Abstract: In apparatus for recording and/or reproducing digital data, digital data such as video data is encoded with error correction codes including outer codes and inner codes so that respective predetermined numbers of symbols form respective blocks to be added with synchronizing data and so on, then recorded with rotary heads on slant tracks of a tape medium such as a magnetic tape. The redundancy symbols of the outer error correction code followed by the information data and inner error correction code are recorded at the beginning of each track, so that even if the data reproduced from the beginning portion of the tape contains error, the information data is not much influenced by that error.

Abstract: A reference signal generator used to compensate for a time base error of a color video signal reproduced from a video tape recorder having a memory into which the color video signals are written in response to a write clock and from which the color video signals are read in response to a read clock and a read start pulse, comprises a color frame detector adapted to detect a color framing condition from a reference sync. (synchronizing) signal and a reference burst signal and to generate a color framing indicating signal. Also included are first phase controller for controlling a phase of chrominance subcarrier signal in response to a subcarrier phase control signal, the chrominance subcarrier signal being phase-locked with the reference burst signal, a second phase controller for controlling a phase of the reference sync. signal in response to a sync.