Abstract: In the reproduction of digitally encoded signals, especially the time-compressed sound signals recorded along with video signals, the signals are recorded in segments interposed between sync words which are not all the same but which form a cyclical sequence. In reproduction, two or more data segments and their associated sync words are temporarily stored and correctly picked-up sync words are recognized, but when a sync word is missed, the starting address of the missing sync word is established with reference to a preceding correctly picked-up sync word by a calculating operation, whereby word synchronism is maintained for the data following the missed sync word.

Abstract: Digitalized audio signals of a plurality of channels are stored blockwise in each channel and then recorded blockwise in repeating channel sequence in similarly situated portions of successive oblique tracks in which are also recorded concurrent video signals, but the recording of a channel block is skipped once per picture field, so that an integral number of channel sequences will record all the audio channel information for a period equal to a picture field. In the video track where audio recording is skipped, other information may be recorded. The read-out rate of the channel blocks is slightly accelerated so that the track skipping loses no information. Consequently, the recorded signals can be cut in, or cut off, or edited at any frame end without loss of registry of the audio channels.

Abstract: The video and audio information is recorded along at least one track of the tape, which track, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, consists of discontinuous track segments oblique to the longitudinal axis of the tape, with portions of audio information alternating with portions of video information. At least the audio information is recorded in time compressed form.

Abstract: In order to eliminate crosstalk between adjacent playback and recording heads in a multi-track, multi-head magnetic tape recorder or playback apparatus, the invention provides for tapping off part of the recording current and suitably adjusting its amplitude and/or phase to define a correction current which is applied to the playback head of the apparatus. The voltage resulting from the correction current exactly compensates the voltage induced by the stray magnetic field of the recording head. The correction circuit includes frequency-dependent components which account for the frequency dependence of the crosstalk signals.