This thesis is divided into two general sections. The first deals with the theory of digital magnetic recording and surveys the more common techniques used in digital magnetic tape recording. A new recording format is described which leads to a greater data rate at normal recording densities. The design and implementation of a recording system using this technique is described. The second section outlines the design of a portable digital recording system compatible with the peripheral unit described in section 1. The application of this system to the acquisition of data from a radioisotope scanner used in nuclear medicine is described and some basic results obtained from the system are demonstrated. Fundamental work towards image enhancement is outlined. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)