Abstract: In an optical recording device wherein an information signal is recorded in digital form as recording areas and intermediate areas, an optimum write beam intensity is determined. The resulting recorded pattern is then read, and the read-out signal is analyzed to derive an analysis signal (V.sub.a) indicative of deviation of the DC component of the read signal from an optimum level in relation to the minimum and maximum levels of the read signal, which optimum level is defined by the duty cycle of the information signal. At such optimum level the average ratio of the lengths of the recording areas to the intermediate areas will correspond to the duty cycle of the information signal. The write beam intensity is then adjusted to reduce such deviation.