Abstract: An optical disc record and playback apparatus is provided in which it is possible to record and play back information on erasable discs, as well as write-once discs. When a disc is first inserted into the record and playback apparatus, data written on a control track of the disc is read to identify whether the disc is erasable or write-once. Optimum record and playback parameters are then set depending upon the type of disc. Another aspect of the invention relates to an optical disc in which data representative of the optical sensitivity of the disc is recorded thereon during manufacture. The data is read by the record and playback apparatus and used to adjust the optical recording power so as to compensate for differences in optical sensitivities of different discs.