Abstract: An information storage medium in which information is stored as multiple machine readable data entries arranged in frames which are themselves arranged in plural, generally parallel channels. The medium further contains machine readable synchronization markers respectively positioned at the leading ends of the channels. These markers include one or more features of characteristic shape or dimension or are characteristically located on the medium with respect to the associated channels. Preferably the medium further contains a second set of similar markers arranged in respectively groups alongside the respective channels. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for synchronizing a read head utilizing the storage medium.