System for reproducing information signals on a magnetic tape which

Abstract

A system (1) for reproducing information signals recorded on a magnetic tape (2) in oblique tracks (S) in different modes of operation with different tape speeds v(n) includes a tape drive device (13), which is switchable in respect of the tape speed, at least one magnetic head (K1, K2), which is rotatable by a head drive device (32), which is switchable as regards the speed of rotation, and a tracking servo system (41) for guiding said head along the tracks, and including a sawtooth generator (67) whose signal waveform is variable in order to generate a sawtooth-shaped control signal. In the case of a change of mode, the tape drive device (13), the sawtooth generator (67) and the head drive device (32) are set to different operating values by a switching device (12). The switching device (12) includes a stepping signal generator (91) for generating control signals (TW(n), DS(n), TV(n)) which are supplied incrementally in a plurality of steps and which change in value upon every step during a change of mode, by which control signals, the tape drive device (13), the sawtooth generator (67) and the head drive device (32) can be switched over stepwise in stages defined by the values of the control signals in order to ensure an undisturbed reproduction of the information signals in the case of a change of mode.