Method of and control circuit for compression recording and reproducing of multiple images

A control circuit for controlling the compression of image signals for recording and for controlling the expansion of compressed image signals for reproduction includes a recording signal processing circuit which receives a plurality of image signals produced by a plurality of image sources, such as a plurality of video cameras, and a reproducing signal processing circuit, in which a compressed image signal is subjected to an expansion and error correcting process. In the recording signal processing circuit, respective ones of the plurality of image signals are, in turn, subjected to a compression process that reduces the length of the original image signal. The image signal thus compressed is then output to at least one video tape recorder for recording. In the reproducing signal processing circuit, the compressed image signal is expanded to its original length and any errors found therein are corrected. The expanded and corrected image signal thus corresponds the one of the original images taken by a selected one of the image sources. The image signal is suitable for display on a output device such as monitor. A method for compressing sequentially selected video signals prior to recording on a video tape recorder and subsequent expansion and viewing is also described.