A video tape cartridge of endless loop configuration capable of tape speeds suitable for longitudinal scan television recording while... Show moreA video tape cartridge of endless loop configuration capable of tape speeds suitable for longitudinal scan television recording while providing one hour or more of continuous playing time on one-quarter inch width tape. In an illustrative embodiment tape guides within the cartridge are shiftable from a loading position to an operating position without a substantial change in the length of the tape path to accommodate scanning of the tape at a tensioned loop closely adjacent the capstan. In operating condition, the tape is engaged with the capstan at one side thereof so that the capstan pulls tape along an incoming tape path from the inner side of the coil, the tape passing about the tensioned loop past the transducer head and again engaging the capstan for supply of the tape to the outer side of the coil along an outgoing tape path, with a tape drag applying a substantial drag force to the tape at the incoming tape path between the reel and the capstan. Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute United States Patent Show less
