A video cassette recorder (VCR) is a device for recording and reproducing a video signal and an audio signal recorded on a recording medium such as a video cassette tape. A video cassette recorder typically includes a tape deck mechanism having a tape loading device, a cassette tape loading device, a tape driving device, a brake operating device, a brake device, a driving force shielding device, and a system control unit for controlling an operation of the tape deck mechanism. A driving system is mounted on the main base and draws the tape from a cartridge to run the tape around the outer surface of the head drum according to a predetermined route. A head drum assembly is utilized for recording the video signals onto the tape and for reproducing the recorded video signals. The head drum assembly consists of a plurality of video heads, a rotary drum, a supporting shaft and a stationary drum. The video heads are fixed to the rotary drum rotatably supported through a pair of the bearings. The magnetic tape is wound around a pair of reels provided in a cassette. When the cassette is loaded into a deck of the VCR according to a loading mechanism, the pair of reels are respectively mounted on a take-up reel table and a supply reel table installed on the deck. Information signals are typically recorded on a magnetic tape in discrete tracks of information. The magnetic tape is disposed around the periphery of a head drum and longitudinally transported. Analog video cassette recorders adopt a consecutive recording method, while digital video cassette recorders adopt a non-consecutive recording method. Digital video cassette recorders for public use have better picture quality and are able to record longer programs in comparison with conventional analog video cassette recorders. A digital video cassette recorder can be operated in the same way as a conventional analog video cassette recorder is operated. Digital video cassette recorders generally have a search mode and a normal reproduction mode.
