An automatic track following feature for use with a helical video recorder is disclosed which enables reproduction of video fields at normal speeds, fast and slow forward and reverse speeds, and at stop motion, wherein a mechanism for moving a playback head transverse to the helical tracks on a magnetic tape is provided in order to enable the head to remain centered on the track regardless of tape speeds and directions of movement. A head position control signal is generated for driving the head positioning mechanism based on a comparison of a signal based on the instantaneous tape speed with a reference speed indicating signal.