Characteristics of high density magnetic recording by narrowing the track width

There are two major approaches to high-density recording on magnetic tape. One is to shorten the wavelength of the signal to be recorded on the medium, and the other is to reduce the track width on which the signal is to be recorded. Our findings indicate that the most proper approach to increase recording density is to narrow the track width while maintaining as much as possible a condition whereby the tape will be the main source of noise. Even then, we are confronted with several limiting factors in producing practical equipment: the problem of correct tracing of the tape over the narrow track of the reproducing head; an increase in dropout and level fluctuation; and an increase in crosstalk between tracks and heads.