TRACKING ERROR DETECTION METHOD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a tracking error without servo information by providing a tracking error generation means generating a tracking error signal according to a mean value from that a reference position on a magnetic tape is detected until that at least two or above of signals are detected. SOLUTION: Δt1-Δt3 are obtained from a time difference between measurement times t1-t3 from a tape reference position and a reference time t0 to be obtained substantially. Then, the mean value Erroravc of the time difference Δtl1-Δt3 between detection times of synchronizing signals #1 SYNC-#3 SYNC and the reference time to is obtained. Then, when the mean value Erroravc calculated the last time is set as this time mean value Erroravc the number of NG times being the number of times that the mean value Erroravc isn't obtained is made plus 1. At this time, whether or not the number of NG times become prescribed X times is decided. When the number of NG times arrive at the X times, the tracking error exists is detected.