Automatic tape stop device for video signal recording and reproducing

Abstract

In a two-head helical scan type video signal recording and reproducing apparatus, gaps of the two heads are angled to each other to increase a record density. In such an apparatus, when the recorded signal is reproduced while the magnetic tape is stationary, that is, in a still image reproduction mode, the signal on the track recorded by the head having a different gap angle is not reproduced by that head. When the magnetic tape is stopped, the trace locus of the head does not align with the record track, which makes the reproduction of high quality of still image difficult. In the still image reproduction mode, tracking is improved to enable the reproduction of a high quality still image signal by displacing the heads transversely to the direction of trace. Since the absolute value of the deviation of the trace locus of the heads from the record track when the magnetic tape is stationary is known, the heads are laterally displaced by a predetermined signal and the magnetic tape is automatically stopped at a tape position, that is, a stop position of the record track relative to the heads, which assures the reproduction of an optimum still image. To this end, the level of the reproduced signal is detected and the magnetic tape is automatically stopped when the detected level meets a predetermined condition.