PURPOSE: To obtain an excellent reproduced picture even during transition from high-speed reproduction to normal reproduction by adequately setting the timing of switching operation of a switch for switching from high-speed reproduction to normal reproduction.

CONSTITUTION: A switch 19 closed for high-speed recording and reproduction in 6-hour mode is connected to a delay circuit 20, whose output closes a witch 18. The delay circuit 20, once applied with a voltage by pressing the switch 19, generates an output speedily and when the switch 19 is opened, the output is ceased with delay as long as a magnetic tape to transit from high-speed reproduction to normal reproduction.