70results about "Helical scan format" patented technology

A single deck dual tape path videocassette recorder / playback system enabling near simultaneous multiple functions with respect to a broadcast or cable communicated television signal. The system consists of standard elements which allow the receipt of a videocassette, the extracting and return of video tape from and to the videocassette, and the recording of a broadcast or cable communicated signal. The system also consists of two tape path assemblies and a videotape compartment consisting of a tape feed channel, a storage assembly, and a vacuum system. All elements are included within a single housing utilizing a common power supply, tuner, controls, and switching and control circuitry enabling simultaneous multiple functions using both tape paths, as well as additional function selections.

A picture signal recording / reproducing apparatus is disclosed in which a CPU 11 records the identification information for discriminating the video cassette during picture recording on a magnetic tape, while recording the recording information indicating the recording contents, such as the still picture data for program scenes, in memories 13 and 14 in association with the identification information. During reproduction, the CPU 11 reads out still picture data of each program from the memories 13 and 14, while a digital signal processing circuit 15 converts the still picture data of each program as a multi-picture into analog signals which are outputted to a TV receiver via an analog signal processing circuit 23 and an output terminal 33. The result is that the scenes of plural programs recorded in each of plural video cassettes are displayed on the TV receiver. This permits the user to easily recognize the program recorded on the video cassettes and to reproduce the desired program or to record a program in an optimum video cassette.

A near video-on-demand (VOD) service enabled using a digital video recorder (DVR) for the simultaneous storage and playback of multimedia data. A DVR is connected over a network to a multimedia network source. A VOD selection is requested by the DVR from the network source. A multimedia data signal is received by the DVR from the network source. The data signal contains the requested VOD selection. A first received portion of the received data signal is stored on the DVR. The first received segment is played by the DVR for display on a display device. Simultaneously during the playing of the first received segment, a second received segment of the received data signal is received from the network source and stored on the DVR while the first received segment is played the display device. Thus, the requested VOD selection begins playing on the display device prior to the reception of the entire compressed multimedia data signal so that a requested VOD selection can begin being displayed nearly instantaneously after the request for it is made. A video-on-request (VOR) service is also enabled using a DVR. VOR selection data is received by a centralized database device, such as a network server, from a plurality of users. Each VOR selection data includes at least one requested video selection and video recorder identifying information for identifying each particular video recorder. A transmission priority of requested video selections is determined dependent on the frequency of requests ‘received from the plurality of users. A transmission channel and time is determined based on the transmission priority. DVR control signals are transmitted to automatically tune in the determined transmission channel at the determined transmission time and record the particular video selection.

A video recording and playback device (10) incorporates a processor (114) for processing the video signal to detect the presence of commercial messages. Video and audio event detectors (102, 104) detect the presence of events in the signal as it is recorded. The timing relationship of the detected events is analyzed to classify the video segments between events as program material or as commercial messages. After a program is recorded, control marks are generated (132) to indicate the beginning and end of commercial groups so that they will be skipped during subsequent replay of the recorded program.

A near video-on-demand (VOD) service enabled using a digital video recorder (DVR) for the simultaneous storage and playback of multimedia data. A DVR is connected over a network to a multimedia network source. A VOD selection is requested by the DVR from the network source. A multimedia data signal is received by the DVR from the network source. The data signal contains the requested VOD selection. A first received portion of the received data signal is stored on the DVR. The first received segment is played by the DVR for display on a display device. Simultaneously during the playing of the first received segment, a second received segment of the received data signal is received from the network source and stored on the DVR while the first received segment is played the display device. Thus, the requested VOD selection begins playing on the display device prior to the reception of the entire compressed multimedia data signal so that a requested VOD selection can begin being displayed nearly instantaneously after the request for it is made. A video-on-request (VOR) service is also enabled using a DVR. VOR selection data is received by a centralized database device, such as a network server, from a plurality of users. Each VOR selection data includes at least one requested video selection and video recorder identifying information for identifying each particular video recorder. A transmission priority of requested video selections is determined dependent on the frequency of requests received from the plurality of users. A transmission channel and time is determined based on the transmission priority. DVR control signals are transmitted to automatically tune in the determined transmission channel at the determined transmission time and record the particular video selection.

An apparatus for providing voice titles for recorded programs includes a recorder (11,19) for recording on a sequential recording medium, which has an audio recording portion (242) and a control recording portion (246). A control input (222) is provided for indicating a start of a voice title and the start indicator (252) is recorded on the control recording portion of the sequential medium. A microphone (264) or other device is provided for entering a voice title and for recording the entered voice title onto the audio recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded indication of the start of the voice title in the control recording portion. A control input (222) is provided for indicating an end of the voice title and the end indicator (254) is recorded onto the control recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded voice title in the audio recording portion. The apparatus includes an analog to digital converter (270) for digitizing the entered voice title and a memory (33) for storing the digitized voice title. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a voice synthesizer (260) for synthesizing a voice from the stored digitized voice title.

A near video-on-demand (VOD) service enabled using a digital video recorder (DVR) for the simultaneous storage and playback of multimedia data. A DVR is connected over a network to a multimedia network source. A VOD selection is requested by the DVR from the network source. A multimedia data signal is received by the DVR from the network source. The data signal contains the requested VOD selection. A first received portion of the received data signal is stored on the DVR. The first received segment is played by the DVR for display on a display device. Simultaneously during the playing of the first received segment, a second received segment of the received data signal is received from the network source and stored on the DVR while the first received segment is played the display device. Thus, the requested VOD selection begins playing on the display device prior to the reception of the entire compressed multimedia data signal so that a requested VOD selection can begin being displayed nearly instantaneously after the request for it is made. A video-on-request (VOR) service is also enabled using a DVR. VOR selection data is received by a centralized database device, such as a network server, from a plurality of users. Each VOR selection data includes at least one requested video selection and video recorder identifying information for identifying each particular video recorder. A transmission priority of requested video selections is determined dependent on the frequency of requests 1received from the plurality of users. A transmission channel and time is determined based on the transmission priority. DVR control signals are transmitted to automatically tune in the determined transmission channel at the determined transmission time and record the particular video selection.

A near video-on-demand (VOD) service enabled using a digital video recorder (DVR) for the simultaneous storage and playback of multimedia data. A DVR is connected over a network to a multimedia network source. A VOD selection is requested by the DVR from the network source. A multimedia data signal is received by the DVR from the network source. The data signal contains the requested VOD selection. A first received portion of the received data signal is stored on the DVR. The first received segment is played by the DVR for display on a display device. Simultaneously during the playing of the first received segment, a second received segment of the received data signal is received from the network source and stored on the DVR while the first received segment is played the display device. Thus, the requested VOD selection begins playing on the display device prior to the reception of the entire compressed multimedia data signal so that a requested VOD selection can begin being displayed nearly instantaneously after the request for it is made. A video-on-request (VOR) service is also enabled using a DVR. VOR selection data is received by a centralized database device, such as a network server, from a plurality of users. Each VOR selection data includes at least one requested video selection and video recorder identifying information for identifying each particular video recorder. A transmission priority of requested video selections is determined dependent on the frequency of requests 1received from the plurality of users. A transmission channel and time is determined based on the transmission priority. DVR control signals are transmitted to automatically tune in the determined transmission channel at the determined transmission time and record the particular video selection.

A set of interfaces, data structures and events represent a DV metadata extraction tool. The DV metadata extraction tool includes an API (application programming interface) for describing DV metadata packs that are to be extracted from a DV data stream. The extraction API supports methods for specifying and removing DV metadata packs to be extracted from DV frames. The DV metadata extraction tool also includes an API for describing a container that holds DV metadata once it has been extracted from a DV frame. The container API supports methods for adding and removing DV structures to the container and for retrieving data from the container, removing data from the container, and iterating through the container. The DV metadata extraction tool also includes a collection of higher-level structures that represent unpacked DV metadata packs.

The present invention relates generally to a multiple deck multimedia device suitably seamless, that is, transparent to the user, through its interconnection, control, signal routing, multimedia content management, and the like. For example, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the multimedia device enables viewing, listening, multimedia searching and fetching, and similar functions while simultaneously providing the ability to record and / or store other multimedia content through a single user interface. Additionally, while the following description is directed to a dual DVD and VCR, in accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention, the multimedia device may suitably comprise other sources of multimedia content delivery systems. For example, various analog and / or digital systems including hard disk drives, magnetic tape, alternative optical media, solid state memory and other removable or fixed media may be used. Likewise, any number of these decks may be included into the multimedia device.

A picture material editing apparatus and method capable of easily creating an edit list in a short time without forcing a worker to spend a lot of time and do troublesome work. Multiple camera picture signals KS11 to KS13 and reproduced picture signals VS14 to VS17 inputted from multiple picture material input systems 2 are switched at an arbitrary timing with an input selection circuit 21, and an edit list L1 is created based on the switching operation for switching the multiple camera picture signals KS11 to KS13 and reproduced picture signals VS14 to VS17. Thereby, it is possible to, while performing the switching operation for switching the multiple camera picture signals KS11 to KS13 and reproduced picture signals VS14 to VS17, create the edit list L1 based on the switching operation.

An entertainment device receives broadcast or recorded audio signals from an original source and secondary audio signals from a secondary audio source such as one or more microphones or music from a connected auxiliary component. Controls on the entertainment device allow the volume levels of the original audio signals and the secondary audio signals to be selectively adjusted. The original audio signals and secondary audio signals are mixed at the adjusted volume levels and output for recording onto a recording medium, such as a VHS tape, CD, DVD or cassette tape. The mixed original audio signals and secondary audio signals may be combined with video signals from the original source for recording and / or output to a T.V. monitor and speakers. The device can be used for playing a game, for amusement and entertainment, wherein each player may assume a character role and interject dialogue or add sound effects.

A technique for reducing the access time in a storage system having serially accessible media. One or more duplicate copies of data are maintained at different offset locations on serial media. When a request is made to read the data, a determination is made as to which copy of the data—either the original data or one of the duplicate copies—will have the shortest access time for accessing the data. Generally, this would be the data copy that will be closest to the data transducer when the tape is positioned for access, such as a tape cartridge being loaded in a tape drive. Once the tape is ready to be accessed, the tape is positioned to access the copy of the data that is in closest linear proximity with the reading transducer. Thus, the copy of the data having the lowest access latency is chosen to satisfy the particular I / O request.

In a high-efficiency encoder which performs motion-compensation prediction, an intra-field is set every n fields. The presence of a scene change is detected. When a scene change occurs, a reference picture of motion-compensation prediction is switched, or the field immediately after the scene change is set as an intra-field.

A helical scan tape recorder (30) comprises a rotatable scanner (84) and a transport system for transporting magnetic tape proximate the rotatable scanner in a manner so that information is recorded during a revolution of the scanner. A controller performs a pause routine (120) for pausing during a recording operation on tape. The pause routine, when executed, performs the steps of: determining a tape pause position reference value indicative of a pre-pause last recording position on the tape; recording an erase signal on the tape after the pre-pause last recording position; rewinding the tape; transporting the tape in a forward direction and obtaining a current tape position value; determining when the current tape position value reaches a predetermined value relative to the tape pause position reference value; and at beginning of a next revolution of the scanner, commencing recording of one or more post-pause stripes on the tape. In an example implementation, the predetermined value relative to the tape pause position reference value is a sum of the tape pause position reference value and an offset.

A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus having a capability of allowing contents of records on a magnetic tape to be discriminatively identified and a capability for displaying closed caption includes a tape map memory for storing contents recorded on a tape and a tape map controller. As a manual input facility, a tape map button, a caption button, a play-back button, a stop button and others are provided. Upon loading of a tape undergone recording(s), the tape map button is pushed to display on a monitor screen tape map information concerning the contents of program(s) recorded on the loaded tape, temporal duration(s) of the program(s), and history of play-back of the tape.

A recording / reproducing apparatus includes an encoding section, a decoding section, and a first judging section. The encoding section is configured to encode data that is to be recorded onto a recording medium into an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code. The decoding section is configured to decode the LDPC code read out from the recording medium. The judging section is configured to judge a block with a recording error based on one of a block error flag and an iterative decoding count output from the decoding section.

In a high-efficiency encoder which performs motion-compensation prediction, an intra-field is set every n fields. The presence of a scene change is detected. When a scene change occurs, a reference picture of motion-compensation prediction is switched, or the field immediately after the scene change is set as an intra-field.

A video recorder connected to a DV (Digital Video) camcorder via an IEEE serial bus comprises a memory for storing time codes in dubbing-unwanted information, commanded by a user, in a DV tape. When commanded by the user for video recording, a microprocessor of the video recorder controls the DV camcorder to fast forward the DV tape for data area other than the dubbing-unwanted information based on the time codes about the dubbing-unwanted information as stored in the memory, and to reproduce the video information in the dubbing-unwanted information. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the time required for the user to check the video information to be dubbed.

Multi-frame trick play clips of the stored performance are selected for playing in a trick play mode, portions between the trick play clips, at least as long as the trick play clips, are skipped in the trick play mode. The trick play clips are sufficiently long and presented at a sufficiently low speed so that the content of the trick play clips can be understood by a human audience.

An apparatus for providing voice titles for recorded programs includes a recorder (11,19) for recording on a sequential recording medium, which has an audio recording portion (242) and a control recording portion (246). A control input (222) is provided for indicating a start of a voice title and the start indicator (252) is recorded on the control recording portion of the sequential medium. A microphone (264) or other device is provided for entering a voice title and for recording the entered voice title onto the audio recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded indication of the start of the voice title in the control recording portion. A control input (222) is provided for indicating an end of the voice title and the end indicator (254) is recorded onto the control recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded voice title in the audio recording portion. The apparatus includes an analog to digital converter (270) for digitizing the entered voice title and a memory (33) for storing the digitized voice title. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a voice synthesizer (260) for synthesizing a voice from the stored digitized voice title.

A video signal input-output circuit and a recording-reproduction apparatus in which a digitally compressed video signal input in packet form can be recorded and reproduced efficiently and in stable fashion. In this apparatus, a clock reference is detected from a packet signal containing the clock reference and a digitally compressed video signal, a time stamp for a packet is generated using a clock signal in phase with the clock reference and added to the particular packet, and the packet signals with the time stamp added thereto are recorded closely to each other in a data storage element such as a magnetic recording medium. At playback, the packet interval is output by being restored to the original length on the basis of the time stamp added to the packet in store.

The present invention provides a data recording method a data recording and / or reproducing apparatus for recording data transmitted from a computer to a magnetic tape. In case a recording head fails to write data (data ID=582) of fragment ID=5 to a track (track 7), then, the data is rewritten to the first fragment (ID=0) of a next track (track 8). Thus, the data can be rewritten not on the track basis but on the fragment basis, which can reduce loss of tape capacity significantly.

Method and recording system for obtaining a data recording on a first medium, such as a DVD, from a data stream originating from a second medium, such as a DV tape. The data stream comprises a number of data segments each having a different recording start time. In the present invention, which may be used ‘on the fly’ and in combination with a pre scan, a recording segment of the data recording on the first medium is generated based on a determination of a duration of a present recording segment. A new recording segment is generated when a recording time discontinuity exceeds a threshold value, the recording time discontinuity being a difference between a recording end time of a first data segment and a recording start time of a next data segment.

Disclosed is a digital VTR comprising means for recording a cue mark in a position, corresponding to a predetermined position in the middle of each recording block, on a control track of a magnetic tape at the time of recording, means for stopping, at the time point where actual data in the recording block are stored in predetermined amounts in a memory, the acceptance of the data in the memory and accelerating a capstan motor at the time of fast-forward play, and means for decelerating the capstan motor when the cue mark is detected.

A digital VTR according to the present invention comprises an image compressing circuit for subjecting input image data to variable length compression, to output variable length coding data and identification data representing the end of one field, recording means for recording on a video tape the variable length coding data outputted from the image compressing circuit, and pseudo CTL signal recording means for recording a pseudo CTL signal on the video tape every time the identification data is outputted from the image compressing circuit.