A survey of DCRSi and D-2 technology

The DCRSi and D-2 advanced digital rotary-scan-recording digital formats require uniquely different technologies to achieve their performance requirements. The DCRSi is a transverse-scan format developed for use in general-purpose digital instrumentation recording applications under both benign and environmentally extreme conditions. The D-2 is a helical-scan format developed for use by the professional television industry to support the production and on-air broadcasting of program material for the studio environment. To satisfy their respective market needs, each product provides data rates in excess of 100 Mb/s and utilizes high-density recording techniques to achieve acceptable record times on conveniently sized cassettes. The DCRSi and D-2 tape formats, and the key technologies used to implement the current series of products, are surveyed. The selection of the D-2 platform as the basis for future development of a high-performance computer data peripheral is reviewed.<>