Tape recording method and apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention, these and other objectives are achieved by providing an improved videocassette that includes electronic data storage areas as part of the videocassette mechanism, in addition to the usual audio and video recording areas found in prior art mechanisms.
The electronic data storage areas may be accessed independently of the ordinary audio and video recording areas Typically, access to these electronic data areas will be by a random access means rather than by a sequential access means One advantage of this is that the information stored in the these areas may be retrieved more rapidly than the information stored on the tape itself.
For instance, movie credits saved in the auxiliary memory may be viewed at any time by a viewer.
In sharp contrast, in current systems movie credits typically can only be seen at the end of the tape.
To see the credits without screening the whole tape, a viewer presently must fast-forward the tape to the end.
This process can consume considerable amounts of time.
Improved videocassettes in accordance with the present invention are operatively compatible with prior art recorders and players An improved videocassette that is used with an ordinary, prior art recording apparatus will function identically to an ordinary, prior art videocassette.
Lost, however, are the many benefits afforded by the use of the improved videocassette with the improved recording apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
It is also possible for an ordinary, prior art videocassette to be used with the improved recording or playing apparatus of the present invention.
Again, while this allows for prior art compatibility, none of the advantages of the present invention will be available to the user.
Additionally with respect to prior art compatibility, another advantage of the present invention is that certain embodiments permit ordinary users who are themselves not in possession of any special technical skills, the capacity to upgrade their existing tape collection from the current art recording scheme to one that operates in accordance with, and embraces all the advantages of, the improved recording scheme taught by the present invention Therefore, not only does the present invention assure prior art compatibility, but it also provides ordinary users with the capacity to upgrade their prior art cassette mechanisms