Abstract: Real time information, such as a digital video signal, is supplied and simultaneously received, converted into/from blocks of information in channel's signals and read/written from/onto a disc-like record carrier. Read/write-scheduling algorithms are used for reading/writing blocks of information recorded in fixed sized fragment areas on the record carrier. Typically one writing action and a plurality of readings actions are used in one read/write cycle of either a fixed duration or of a variable duration. The invention provides for reading and writing of edited files and re-ordering of read actions in a read/write cycle.

Abstract: Various measures are proposed for enabling simultaneous reading and writing of real time information, such as a digital video signal, from/onto a disc-like record carrier. The measures embody a requirement to the size of the blocks of information recorded in fixed sized fragment areas on the record carrier. Further, measures are disclosed to enable reproduction and seamless editing. The seamless editing method requires the generation of one or more bridging blocks to be recorded in fixed size fragment areas on the disk like record carrier.

Abstract: The size of the blocks of information recorded in fixed-sized fragment areas on a record carrier are controlled to enable simultaneous reading and writing of real-time information, such as a digital video signal, from/onto a disc-like record carrier. Also, one or more bridging blocks are recorded in the fixed-size fragment areas on the record carrier to enable reproduction and seamless editing.

Abstract: Magnetic head for use in vertical recording has a main magnetic pole of a thin film of soft magnetic material enclosed between two protective blocks together constituting the body of the magnetic head. One protective block includes a magnetic part and a non-magnetic part, the latter extending from the boundary surface of the two parts up to the contact surface between the main pole and a magnetic recording medium. A channel provided at the boundary surface in the magnetic part of the protective block causes a part constituting an auxiliary magnetic pole and adjoining the main magnetic pole to be separated from a part constituting the return path for the magnetic flux from the main pole, a winding embracing the main pole and the auxiliary pole being wound through the channel. The other protective block consists entirely of a non-magnetic material and has a polished surface facing the one protective block, while the main pole is provided on the polished surface.