Digital video tape reproducing apparatus compatible with tapes having a track width different from a rotary magnetic head width

A digital video tape recording and reproducing apparatus including a plurality of rotary magnetic heads which helically scan a magnetic tape as said tape is advanced to reproduce digital video signals azimuth-recorded in oblique tracks on said tape, all of the rotary magnetic heads of said apparatus having the same head width, said magnetic tape having an identification signal recorded in said oblique tracks thereon which is indicative of a track width of said obliquo tracks, said rotary magnetic heads being arranged as at least one pair of heads having gaps with mutually different azimuth angles and said heads of each pair being mounted so as to simultaneously scan respective adjacent oblique tracks on said tape, said apparatus being selectively operable to reproduce tapes on which said oblique tracks have a wider width or a narrower width, said apparatus comprising:

• tape drive means for driving said tape at a tape transport speed selected from a standard speed and another speed that is different from said standard speed;
• tape drive control means having means for detecting said identification signal recorded in said oblique tracks of said magnetic tape for controlling said tape drive means to drive said tape at said standard speed when said oblique tracks on said tape have a first one of said wider and narrower widths, and to drive said tape at said other speed when said oblique tracks have a second one of said wider and narrower widths;
• and
• means for simultaneously reproducing both tracks of a pair of said oblique tracks by means of respective ones of said rotary magnetic heads when said tape is advanced at said standard speed and when said tape is advanced at said other speed.