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

摘要

A helical scan data recording and playback apparatus includes a tape driving motor which continuously transports a magnetic tape on which there are a data recording area and a plurality of reference helical tracks preceding the data recording area. The data recording area is for recording and playback of target data on and from data recording tracks in the data recording area. The reference helical tracks have a specific pattern prerecorded thereon in a predetermined area of the helical reference tracks, and a configuration of the helical reference tracks is similar to a configuration of the data recording tracks. The apparatus further includes a rotary head cylinder, at least one magnetic head, coupled to the rotary head cylinder, which scans tracks on the magnetic tape and plays 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 a servo circuit which controls the tape driving motor based on the specific pattern played back from the reference helical tracks.