Apparatus for and method of distinguishing pauses to control selective

Abstract

Recorded features on a recording medium have inter-feature pauses between features and intra-feature pauses during features. In order to selectively replay the recorded features, the inter-feature pauses must be detected and reliably distinguished from the intra-feature pauses. An information signal indicative of the time duration of each pause is generated, and a tape speed signal indicative of the speed of the recording medium is generated throughout advancement of the latter. A decision time period is initially established as the standard for distinguishing between inter-feature and intra-feature pauses. The decision period is updated in response to changes in the advancement speed of the recording medium. The time duration of each pause is compared with the time duration of the updated decision period for generating an output control signal which controls the selective replay capability of the recording/reproduction system. The updating may be continuously performed in an analog manner, or in a digital manner wherein the updating occurs at least once per every revolution of the supply and takeup reels of the recording/reproduction system.