Apparatus and an improved method for processing of digital information

摘要

The present invention involves an apparatus and method for processing of digital information that includes duplication of information from each channel of a multi-channel recorder on main and backup tracks and provides a combination of error detection apparatus and procedures where data groupings or words on each track are individually subject to four separate tests for detecting errors and provides, from that analysis, for a selection of most likely correct data for further processing. Additionally, further system reliability is obtained by providing circuitry whereby a detected error activates a selection of data groupings coming before and after the detected error, providing where appropriate, for switching from main to backup track data over a certain number of data groupings. The present invention further provides a unique synchronization coding format with circuitry and a procedure for its use for rapidly acquiring synchronization coding in a data flow and includes an arrangement for averaging the content of first-in-first-out buffers of each track for controlling tape speed to enable a smooth over-dubbing of information recorded at different times on separate tracks.