Abstract: A recording apparatus for a video signal in which first and second heads for recording and reproducing are attached through electrostrictive elements to a rotary drum with an angular spacing of substantially 180.degree. therebetween. When a video signal is recorded, a pilot signal recorded by the first head over a predetermined interval is reproduced by the second head while a pilot signal recorded by the second head and spaced apart by a predetermined number of recording tracks is reproduced by the first head. Reproduced levels of the pilot signals are compared so as to control a drive voltage for the electrostrictive elements and thus to adjust a step difference between the first and second heads in the recording mode.