Abstract: A video signal is recorded in successive tracks on a recording medium together with a pilot signal, the latter having a frequency that changes cyclically with a different one of at least four frequencies in successive tracks. A field detector detects sequential fields in the frames of the video signal, and rotation of the usual rotary transducers is servo-controlled in response to the detected sequence of fields and a pulse that is generated as the transducers rotate to represent the rotational phase of those transducers. A pilot signal generator generates the pilot signal with an initial frequency determined by an initial field in the detected field sequence, and with this frequency changing as a function of the detected sequential fields.

Abstract: A capstan servo system for a video tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus permits recording of a new video signal precisely commenced at a selected edit point. For this, the capstan servo system is provided a tape speed error dependent feedback control feature and a phase error dependent feedback control feature. Tape speed error dependent feedback control is carried out when the recording and/or reproducing apparatus operates in recording or assemble edit mode. Phase error dependent feedback control is carried out when the recording and/or reproducing apparatus operates in reproducing or playback mode.