a) The magnetized portion along the length of a videotape on which sync control information is placed. The control track contains a pulse for each video field and is used to synchronize the tape and the video signal. b) A synchronizing signal on the edge of the tape which provides a reference for tracking control and tape speed. Control tracks that have heavy dropouts are improperly recorded and may cause tracking defects or picture jumps. c) A signal recorded on video tape to allow the tape to play back at a precise speed in any VTR. Analogous to the sprocket holes on film.