Abstract: Running time is registered on an information carrier that includes main data and subcode data. The running time is indicated in a subcode channel by a subcode time expressed in accordance with a predetermined format. A pseudo-running time is described by incrementing the subcode time in accordance with a pseudo-tempo, which is different from an actual tempo, the actual tempo representing a tempo in accordance with the actual running time.

Abstract: A record carrier is described comprising a servo track indicating an information track intended for recording information blocks represented by marks having lengths expressed in channel bits, which servo track has a periodic variation of a physical parameter. The periodic variation is modulated for encoding record carrier information, such as addresses. The modulation is a bi-phase modulation in which a data bit of the record carrier information is encoded by a first predetermined number of variations of a first phase followed by the same number of variations of a second phase inverse to the first phase. A recording and/or playback device has a demodulator for retrieving data bits of the record carrier information from a first predetermined number of variations of a first phase followed by the same number of variations of a second phase inverse to the first phase.

Abstract: A method of digitally recording information on a suitable medium, particularly a CD is described, in which method a recording is made during a recording session. The recording includes a program portion with the information to be recorded. Prior to recording the program portion, a predetermined number of run-in blocks is recorded, and subsequent to recording the program portion, a predetermined number of run-out blocks is recorded. During the recording session, an identification code identifying the recording apparatus used for the relevant recording session is recorded on the medium. The identification code is recorded in at least one of the run-in blocks and run-out blocks. This provides the possibility of recording a full identification code, even in the case of relatively short recordings.

Abstract: Filing system for managing recording and retrieving of information files on a record carrier of a rewritable type, which have a limited number of overwrites, such as CD-Erasable having a phase-change recording layer. The system includes a unit for generating non-file and file items having management information and a unit for assigning areas on the record carrier for recording the items. The management information includes references indicative of the areas, and the items include at least one item of a first type to be recorded at a predetermined area (e.g., a Primary Volume Descriptor as in ISO 9660) and items of a second type to be recorded at variable areas (e.g., a Path Table and Directory Files). To restrict the number of overwrites, the unit for assigning areas is arranged for assigning areas for items of the second type in such a way that in operational use updated versions of items of the second type are preferably assigned the same area as the original version of the respective item.

Abstract: A system for block encoding words of a digital signal achieves a maximum of error compaction and ensures reliability of a self-clocking decoder, while minimizing any DC in the encoded signal. Data words of m bits are translated into information blocks of n.sub.1 bits (n.sub.1 >m) that satisfy a (d,k)-constraint in which at least d "0" bits, but no more than k "0" bits occur between successive "1" bits. The information blocks are catenated by inserting separation blocks of n.sub.2 bits therebetween, selected so that the (d,k)-constraint is satisfied over the boundary between any two information words. For each information word, the separation block that will yield the lowest net digital sum value is selected. Then, the encoded signal is modulated as an NRZ-M signal in which a "1" becomes a transition and a "0" becomes an absence of a transition. A unique synchronizing block is inserted periodically.

Abstract: A data stream is received from a medium. This stream consists of synchronization words and data words. The synchronization words are either identical or one the inverse of the other when they are correctly received. Between two synchronization words a fixed number of n data words is present. The information received is always consecutively stored in a buffer memory. The buffer memory has connected to it a detection device for generating an instantaneous synchronization signal by way of a majority decision on at least three correctly received synchronization words. Preferably, the buffer memory is a shift register comprising a data output which is situated approximately 1/2n data words +1/2 synchronization word beyond the center of the shift register when n has an even value.