Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprises first through fourth circuits. The first circuit edits and records a new video signal within a predetermined section of a magnetic tape which is pre-recorded with a video signal and a control signal on respective video and control tracks. The second circuit produces a new control signal having a frequency identical to that of the pre-recorded control signal. The third circuit reproduces the pre-recorded control signal from the tape while the first circuit is operating. The fourth circuit detects the existence of a control signal reproduced by the third circuit, and supplies the new control signal which is produced by the second circuit to the third circuit when the non-existence of the reproduced control signal is detected, so as to record the new control signal on the control track of the tape.