Magnetic head positioning and playback apparatus utilizing a split head for self-tracking and selective reproduction

A magnetic head positioning and playback apparatus for use with a magnetic head having a playback gap for reproducing a signal from a magnetic track on a track bearing record carrier, the head comprising a first pole piece and a second pole piece, the pole pieces having end surfaces each defining and being separated by the playback gap, non-magnetic means dividing the first pole piece including its end surface into first and second portions such that the playback gap is correspondingly divided, magnetic means respectively coupling each of said first and second portions to the second of said pole pieces to form first and second magnetic circuits, the improvement wherein the positioning and playback apparatus further comprises:

• electrical means coupled to each of said magnetic circuits simultaneously operative in a first mode for providing from the first and second magnetic circuits a tracking error signal having a component indicative of the magnitude and direction of the error in the position of the head relative to the magnetic track and in a second mode for providing a playback signal from the first and second magnetic circuits;
• comparator means for monitoring said tracking error signal and for providing a switching signal when the value of said tracking error signal exceeds a predetermined level indicative of a disturbance in the magnetic track which is being predominantly reproduced by the first of the magnetic circuits;
• and
• switching means responsive to said switching signal for cooperating with said electrical means operative in said second mode for providing an alternate playback signal from the second magnetic circuit, whereby said alternate playback signal is provided from that magnetic circuit which is not predominantly affected by the disturbance in the magnetic track.