Patent ID: 7265940

Claim:
A linear tape recording and reproducing system comprising: a plurality of recording sections for recording data signals linearly on a recording medium, and a plurality of reproducing sections for reproducing data signals linearly recording on a recording medium; wherein one recording section of the plurality of recording sections and another recording section adjacent the one recording section are arranged such that the one recording section and the another recording section are shifted from each other in a running direction and a width direction of the recording medium; wherein, in a first mode, the one recording section and the another recording section simultaneously record a data signal on adjacent recording tracks on the recording medium; wherein one reproducing section of the plurality of reproducing sections and another reproduction section adjacent the one reproducing section are arranged such that the one reproducing section and the another reproducing section are shifted from each other in a running direction and a width direction of the recording medium; and wherein, in a second mode, the one reproducing section and the another reproducing section simultaneously reproduce data signals from adjacent recording tracks on the recording medium.