Abstract: Described is a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus wherein a magnetic tape is placed on and adapted to travel along the outer periphery of a tape guide drum which is provided with rotary magnetic heads for recording image signals or the like information signals on the magnetic tape or reproducing such signals already recorded on the magnetic tape. A loading ring for winding the magnetic tape about the guide drum and a loading lever unit for shifting tape guide means for pulling and placing the tape along a predetermined tape route are driven by common rotational driving means so that the overall size of the apparatus may be reduced. In addition, the operation of the loading ring and that of the loading lever unit are adapted to occur in two separate stages of operation in such a manner that the magnetic tape is unloaded first of all from the tape guide drum and then unloaded from the remaining tape guide means for preventing an injury to the magnetic tape during tape unloading.

Abstract: An automatic tape loading and unloading device for a magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a cylindrical tape guide drum having at least one rotary magnetic head which moves in a circular path substantially coinciding with the circumferential surface of the drum. The tape used in the apparatus is stored on supply and take-up reels having the tape wound thereon in a tape holder such as a cassette or cartridge and in use the holder positions the tape supply at a relatively lower level with respect to the tape guide drum.