Video recording apparatus having low and high resolution operational modes

Abstract

Video reproduction apparatus such as a video cassette recorder which is operable in either a first conventional mode or a second high resolution mode. The apparatus includes processing circuitry for selectively processing video signals either of a first conventional format of reduced bandwidth, or of a second time-division-multiplex (TDM) format of higher bandwidth than the first format. A capstan is provided for moving magnetic tape along a path at a first speed and at a second speed greater than the first speed. A magnetic transducer carried on a drum is located along the tape path and is rotated at a first rotational speed and at a second rotational speed, greater than the first rotational speed for recording and playing back video signals in parallel tracks on the magnetic tape. Control structure and circuitry are provided for controlling the processing circuitry, the capstan, and the magnetic transducer drum so that they are operable in at least first and second modes. In the first mode, the processing circuitry processes video signals of the first format, the capstan moves the tape along the path at the first speed and the maganetic transducer drum is rotated at the first rotational speed to record and/or playback video signals of said first format on the magnetic tape. In the second mode, video signals of the second format are processed by the processing circuitry, the capstan moves the tape at the second tape speed and the magnetic transducer drum is rotated at the second rotational speed to record and/or playback video signals of the second format on the magnetic tape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.