Optimization of azimuth angle for some kinds of media on digital VCRs

A method to determine an optimum azimuth angle in a digital video tape recorder is demonstrated together with consideration made for ME (metal evaporated), MP (metal particulated), and Ba-ferrite tapes. The optimum azimuth angle is derived by comparing the value of theoretically and experimentally derived signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) at the detecting point of a video cassette recorder with the value of theoretically derived SNR required to achieve a desired bit error rate under crosstalk interference from adjacent tracks. Not only azimuth angle but also bit length and track pitch for maximizing a real recording density are simultaneously derived by the method. The relationship between the optimum azimuth angle and orientation of the tapes is discussed