Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and magnetic tape accessing method

摘要

A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus according to the invention involves unloading a magnetic tape after the tape is positioned to one of its unloading regions which is located approximately in the middle of a lengthwise tape area where user data have been recorded. Such unloading regions are located at predetermined intervals along the magnetic tape. Through designation of an operation mode, the apparatus of the invention also permits selecting one of two unloading regions to which the magnetic tape is positioned before being unloaded. One of the two regions is located approximately in the middle of the user data-packed tape area, the other region designated by a host device. This manner of unloading allows the inventive apparatus to access desired locations on the magnetic tape at a significantly higher speed than conventional devices.