Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing a signal received via an information carrier. The apparatus comprises a receiving unit (2) for receiving a signal from the information carrier, an equalizer (8) for equalizing the signal thus received, and a signal processing device (12). The signal processing device (12) has a first signal path (14) including time delay means (22), a second signal path including differentiation means adapted to effect at least two differentiations with respect to time, a decision circuit (26), and a controllable switching element (38). The decision circuit (26) is adapted to transfer a control signal, the decision circuit being adapted to supply a control signal which depends upon the signals on the outputs (28, 32) of the first signal path (14) and the second signal path (16).

Abstract: An arrangement for reproducing a digital signal from a track on a magnetic record carrier (20) includes a magnetic read head (21) having a magneto resistive element ( 107), and an equalizer filter circuit (23) for equalizing the output signal of the read head. The equalizer filter circuit (23) includes an IIR filter (29) and FIR (30). The IIR filter (29) equalizes magnitude and group delay of the signal applied to its input in a low frequency region of the signal frequency range. The FIR filter equalizes at least the magnitude of the signal applied to its input in a higher frequency region of the signal frequency range. Viewed in the direction of transport of the record carrier, the MR head has a front side and a back side. One of the sides (41) has a magnetic shielding for the MR element (107) which is larger than the magnetic shielding of the other side (40). The MR head (21) is positioned relative to the track so that the front side (40) has the lesser magnetic shielding.