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Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Helical Scan
The helical scan method uses a rotating head and diagonal tracks, which allows a slow-traveling tape to provide a very fast transfer rate. The tape is pulled out of the cartridge and wrapped around the read/write head.
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Helical Scan Formats
As you can see from this illustration, there are numerous helical scan formats used for digital storage. The predecessors to VHS tape (top) were the reason for helical scan in the first place. Although mostly used for analog recording, there have been digital applications of VHS tape as well.
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
The Real Thing
Notice the slant on this helical scan head from a VHS video recorder. This precise angle of the head is used to record and play back all helical scan formats.
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2010 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
More helical scan images
Learn more about helical scan