Digital vtr that is also capable of reproducing a signal recorded with

Abstract

An apparatus selectively operable for reproducing digital information signals recorded in accordance with a first format in relatively long tracks extending obliquely across a first effective recording width of a first magnetic tape, or for reproducing analog information signals recorded on a second magnetic tape in accordance with a second format in relatively short tracks extending obliquely across a second effective recording width which is narrower than the first effective recording width has a rotary drum around which a magnetic tape selected from the first and second magnetic tapes is wrapped to the same extent, playback heads rotatable with the drum scan obliquely across the first effective recording width of the selected magnetic tape wrapped around the drum so that, if the selected magnetic tape has been recorded in accordance with the first format, the playback heads reproduce the digital information signals while scanning the relatively long tracks, whereas, if the selected magnetic tape has been recorded in accordance with the second format, the playback heads scan beyond the relatively short tracks and thereby reproduce noise after the analog information signals recorded in such short tracks, and, when reproducing a magnetic tape recorded in accordance with the second format, the analog information signals reproduced from the relatively short tracks are time base extended so as to increase the duration thereof for eliminating noise.