PURPOSE: To simplify a circuit required when a separated recording signal is converted into an input video signal before the separation by providing a phase shift means shifting a phase of a recording signal of each channel for 1/N horizontal scanning period and a phase restoration means ORing synchronizing separation signals of the recording signals reproduced in the unit of channels to a recording system.

CONSTITUTION: An input video signal converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 1 is inputted to line memories 4, 5, separated into two channels and subject to time expansion and converted into recording signals whose phase is shifted by 1/2H. The recording signals recorded on a magnetic tape are reproduced respectively by heads 12, 13 while the phases are shifted by 1/2H and inputted to reproducing amplifiers 14, 15. The recording signal demodulated by demodulators 16, 17 is separated into synchronizing separation signals of CH1, CH2 at a synchronizing separator circuit 22 and inputted to a memory control circuit 23, in which they are ORed while the phases are shifted by 1/2H. Thus, the synchronizing separation circuit identical to that of the input video signal is formed.