Abstract: An interface computer having an RS232 port for connection to a host computer. The recorder is connected to the interface computer by a control cable providing more lines than required. The source provides a control signal on another line. This control signal is provided every frame or twice per frame, i.e., every field. Two tables identifying the control lines are stored. The user selects the type of equipment to be utilized and the table appropriate to most of such equipment is transferred to the random access memory of the interface computer. Frame identifying data is recorded periodically on one of the audio channels of the video equipment. When the host computer desires the video player to skip to a particular frame and number, the interface runs the video equipment to a stopping range of frames before the desired frame and then stops the video equipment. The video equipment will overshoot in rewind and fast forward and the overshoot varies depending on tape position.