Helical scan data recording and playback method and apparatus wherein reference helical tracks preceding data recording area on magnetic tape are played back before recording or playback of target data

A helical scan data recording and playback apparatus comprising:

• a tape driving motor which continuously transports a magnetic tape having thereon a data recording area and a plurality of reference helical tracks preceding the data recording area, the data recording area being for recording and playback of target data on and from data recording tracks in the data recording area, the reference helical tracks having a specific pattern prerecorded thereon in a predetermined area of the helical reference tracks, a configuration of the helical reference tracks being similar to a configuration of the data recording tracks;
• a rotary head cylinder;
• at least one magnetic head, coupled to the rotary head cylinder, which scans tracks on the magnetic tape;
• means for playing back the specific pattern from the reference helical tracks on the magnetic tape before recording or playback of target data on-or from the data recording tracks in the data recording area on the magnetic tape;
• and
• tape driving motor control means for tracking the data recording tracks in the data recording area on the magnetic tape by controlling the tape driving motor based on the specific pattern played back from the reference helical tracks.

A helical scan data recording and playback method comprising the steps of:

• continuously transporting a magnetic tape having thereon a data recording area and a plurality of reference helical tracks preceding the data recording area, the data recording area being for recording and playback of target data on and from data recording tracks in the data recording area, the reference helical tracks having a specific pattern prerecorded thereon in a predetermined area of the helical reference tracks, a configuration of the helical reference tracks being similar to a configuration of the data recording tracks;
• scanning tracks on the magnetic tape and playing back the specific pattern from the reference helical tracks on the magnetic tape before recording or playback of target data on or from the data recording tracks in the data recording area on the magnetic tape;
• and
• tracking the data recording tracks in the data recording area on the magnetic tape by controlling transportation of the magnetic tape based on the specific pattern played back from the reference helical tracks.