a circuit for comparing demodulated white and black reference level signals at the beginning of the reproduced video signal with fixed white and black reference levels. White and black correction signals are produced which are representative of any differences between the reproduced and fixed reference level signals. The white and black correction signals are applied to the demodulator during demodulation of the video information signal to constrain the analog video signal between the fixed white and black reference levels.

Abstract: A tape recorder mode selector device equipped with a set of mode selecting members for operations such as record, play, fast-forward and rewind, a tape selector member and a capstan for selectively driving one of a plurality of cassette tapes loaded parallel to one another thereon. A tape selecting slide member interlocking with the tape selector member includes a projection or engaging element. A rotator selector is provided. The engaging element blocks the pinch rollers for the cassette tapes other than the cassette tape selected by the tape selector member from being pressed against the capstan, and the rotator selector causes a fast rotator to be selectively engaged with a fast-forwarding or rewinding reel rest of the selected cassette tape, thereby driving the selected cassette tape in response to the selection of these operating modes.

Abstract: In an apparatus for automatically supplying and selectively reproducing a plurality of cassettes, the error rate for each cassette and for each reproduction is automatically generated and stored in a separate area of a memory and, when the error rate exceeds a threshold rate, the deteriorating cassettes are automatically dubbed onto blank cassettes to ensure that deterioration of each tape or other record medium never exceeds a predetermined amount. In addition, the operator may independently cause any cassette to be dubbed when he deems the image produced therefrom to be too highly degraded regardless of the error rate of the signal recorded therein.

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: The present invention relates to digital television tape recording and more particularly to such recording using helical scan apparatus of the segmented type i.e. where one field of video is recorded by a plurality of rotations of the headwheel.The invention also provides apparatus for recording or playing back a digital television signal comprising a helical scanning device including a drum which may be a rotatable headwheel provided with a plurality of recording/playback heads, guide means for wrapping a magnetic recording tape around a portion of the circumference of the drum, means for rotating the headwheel, and means for moving the tape around the surface of the drum whereby one field of a television video picture is recorded or played back by a plurality of rotations of the headwheel, characterized in that the recording/playback heads are disposed on the headwheel.