Patent ID: 6983098
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: G11B,H04N

Abstract:
1. A multi-format magnetic medium recording and reproducing apparatus with a function of reproducing first picture signals and second picture signals compatibly, said multi-format magnetic medium recording and reproducing apparatus comprising: a down converter operable to convert the first picture signals to the second picture signals; an up converter operable to convert the second picture signals to the first picture signals; a first delay circuit operable to delay the first picture signals; a second delay circuit operable to delay the second picture signals; a first output terminal capable of outputting the first picture signals; a second output terminal capable of outputting the second picture signals; a format determiner operable to determine a format of picture signals to be reproduced; and a controller; wherein the first picture signals are picture signals of a high definition television (HDTV) system defined by SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 260M or SMPTE 274M; wherein the second picture signals are picture signals of an NTSC system or a PAL system defined by SMPTE 170M or SMPTE 259M, or a 525P progressive scanning TV system defined by SMPTE 293M or SMPTE 294M; wherein said format determiner determines a format on a basis of format data stored on a magnetic medium, or on a basis of a shape of a cassette; wherein, when the first picture signals are reproduced, the first picture signals are fed through said first delay circuit and are fed into said first output terminal; said controller operates said down converter in response to a signal from said format determiner; and the first picture signals are down-converted to the second picture signals and fed into said second output terminal, so as to synchronize the outputs at said first output terminal with the outputs at said second output terminal.