Abstract: Whether or not a luminance signal or an HD input signal is input to a picture signal recording apparatus is detected, and a recording mode is determined according to the detection of the luminance signal in a recording mode determining unit. In cases where the luminance signal is detected, first and second color difference signals of the HD input signal are alternately deleted on every scanning line. Thereafter, the luminance signal pertaining to odd-numbered scanning lines and the first color difference signal are time-compressed and multiplexed on every scanning line, and the luminance signal pertaining to even-numbered scanning lines and the second color difference signal are time-compressed and multiplexed on every scanning line. In contrast, in cases where the luminance signal is not detected, a luminance signal and first and second color difference signals of a normal picture signal input to the apparatus are time-compressed and multiplexed on every scanning line.

Abstract: A level standard signal including a level reference signal and an information signal is interposed in a particular horizontal scanning line (a 603-line) of an HD picture signal. An amplitude level of the HD picture signal is corrected according to the level reference signal in a level correcting section, and an input level of the level standard signal is changed to a recording level according to the level reference signal in a recording level standard signal generating section to generate a recording level standard signal. Also, peripheral horizontal scanning lines of the HD picture signal placed at peripheral portions of an image plane are deleted in a signal dividing section, and a TCI signal is generated. The recording level standard signal is interposed in the TCI signal to generate a composite signal, and the composite signal is recorded in a magnetic tape.