To reproduce video data from a desired recording point on a video tape without mis-detection of a video reproducing point of time.

A date search key is depressed (S3) to set a high speed search mode (S4) and to clear a memory (S5) and to drive a tape in its end direction. After storing date data, (S6→S7→S12), when the date data are changed in a next and succeeding loop, a low speed search mode is selected to start a timer (S9→...→S11) and to start the tape in a start end direction. When the date data are changed within a prescribed time, the reproduction mode is selected at that point of time (S8→S13→S14→...→S8→S9→S15). In the case that the date data are unchanged even after the lapse of a prescribed time, the high speed search mode is selected (S8→...→S14→S16).