Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for discriminating if a video tape loaded into a VCR for use in recording according to programmed recording. A first detection switch (10) detects whether the recording safety tab is present, or if a piece of tape (70) is blocking a first side of the tab hole (60) of the video tape (50). A second detection switch (20) detects whether the recording safety tab of the video tape is present or if a piece of tape (70) is blocking a second side of the tab hole (60) of the video tape (50). A determining means (40) senses the states of the first and second detection switches (10, 20) and determines whether the video tape is a programmed recording tape, a recording protected tape, or a tape on which recordings may be freely made. A method is also disclosed to use the discriminating apparatus for ensuring that a video tape for use in programmed recording has been loaded when the VCR is in a programmed recording mode.