Abstract: Programming fixtures are provided that program devices, such as payment cards, with data, such as personal data, using light transmitters and receivers. A code sequence may be entered into the devices to transition the devices into one of several test modes. Pressing a button may cause diagnostic data to be communicated by the device. Pressing another button may cause default data to be communicated by the device. A personalization test module may capture the diagnostic data and/or default data to document and/or verify operation of the device.

Abstract: A unidirectional and bi-directional tape head with sub-ambient pressure cavities. The tape head is adapted for reading and/or writing to a magnetic tape. The tape head includes: a tape-bearing surface; a transducer area, having at least one transducer designed for reading and/or writing to the magnetic tape; a cavity open on the tape-bearing surface adjacent to the transducer area that extends parallel to the transducer area and transversally to the longitudinal direction of circulation of the tape such that an opening of the cavity faces the tape in operation; and one or more air bleed slots connected to the cavity. The cavity is further dimensioned and arranged with respect to the transducer area to create, upon circulation of the tape in operation, sub-ambient pressure therein.

Abstract: A method of paying a second party is provided. A first party accesses the names of one or more qualified second parties. The qualified second parties are second parties that, (i) have an association with the payment service, and (ii) second parties that if they do not have an established association with the payment service then they have established one prior to payment. The first party has an association with the payment service. A tab is opened by the first party that can be selected by the qualified second party at any geographic location of a first party's mobile device. The qualified second party is only able to charge a first party's financial account when the first party's mobile device is within a defined geographic area. The tab is a relationship between the first party, the payment service and the qualified second party, The qualified second party can engage in a financial transaction with the first party is within the defined geographic area.

Abstract: A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The card data is usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a transaction engine running on a mobile device. In response to a financial transaction between a buyer and a seller, the transaction uses the mobile device to accept information selected including but not limited to information from financial transaction or information pertaining to financial transaction card used by the buyer in the transaction. At least a portion of this information is communicated with a third party financial institution or payment network to authorize the transaction. Encrypted information is sent to the third party payment system authorizing a financial transaction.

Abstract: A disk library apparatus includes a magazine for housing a plurality of storage disks, a plurality of pallets each having a disk placing surface for placing a storage disk and which are arranged in the magazine so that pallets having different engaging claw shapes are adjacent to each other, and a picker for taking out a pallet selected from the plurality of pallets from the magazine. The picker includes at least one arm for taking out the selected pallet from the magazine in the taking-out of the selected pallet. Each of the at least one arm is, in the taking-out of the selected pallet, engaged with an engaging claw of the selected pallet and in a position shifted from an engaging position with an engaging claw of each pallet adjacent to the selected pallet when seen in a pallet arranging direction.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus has a plurality of fine particles forming an array on a plane in close proximity of each other, each of the plural particles including a ferromagnetic metal, a light-emitting device for exciting a near-field light, and a photo-electric conversion element for detecting a near-field light traveled along the fine particles. Summary information may be recorded for plural information recording parts.

Abstract: A personal computer and methods of reconfiguration are described. An implementation of a personal computer may comprise a processor portion running a diagnostic application. A field programmable gate array in communication with the processor portion may be provided. A configurable non-volatile computer memory in communication with the field programmable gate array and wherein the field programmable gate array is programmed to reconfigure the non-volatile computer memory may be provided. Methods of reconfiguration of a personal computer are provided.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus comprises a plurality of fine particles forming an array on a plane in close proximity of each other, each of the plural particles including a ferromagnetic metal, a light-emitting device for exciting a near-field light, and a photo-electric conversion element for detecting a near-field light traveled along the fine particles.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a servo-actuated positioner for a read/write head that uses a piezoelectric super fine actuator that moves the read/write head to maintain alignment with data tracks on a magnetic tape. The servo-actuated positioner, in one implementation, uses flexures to mechanically support the read/write head. Piezoelectric elements are attached to the flexures in strategic locations to effect movement of the read/write head when the elements are actuated. This configuration achieves a large actuator motion using small piezoelectric elements. Additionally, manufacturability is improved since the piezoelectric elements, which are typically brittle, are attached to the mechanically robust flexures.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a servo-actuated positioner for a read/write head that uses a piezoelectric super fine actuator that moves the read/write head to maintain alignment with data tracks on a magnetic tape. The servo-actuated positioner, in one implementation, uses flexures to mechanically support the read/write head. Piezoelectric elements are attached to the flexures in strategic locations to effect movement of the read/write head when the elements are actuated. This configuration achieves a large actuator motion using small piezoelectric elements. Additionally, manufacturability is improved since the piezoelectric elements, which are typically brittle, are attached to the mechanically robust flexures.

Abstract: A system, a method, and article of manufacture are employed to clean the input/output transducers on tape drives, verified by the tape drives reading alphanumeric information from data tracks and servo tracks of a cleaner tape. An aggressive cleaning frontcoat section of the cleaner tape can be used to provide additional cleaning action, and the cleanliness of the data read elements, data write elements, and the servo heads. A less-abrasive cleaning section may be used to clean less difficult types of contaminants. In this manner, the cleanliness of the data read elements, the data write elements, and the servo heads can be verified. A cleaning section may also be used as a leader section of a self-characterization section. Alternatively, a magnetic data tape section may be included for self-characterization.

Abstract: This invention discloses a flat data storage medium that includes a plurality of substantially parallel data arc-segments. The data arcs further include at least one full circle data track provided for obtaining a measurement of an average amplitude of data signals over the full circle data track for calibrating a pickup head implemented for reading data from the data arc-segments. This invention further discloses a data storage system for accessing data stored in a data storage medium. The data storage system includes dynamic head loading/unloading system that includes a handle for pushing a linkage connected to the handle for loading and unloading the data storage medium to an engaged and disengaged positions relative to a pickup head for accessing data disposed on the data storage medium. The dynamic head loading/unloading system further includes a locking mechanism for automatically locking the data storage medium inside the data storage system when the linkage is disposed at an engaged-position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer storage systems which have a tip (24) directed close or in contact to the storage medium (10) by which bit-writing and bit-reading is enforced. It is proposed to use a magnetizable storage medium (10), expose it to an artificial, external magnetic field H coupled externally to the storage medium, and—during bit writing—to concurrently apply heat very locally in bit size dimension in order to let the external magnetic field become locally larger than the (temperature-dependent) coercive field at the location (32) where heat is applied.

Abstract: This invention discloses a magnetic servo writer. The magnetic servo writer includes a magnetic pickup head for rotationally moving over and writing servo data in a magnetic flat data-storage medium. The magnetic servo writer further includes a clock head for providing clock signals to the pickup head and to write clock signals in the clock disk. The magnetic servo writer further includes a control circuit for controlling the magnetic pickup head for writing the servo data on the magnetic flat data-storage medium. The magnetic servo writer further includes a servo pattern layout circuit for controlling the magnetic pickup head for writing the servo data on the magnetic flat data-storage medium with predefined servo patterns. The magnetic servo writer further includes a derived index control circuit for deriving indices from a fixed index provided on the magnetic flat data-storage medium.

Abstract: A multi-pattern is formed to have a plurality of read/write elements on a plane. A medium is formed on a single crystal of Si substrate. A motion of the head relative to the medium is made a simple harmonic motion to form linear recorded bits. This allows fabricating a storage system which provides features of small size, high recording density, high transfer rate, and short access time all at once. The recording density accomplished by the small storage system is extremely high, and may be as high as 10 gigabits per square inch.

Abstract: A tape-type magnetic recording medium is disclosed which is adaptable to a yoke-type magnetoresistance effect magnetic head and with which a dense recording operation can be performed and a signal reproducing method is disclosed for reproducing a signal recorded on the tape-type magnetic recording medium. The tape-type magnetic recording medium has a magnetic layer formed on a non-magnetic support member, wherein when an assumption is made that residual magnetic flux density of the tape-type magnetic recording medium is Br, the thickness of the magnetic layer is .delta., the saturation magnetic flux density of a magnetoresistance effect device of a yoke-type magnetoresistance effect magnetic head serving as a reproducing head is Bs and the thickness of the magnetoresistance effect device is t, the following relationship is satisfied:Bst/2.ltoreq.Br.delta..ltoreq.Bstand coercive force Hc of the tape-type magnetic recording medium satisfies Hc.gtoreq.1500 (Oe).

Abstract: A voice coil motor actuator for a magnetic disk device includes a pivot bearing shaft, a positioner, a magnet, and a coil. The positioner is pivotally supported by the pivot bearing shaft. The positioner has a distal end portion at which a magnetic head is mounted, and a proximal end portion projecting to a side opposite to the distal end portion with respect to the pivot bearing shaft. The magnet is fixed in correspondence with the pivot range of the proximal end portion of the positioner. The coil is arranged at the proximal end portion of the positioner to oppose the magnet. The coil has a pair of effective length portions which generate a magnetic flux to act on the magnet upon energization, thereby applying a pivot force to the positioner. The position of an intersection between the extended lines of the effective length portions of the coil is set between the pivot bearing shaft and the coil.

Abstract: A high-recording-density magnetic disk drive is provided which minimizes changes in the distance between a magnetic disk and a magnetic head and is reduced in size and weight. The magnetic head and a support spring which supports the magnetic head are rotated over the magnetic disk which is stationary, and a base which supports the support spring is rotated by a rotary actuator for tracking on the magnetic disk.

Abstract: A storage device includes a substrate, a magnetic storage medium provided on the substrate, information being magnetically stored in the magnetic storage medium, a head unit, and a reciprocating mechanism provided on the substrate, the reciprocating mechanism causing the head unit to reciprocate in a plane parallel to a surface of the magnetic storage medium, wherein, while the head unit is being moved by the reciprocating mechanism, information is recorded in or reproduced from the magnetic storage medium via the head unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus of digitally recording and reproducing video signals, when video signal data in one image frame is divided into a multiple-number of parts (N-parts) by dividing the image frame into N-divided rectangular regions and the N-parts of data are recorded on respective N tracks, each rectangular region is divided into blocks each having a multiple number of pixels and the thus generated blocks is subjected to a bit reduction coding operation. In recording the blocks, each of blocks are recorded onto a corresponding track in such a sequence that the blocks are scanned in a reciprocating manner along short-side directions of the rectangular region on the image frame. When the data is reproduced in a varied speed playback mode, the data are modified by every short-side row of blocks to thereby provide a high-quality playback picture at the varied speed.

Abstract: A card reader stores the energy imparted by a user inserting a card into a slot. When the card is fully inserted, a release mechanism is triggered and the stored energy moves a read head over a coded stripe. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion spring mounted on a carriage winds about an axle. The axle has a gear at one end which engages a rack fixed on the base of the reader. The gear and axle rotate as the carriage is moved relative to the reader, thereby winding the torsion spring and storing energy. A set of ratchet teeth mounted on the base prevents the return of the carriage before the card is fully inserted into the slot. The reader can also accommodate reading and writing to smart cards.

Abstract: A video signal processor receives a digital video input signal containing I-data and other data in random positions in a data frame. A pre-processor separates the frames into the data components. A tessellation of a video screen containing vertical columns and horizontal rows is programmed into the pre-processor. The pre-processor assembles records with the I-data positioned in the records such that a video recorder head, scanning the data in any trick-mode speed, will update sequential rows or sequential columns of the tessellation according to the I-data.

Abstract: A method for high speed playback of digital video data (e.g. D1 or D2 data) in which, at lower speeds, the frames of data to be played back are made of a mixture of consecutive frames of data. The frames of data are mixed by averaging the pixel values over consecutive frames to make up the output frames. For high speed shuttle operation, non-consecutive frames are averaged on a pixel by pixel basis to create shuttle frames. In order to improve the appearance of the output, consecutive shuttle frames contain a common original frame so that a component of the original data spans two output frames.

Abstract: In a digital VCR, which carries out bit rate reduction coding of digital video signals for magnetically recording and reproducing the same, a plurality of blocks each including the digital video signal of a plurality of pixels are formed, and the digital video signals are encoded for each block. A code amount is controlled so that the code amount may be constant on the basis of one or more of the plurality of blocks, and encoding is carried out for correcting a possible error, whereby error correction blocks are formed. The error correction blocks are rearranged so that the error correction blocks included in the blocks, which are adjacent to each other in a screen, may be adjacent to each other on a recording medium, and the data for three rectangular regions, which are obtained by trisecting the screen with respect to the horizontal direction, may be recorded in corresponding three tracks. Thereby, mosaic deformation in a reproduced picture can be prevented.

Abstract: A reserve-recording method and apparatus for a VCR are described which generate a voice signal to inform the user of information required to set and perform the reserve-recording. The apparatus includes a recording switching circuit to form a recording line between the apparatus and one of a plurality of external input devices, including a tuner for receiving a television broadcast. The reserve-recording method informs the user by voice and screen of information required to set a reserve-recording program, sets a reserve-recording mode, sorts the reserve-recording programs in their reserve numbers in order of the recording start time, and discriminates the reserve recording mode. A method of sorting reserve-recording programs according to recording start time is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recording in selectable recording modes, track number data and information signals in recording tracks on a recording medium, in which the track number of a track in which an information signal is recorded is determined by utilizing a ratio of a track pitch produced when a first recording mode is selected and a track pitch produced when a second recording mode is selected.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image recorded on successive frames of a film having a storage medium which information for each frame is readable from and writable on, the reproducing apparatus includes a pick-up device for picking up the image from the film; a read and write device for reading and writing frame information from and on the storage medium in a specified relative movement to the film; a drive device for rendering the specified relative movement and such special relative movement as fast transporting, rewinding; a directing device for directing the special relative movement; and a controller for keeping the drive device from rendering the special relative movement when the information reading and writing is performed.

Abstract: A band compression signal processor including a band compression circuit for intra-frame-coding and inter-frame-coding an input video signal which forms a picture areas, inter-frame-coding the input video signal which is intra-frame-coded, and repeating the above signal processing adaptively according to a motion evaluation on the input video signal, and a refresh coding circuit for periodically intra-frame-coding signals corresponding to b areas of the a areas for each frame at a period of f frames. A macro-block is formed by adding overhead data indicating the contents of variable length codes of a refresh block and a non-refresh block to the refresh block which has undergone the refresh coding and the non-refresh block which has not undergone the refresh coding.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing video signals from the recording medium in which the video signals to which the control information pertaining to the image plane corresponding to every image plane is added are previously recorded. Upon reproduction of the video signals in accordance with an array pattern of the image plane different from the pattern used at the time of recording, at least a portion of the control information added to the video signals reproduced by the reproducing apparatus is changed into other information in accordance with the above-mentioned pattern to obtain the control information used for processing the video signals, thereby allowing an excellent image plane to be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression encoding successive input images into a plurality of sync blocks which are sequentially recorded on a record carrier, comprises digitally processing each of the input images in accordance with a first image compression encoding technique so as to provide a first digital signal representative of a low resolution version of each of the input images. The input images are also digitally processed in accordance with a second image compression encoding technique which is different from the first image compression encoding technique so as to provide a second digital signal representative of a higher resolution version of each of the input images. Consecutive portions of both of the first and second digital signals are combined into sequential sync blocks which are then sequentially recorded on a record carrier.

Abstract: An image is stably reproduced in a special reproduction mode of still, frame advance or slow motion mode without residual image and/or blur. A video signal reproducing apparatus operates to alternately repeat the steps of interrupting a de-emphasizing process at a time at which the de-emphasis process for one video image signal period is completed, holding a content of a frame memory constituting the de-emphasis circuit without refreshing the content and performing a de-emphasis process based the content of the memory during a subsequent video image signal period.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for grouping input video data at an interval of a predetermined number of pixels and encoding each block by a DCT circuit, a quantization circuit and an entropy encoding circuit, recording the encoded data on a magnetic tape, and reproducing the magnetic tape for producing block-by-block data, which is decoded to produce output video data, includes a filtering circuit for reducing horizontal and vertical frequency components generated by repetitive occurrences of the respective data blocks. For a differential speed playback mode, such as shuttle playback, the video data reproduced and decoded during the differential speed playback mode is passed through the filtering circuit for producing a satisfactory playback image in which block components are suppressed even for the differential speed playback mode.

Abstract: Digital data representing a compressed image is separated into priority data and normal data, and formatted so that the priority data is repeatedly recorded on a magnetic tape. The transmission rate of the digital data is compared with the recording rate on the magnetic tape to control the number of repetitions of the priority data.

Abstract: An editing device for sequentially editing desired scenes or cuts. The editing device includes a CPU 11 which, when triggered by actuation of an edit button switch 12, issues a rewind playback command signal to a video camera 1 for a pre-set time, while issuing a pause canceling command signal to a VTR 2. After lapse of a pre-set time since the issuance of the pause canceling command signal, as set by a rotary switch 13, the CPU 11 outputs a pause setting command signal to the VTR 2. An infrared LED 14 converts the command signals from the CPU 11 and outputs the converted signals. The editing may be achieved by a simple operation of pressing the edit button switch 12 for facilitating the operation as compared to that with the conventional device.

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: A video signal processing apparatus provided with a signal processing circuit including a memory capable of storing inputted video signals of one frame. In response to an operation of a manually operable freeze key, writing the video signals to the memory is inhibited, and reading the video signals from the memory is continuously performed. In response to a continuous operation of the freeze key in excess of a predetermined time period, the video signals of one frame are periodically written to the memory, and the video signals in the memory are continuously read. Various special effects can be given to images upon an operation of the single freeze key.

Abstract: A method of reproducing a video signal in a digital video cassette recorder, comprising the step of performing intra-frame coding at an interval of a predetermined number of frames of the video signal to compress the video signal and recording the compressed video signal on a video tape, and the step of varying a travelling speed of the video tape according to a desired one of normal, still, fast forward, fast reverse, slow forward and slow reverse playback modes to reproduce the video signal recorded on the video tape in the desired playback mode. The travelling speed of the video tape is varied by combining speeds of the normal, still, fast forward jump and fast reverse jump modes according to the desired playback mode. The intra-frame coding is performed at an interval of L frames, where L is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, and first slice data of the coded Lth frame becomes first video data of a transmitted data field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing pictures from a recording medium in search mode wherein each picture is recorded in the recording medium in the form of a coded signal. The coded signal is coded in either an intra-picture coding mode or an inter-picture coding mode. The coded signal of a picture coded in the intra-picture coding mode is an I-picture; the coded signal of a picture coded in the inter-picture coding mode with only forward prediction is a P-picture; and the coded signal of a picture coded in the inter-picture coding mode with bidirectional prediction is a B-picture. The pictures are reproduced from a read position on the recording medium. To provide an increased number of pictures in search mode, the read position is changed to a first read position, and an I-picture is immediately reproduced from the recording medium at the first read position. Then, at least one B-picture or one P-picture is immediately reproduced from the recording medium following the I-picture.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus for processing a video signal having: a memory circuit for receiving a video signal and storing received video signal; a synchronization signal separation circuit for separating a synchronization signal included by the received video signal, and transmitting the synchronization signal; a first counter for transmitting count data by performing a counting operation in synchonization with the synchronization signal transmitted from the synchronization signal separation circuit or by spontaneously performing the counting operation; a second counter for transmitting count data by spontaneously performing the counting operation; a memory control circuit for controlling writing or reading of the video signal to and from the memory circuit in accordance with the count data transmitted from the first counter; a first decoder for resetting the second counter in accordance with a value denoted by the count data transmitted from the first counter; and a second decoder for resetting the

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an electronic guide with video clips are provided. The method includes the step of providing a video cassette tape having a first length of video cassette tape having a first index mark written in the control track near the beginning of the first length and a second index mark written in the control track near the end of the first length, a guide grid to video clips on the video cassette tape written in the video track between the first and second index mark, and guide data written as tones in the audio track between the first and second index mark, the guide data associated with the guide grid including for each video clip contained on the video cassette tape a number of index marks either forward or backward on the tape from the guide data to the video clip.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing method includes helically scanning a first region of a magnetic tape running at a normal speed using several rotary heads, recording a digital data train on several sloped tracks and simultaneously recording single-frame data at N-picture intervals on a second region of the magnetic tape through at least one fixed head, and reproducing the data recorded on the first region during a normal reproduction, while the magnetic tape runs at an N-times speed for variable speed reproduction to reproduce the data recorded on the second region. In a digital VTR, the recording data for the normal recording/reproduction and special recording/reproduction is separately recorded and reproduced on mutually different regions of the magnetic tape. Accordingly, since the processing of the normal recording/reproduction signal is independent from that of the special recording/reproduction signal, the normal-processing design is facilitated due to a greater degree of freedom.

Abstract: A visual search control of digital video files capable of realizing a high quality image even in the fast forward and fast reverse modes, while facilitating a quick mode switching among the normal playback mode and the fast forward and fast reverse modes.

Abstract: A video memory comprises a video store for storing video data comprising a plurality of input video data blocks, each input video data block comprising a plurality of pixel data words and one or more ancillary data words associated with that input video data block. The video memory allows the stored pixel data words to be read out, along with their associated ancillary data word(s), in a transposed order and comprises means for reading the ancillary data words associated with a predetermined sequence of input video data blocks into a recirculating output buffer, and serial reading means for reading successive output video data blocks from the video store, each output video data block comprising pixel data words from the predetermined sequence of the input video data blocks, the serial reading means and the recirculating output buffer being operable to output concurrently each pixel data word in each output video data block with its associated ancillary data word(s).

Abstract: Both a sharp print image and a natural reproduced move image can be obtained from a signal recorded on a recording medium. A recording signal, read from the recording medium, is converted into digital data and is delayed by one field. Data representing the current image in the n-th field and data representing an image in the (n-1)-th field one field ahead of the current image, are applied to a subtracting circuit, to extract a component representing moving image portions. An interpolated image for making movement correction is created from the extracted component representing the moving image portions by an interpolating circuit. Data representing the interpolated image and the data representing the current image in the n-th field are synthesized by a synthesizing circuit, to output composite data as data representing an image which has been subjected to movement correction.

Abstract: A high speed optical information search system, comprising a scanning device means for scanning along the vertical lines on the optical magnetic tape, a pick-up device for sensing and accumulating data of the tape and for shift-transmitting and outputting the accumulated data in accordance with a shift clock, a memory circuit for writing and reading digital data information outputted from the pick-up device, a clock for generating clock signals corresponding to a transmission bit speed and to a speed of 5 times of a data transmission bit speed, a reading address counter for counting in accordance with a clock signal corresponding to the data transmission bit speed outputted from the clock during high and normal speed regeneration, a writing address counter for counting according to a clock signal corresponding to predetermined times of the transmission bit speed outputted from the clock during the high speed search, a writing address control circuit for controlling the output signals from the pick-up device t

Abstract: A recording current setting method comprises the steps of: recording signals on a tape by changing, by steps, recording current for the tape; detecting a reproduced signal level at each recording current; and determining an optimal recording current from a middle point between a first recording current at which a reproduced signal level first exceeds a threshold level as a result of increasing, by steps, the recording current and a second recording current at which a reproduced signal level first exceeds the threshold level as a result of decreasing, by steps, the recording current. An information signal recording apparatus using the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus adapted to a video signal recording/reproducing apparatus for reproducing a video signal recorded on a record medium in the form of an L-channel/S-segment recording system. The record medium travelling speed in production, the output from comparators and the guard band width are adjusted so that writing of the video signal in a field memory is effected so as not to cause omission of any portion of the video signal. Four embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A picture search control apparatus for use in digital video tape recorders is connected to a motor controller and between an inner decoder and an outer decoder. The apparatus comprises a mode selector which selects a reproduction mode, receives a field selection signal, controls a capstan motor in correspondence to the selected reproduction mode, and produces primary control signals necessary for delaying the picture data as well as data processor for logically combining the primary control signals supplied from the mode selector to produce a plurality of control signals, delaying the data signal supplied from the inner decoder so as to constitute a still picture in correspondence to the selected reproduction mode by the plurality of control signals, and supplying the delayed signal to the outer decoder.

Abstract: Apparatus for reproducing digital video signals from a magnetic tape, wherein a frame of digital video signals had been recorded in 2 m tracks (m is an integer greater than 1), in which a pair of rotary heads having respectively different azimuth angles scan traces across the magnetic tape, such traces substantially coinciding with the tracks when the magnetic tape is transported at a speed equal to the recording speed. The magnetic tape is transported at a high speed equal to (m.times.n.+-.l) times the recording speed, where n is an integer greater than 0, l=0.5 when the pair of heads are arranged as a double azimuth head assembly and l=0.25 when the heads are angularly separated by 180.degree..