Magnetic tape for data recording

The occurrence of mistakes, i.e. drop-outs, in the recording and reproduction of pulse signals on magnetic tape is investigated. The mechanisms of recording and reproduction are discussed for return-to-zero and non-return-to-zero recording, and their susceptibility to drop-outs is assessed. Conditions for minimizing the occurrence of drop-outs using conventional recording methods are considered, and new recording systems are suggested and described which are insensitive to the majority of drop-outs. An experimental test apparatus for detecting drop-outs and measuring their size is described which may be used to test tape under widely varying conditions of recording. This is used to study the effects of different plastic base materials on tape performance for data recording. The drop-out content of present-day tapes is measured, and an economical performance specification is suggested.