Abstract: A new automatic tracking method is disclosed for the accurate positioning of a magnetic head with information previously recorded on the magnetic tape. If a moveable magnetic head is used, the position thereof is first normalized. Thereafter tracking is automatically adjusted based on a repetitive sampling process in which the results are mathematically averaged to determine a precise center position. Finally, new video material is physically positioned on the magnetic track according to a single offset error measurement and this offset error is stored and used in all subsequent edit operations.