Future and limits of tape applicability

The prophets of the tape “down-fall” should be more reasonable when evaluating its present condition. Video recording history of tape is an example of the remarkable continuity and homogeneity of this technique, furthermore confirmed by its economical aspects. Thanks to above its use can be continued into the future providing the limitations and the necessity of reducing the increase of video tape magnetic properties are taken into account. These limitations are caused by the loss of contact between the head and the magnetic layer, being the result of the surface roughness and dust particles. This influence grows with the shortening of the wavelength in successive generations of tape with greater coercivity Hc. To emphasize this influence the “structural model” defined previously by the author can be used. The author considers that the “trend”, of decreasing tape consumption, has its physical base in three sources: the coding of the digital video signal, the recording wavelengths shortening, and the narrowing of the recording tracks thanks to the capacity reduction between the replay head and replay preamplifier. The utility of FM analogue experimental results for coded signals recorded for digital purposes is stressed