Mechanical Design Considerations for Helical-Scan Videotape Recorders

The primary purpose of any tape transport is to move the tape past the magnetic heads with precise control of position, tension, and velocity. Helical-scan VTRs, perhaps more than any other type, demand careful attention to each of these requirements. Once the tape path is developed, the effectiveness of edge guides can be analyzed, as can the friction contribution to tape tension. Finally, speed control can be evaluated, particularly with regard to rotating components. Each of these mechanical design considerations is examined, using the Ampex VPR-1 transport as an example.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1978-11

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J10481