PURPOSE: To record and reproduce a multiplex character signal, by recording the multiplex character signal contained in a composite video signal after converting it into a signal of a low transmission rate and then converting the signal into a normal transmission rate in a reproduction mode.

CONSTITUTION: A TV signal containing a multiplex character signal and received by an antenna 1 is demodulated into a composite video signal by a demodulator 2. This demodulated signal passes through the R side of a record/ reproduction changeover switch 15 to be applied to gate circuits 3 and 6 as well as to a synchronism separating circuit 4 and then written to an RAM12. The multiplex character signal written to the RAM12 is read out at a half speed compared with its original speed. The read-out multiplex character signal is mixed with a video signal by a mixer 7 and recorded on a magnetic tape 28 after passing through the R side. The composite signal sent from the tape 28 is demodulated by a demodulator 14 in a reproduction mode. Then the multiplex character signal is recorded to the RAM12 after passing through the P side of the switch 15. The signal recorded to the RAM12 is read out with a normal transmission rate and mixed 7 with the video signal to be delivered through a terminal 18 after passing through the P side of the switch 16.