Experiments with electron scanning for magnetic recording and playback of video

Present-day video tape uses high-speed mechanical scanning, with rapid wear of tape and heads. Electron-beam scanning is proposed to eliminate mechanical problems and to allow the use of low cost tape. Development work has been conducted on a recording tube using a high-density sheet beam to energize a simplified 500- element magnetic head. For playback a tube was built with a line of fine high-permeability wires sealed into the envelope in the beam path.