ELONGATE MAGNETIC RECORD TAPE

An elongated magnetic tape has a pair of longitudinally extending servo track areas, one of which is closer to the longitudinal center of the tape than the other. The lateral space intermediate the servo areas receives data signals, while the space between said one servo area and one edge contains identification and address signals. The tape is particularly adapted for use with rotating head recorders having two gaps on the rotor, with an intergap distance slightly greater than the lateral extent of the servo areas. A recording or write gap precedes an immediately trailing reading or recovery gap. When the rotor gaps pass the one edge in the one servo area, the write gap senses the servo track; while the read gap senses the identification signals. The arrangement is such that prior to the time the write gap reaches the data recording area, the read gap has sensed the identification signals. In a similar manner, when the gaps are leaving the data signal area, the write gap is sensing the other servo area; while the read gap is still sensing data. The longitudinal extent of the servo areas indicates, respectively, beginning of tape (BOT) and end of tape (EOT). A leader portion includes a magnetic coating for facilitating calibrating magnetic recording apparatus to each particular article.