Abstract: An object of this invention is to reduce the manufacturing cost by simplifying a reel rotation detecting mechanism in a video cassette deck. A light emitting element and a light receiving element are engaged on a main substrate provide under a deck chassis. On the deck chassis is mounted a light guiding member that includes a pillar portion extending through the deck chassis and a branch portion extending sideways from the pillar portion. In order to detect the leading ends and trailing ends of the magnetic tape, the pillar portion guides the light coming from the light emitting element into the cassette arranged on the deck. The branch portion, above the deck chassis, guides one portion of the light incident to the pillar portion to the reel on the deck chassis. The rotation of the reel is detected by receiving the light by the light receiving element on the main substrate through the opening point provided in the reel and the opening provided in the deck chassis.

Abstract: A braking device for an magnetic tape apparatus includes a switching unit for selectively transmitting the rotation of a capstan motor to a take-up reel table or to a supply reel table, a clutch for changing the switching unit to a slide rotation mode or to a direct-coupled rotation mode, a brake, a loading motor for driving the brake, and an end sensor. Based on a tape end detection signal produced during an operation in a fast forward mode, the capstan motor is rotated in reverse to permit the switching unit to select a second path, while the switching unit is maintained in the direct-coupled mode. Thereafter, the capstan motor is halted, and the loading motor is rotated to use the brake to halt the take-up reel table.