Abstract: A cross-track profile of a known good test track on a recording medium is read during operation of a data storage device. Two or more center locations of the test track are determined at two or more different amplitude levels via a read transducer. A health condition of the read transducer is determined by comparing the two or more center locations of the test track with one another.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes determining that a data sector included in a select data track is in error, the data sector in error includes at least one identified data wedge. The at least one defective data wedge in the data sector in error is located. The method also includes moving the at least one defective data wedge by utilizing at least one spare wedge on the select data track.

Abstract: A method of recovering data on a storage medium is provided. A first error correction scheme is performed on a high risk region of the storage medium. A second error correction scheme is performed on a remaining portion of the storage medium.

Abstract: A data storage medium and data storage system with improved efficiency of formatting are provided. One illustrative embodiment of the present invention pertains to a data storage medium. The data storage medium includes a first zone having servo information written with a first frequency, a second zone having servo information written with a second frequency, and a guard band disposed between the first zone and the second zone. The use of different frequencies in different zones contributes to optimizing the properties of the data storage medium, and the guard band contributes to optimizing the usage of the different zones.

Abstract: A multistage decoder circuit has an error reduction stage that includes an adaptation circuit. The adaptation circuit provides adaptable error reduction as a function of bit error rate. The multistage decoder circuit has an energization control circuit that couples to the adaptation circuit. The energization control circuit controls an energization of the adaptation circuit as a function of actual or expected channel quality.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus includes a surface having a plurality of data tracks with leading track portions. A head moves along head paths over the data tracks to provide data access. The data access has a reduced reliability along a limited number of the leading track portions. Trailing path additions follow the head paths for the limited number of leading track portions. The trailing path additions providing overlapping data access for the limited number of leading track portions.