Patent ID: 6239930
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G06F,G11B,H04N

Abstract:
A system having a control unit that controllably interconnects a tape drive with a computer means and a video means;said tape drive comprising means for reading magnetic tapes each containing a single one of a plurality of different data types along substantially the entire length of each said magnetic tape;each said magnetic tape containing a header when said data type on said each magnetic tape represents computer data and being devoid of a header when said data type on each said magnetic tape represents video data;said control unit comprising:means responsive to a single reading of a portion of each said magnetic tape for detecting a presence or an absence of a header on said portion of each said magnetic tape;means for selectivley routing data read from each said magnetic tape to said computer means in response to a detection of said presence of a header on each said magnetic tape; andmeans for selectively routing said data read from each said magnetic tape to said video means in response to a detection of said absence of a header on each said magnetic tape.