[3][4][5] As each head chip enters into contact with the tape, it creates or reads long and narrow areas with information recorded magnetically known as tracks.

In Helical scan, these tracks are positioned diagonally, relative to the length of the tape.

[20][21] This eliminates the need for guard bands between the helical tracks allowing for a higher density of information on the tape.

[22][23][24] Earl Edgar Masterson from RCA patented the first helical scan method in 1950.

[25][26] German engineer Eduard Schüller developed a helical scan method of recording in 1953 while working at AEG.