A digital VCR deck mechanism using new precision actuators for high density recording

A VCR deck mechanism using high-performance actuators has been developed for high-density recording. ME (metal-evaporated) tape and laminated Sendust heads are used to raise the linear recording density, a moving-head actuator permits narrow track recording and playback, and thin tape media of 8 μm thickness are employed. The track density is 4200 TPI when the recording wavelength is 0.53 μm. The tape transport mechanism has realized a tape tension ratio (capstan/cassette-out) of 4.7. A rotary cylinder containing a moving-head actuator has been developed to accurately trace a 6 μm track pitch, 78 mm track length with a control band of 300 Hz. A newly developed tape transport adjustment method based on measuring tape buckling deformation damage has been proposed which ensures the stability of 8 μm-tape running for the deck