apparatus for decoding digitally - coded address signals embedded in video signals recorded on magnetic tape is disclosed . the apparatus can properly decode the address signals at both slow and fast tape speeds and utilizes a variable - frequency oscillator to generate timing signals for decoding the digitally - coded address . the address signals encoded on the magnetic tape normally include an error code which can be detected by conventional error checking circuitry and used to check whether the address signals have been correctly received . the oscillator frequency is adjusted in accordance with an error signal generated by the error checking circuitry until error - free detection of the address signals is achieved .