Abstract: In a digital signal reproducing apparatus which reproduces digital PCM audio signals that have been recorded on a track helically formed on a recording medium with the use of a rotary head, various failsafe techniques are incorporated. For example, it is checked if the signal level sampled according to a sync signal is normal or abnormal, and if it is abnormal, the sync signal is judged to be the remainder of the previous signal that has not been completely erased and no capstan servo control will be performed on the basis of this abnormal signal level, whereby the control of capstan servo is not disturbed.

Abstract: A signal reproducing device for an R-DAT employing offsetting of the tracking error signal in which the digital error rate is significantly reduced. A head assembly traces tracks on which predetermined digital data and tracking pilot signals have been recorded, the head assembly having a larger tracking width than the tracks. The pilot signal is detected from the reproduction output of the head assembly to form a tracking error signal. The level of the RF signal reproduced by the head assembly is detected and is compared with predetermined reference values. An offset signal is added to the tracking error signal according to the comparison result. A servo circuit controls the tracking conditions of the head assembly according to the addition result.

Abstract: A signal reproducing device for an R-DAT employing offsetting of the tracking error signal in which the digital error rate is significantly reduced. A head assembly traces tracks on which predetermined digital data and tracking pilot signals have been recorded, the head assembly having a larger tracking width than the tracks. The pilot signal is detected from the reproduction output of the head assembly to form a tracking error signal. The number of digital data errors in the reproduction output from the head assembly are counted, and the counted value is compared with predetermined reference values. An offset signal is added to the tracking error signal according to the comparison result. A servo circuit controls the tracking conditions of the head assembly according to the addition result.

Abstract: A digital signal reproducing apparatus which reproduces digital PCM audio signals recorded on a recording medium in the form of single helical tracks. The apparatus is provided with at least two rotary heads for reproducing a plurality of signals on the recording medium. When there are variations in the performance of the rotary heads or in the conditions under which they are mounted on a drum, the apparatus is capable of performing control by a capstan servo in equal amounts for its heads based on the difference between the levels of crosstalk of pilot signals from the two tracks adjacent to the track being scanned (i.e., on-track) by the individual heads and without requiring any cumbersome adjusting operations if the heads are deviated in the same amounts with respect to the track being scanned. The adjustment of the levels of crosstalk is implemented using either a gain variable amplifier circuit or an analog divider circuit.