Abstract: A rotary head type digital-audio reproducing device is disclosed. This device is arranged such that: digital signals, tracking pilot signals with frequencies producing reduced azimuth effects and SYNC signals are recorded on tracks in a predetermined format; locations of recording patterns of the pilot signals and the SYNC signals are different; the signals are reproduced by at least two rotary heads each having a width larger than that of the track; cross talk of the pilot signals on the ON-track and the pilot signals on the two adjacent tracks is obtained in the output of the rotary head; a capstan servo is controlled by a level difference of cross talk between the pilot signals on the two adjacent tracks; and the rotary head scans on the track.

Abstract: In a rotary head type digital audio signal reproducing apparatus such as an R-DAT or the like, disturbances in the operation of a capstan servo circuit due to erroneous detection of sync signals or interference caused by incompletely erased pilot signals are prevented. Differences between the levels of crosstalk of pilot signals from the two tracks adjacent the on-track being scanned are checked to see if they have a predetermined relationship with the level of the signal being currently supplied to the capstan servo. If this predetermined relationship is not satisfied, supply of the signal which represents the amount of track deviation to the capstan servo is inhibited.

Abstract: A reel speed servo for inclined recording tracks such as used in R-DAT. The two rotary magnetic heads are inclined at different azimuth angles. The relative speed between each of the heads and the tape is detected. Then the difference of these relative speeds is determined to thereby detect the speed of the tape, which is thus used in the reel speed servo.