Digital video recorder operable in standard and long play modes

Claim 1

Digital video tape recording apparatus of the type having block segmenting means for converting a vertical interval of picture data into image blocks of digital picture element data, compression encoding means for compressing the blocks of digital picture element data and generating a compression code representative thereof and recording means for recording said compression code on said magnetic tape, said apparatus comprising: selectable tape drive means for driving said magnetic tape at first or second speeds for recording said compression code, said second speed being approximately 1.5 times faster than said first speed; and first and second rotatable transducer means disposed approximately 180° apart and coupled to said recording means each for recording said compression code when said tape is driven at said first speed and when said tape is driven at said second speed each of said transducer means having a recording gap length for recording a track pitch, said gap length being at least equal to the track pitch recorded by said transducer means when said tape is driven at said second speed, and said first and second transducer means having respectively different azimuth angles.