Error testing of recording media such as magnetic tape

Abstract

Process and apparatus for detecting and evaluating defects in memory-retaining characteristics of magnetic tape, said process and apparatus providing means for sensing an initial error in a first track of the tape and then relating the initial error to all other errors which are sensed in other tracks of the tape within a preselected segment of tape the start of which coincides with the location of the initial error. Each of the other sensed errors within the segment defined by the initial error defines its own error evaluation segment over which it is evaluated. Thus, depending upon the error content of the tape, a plurality of overlapping error evaluation segments may be defined. Each error sensed on the tape is processed and categorized as either a one-, two- or three-track error depending upon the number of other track errors sensed within its segment. The apparatus includes means for counting and reporting the number of each type of error sensed on the tape.