When playing back a tape this feature automatically locates the exact tracking center for producing the clearest picture. This is a very convenient feature. Adjusting the correct tracking for the sharpest picture has always been a necessary evil when it comes to playing tapes recorded using other VCRs. This variance happens because there are tiny physical differences between individual machines. Each one is unique no matter how well it is adjusted. Auto-tracking works like this. During recording a reference signal (a pulse) is recorded by a stationary head in the ACE assembly. ACE stands for Audio, Control and Erase (audio record/playback, audio erase and control pulse record/playback). The control head positions the pulse on the tape just after it leaves the video drum. During playback regular VCRs uses this pulse to start each individual frame of the picture. Under normal circumstances if you record and play tapes on the same machine adjusting tracking is not necessary. But if you play a tape recorded on another machine it might be slightly different due to the mechanical location of the ACE assembly. The difference will be small but it can be enough to cause the picture to show noise lines or flickering if it is not on center. All Betas have a tracking knob or a control to adjust for these slight differences between machines, but only two can do it automatically. This unique feature to the SL-HF2000 and SL-HF 2100 is auto-tracking, which is in addition to the regulate control. They employ a special circuit that checks the control pulse and picture magnitude then automatically adjusts the tracking center for the highest possible gain (strongest video signal). This feature can be turned off and the tracking adjusted manually if the picture is unstable or the control pulse is so weak that the circuit cannot correctly lock on to it. This can happen with tapes that were incorrectly recorded on a device that was out of adjustment. Auto-tracking is right most of the time but it can be fooled. It also has no affect (performs no function) during recording. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage