Apparatus for reading an information pattern from a record carrier and

Abstract

An information track on a record carrier (2) is read by a read head which includes detectors producing detection signals (IA, IB, IC and ID) which correspond to the information pattern on the track. The respective detection signals are converted by analog-to-digital converters (16a, 16b, 16c and 16d) into respective series of n-bit digital signal values (ua, ub, uc and ud). From such signal values a data signal (SD) is derived which is representative of the information being read. The signal values are also applied to respective cascade arrangements of a quantizing circuit (21a, 21b, 21c and 21d) and a decimating filter (22a, 22b, 22c and 22d), which convert them into respective series of signal values (va, vb, vc and vd) which represent only the low frequency portion of the information in the detection signals produced by the read head and include control information relating to tracking by the read head. Those series of signal values are supplied to a microprocessor which derives therefrom control signals (Sr, Sf) for controlling the read head to maintain accurate tracking.