A sync separation circuit separates a synchronizing signal from a video signal containing the synchronizing signal. A minimum level detecting section detects a minimum level of a video signal. A sync tip level detecting section detects a sync tip level in the video signal. A pedestal level detecting section detects a pedestal level in the video signal. Based on both the sync tip level detected by the sync tip level detecting section and the pedestal level control by the pedestal level detecting section, a slice level setting section sets a slice level corresponding to an intermediate value between the sync tip level and the pedestal level. The slice level control section sets the slice level based on the minimum level detected by the minimum level detecting section if the slice level set based on the sync tip level and the pedestal level is inappropriate.