Which head is used to record video onto a tape?

• A. Static head
• B. Helical head
• C. Magnetic head
• D. Rotary head

Answer: (D)

Video is recorded on magnetic tape using a head that spins on a drum as the tape moves, writing diagonal tracks across the tape. This rotating head setup creates the high data rate needed for video and is the method behind helical-scan recording found in most VCR systems. A static head writes linear tracks and isn’t suited to the bandwidth video requires, while a magnetic head is a generic term and doesn’t specify the rotating, high-speed mechanism. So the head that records video onto tape is the rotary head, the spinning head that writes the helical tracks.