Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing data on a recording medium wherein the method includes grouping digital binary signals into chunks of N bits where N is an integer greater than 1. The value of each of the N bit chunks is determined and converted into a symbol cell. Each symbol cell has a duration which is dependent upon the value of the corresponding N bit chunk. The symbol cell is recorded. The transition shift for each of a plurality of juxtapositions of symbol cells is determined, and the symbol cell duration is varied depending upon the compensation required from the determined transition shift. A system of reading out the recorded symbol cells is also disclosed.