A video signal processing apparatus, a video signal playback apparatus, and a video signal recording apparatus are presented for preventing illegal copying of thumbnail images. For example, a thumbnail encoder generates a thumbnail image of a video signal input from a terminal. A macrovision detector, a CGMS detecting/updating unit, and a WM (watermark) detecting/updating unit detect an analog copy protection signal (APS), a CGMS signal as copy generation management information, and watermark, respectively, of the video signal input from the terminal, and outputs them to a controller. The controller generates copy control information of the thumbnail image based on the input copy control information. The thumbnail image and the copy control information thereof are recorded in an information recording medium. This may be applied to a recording apparatus for recording data into an information recording medium and to a playback apparatus for playing back data recorded in an information recording medium.