Abstract: An optical disk device includes a pickup head configured to record and read data on and from an optical disk, and a recording/reproducing circuit such as a RF amplifier. The optical disk device also includes a control section configured to determine whether or not recording of data by the pickup head is normal and exercises control for predetermined instructions to be given to the pickup head based on the result of determination. If it is determined that the recording by the pickup head is erroneous, the control section carries out a control process such as to stop recording and then resume recording at a position moved a predetermined amount from an error position at which the pickup head has stopped recording.

Abstract: A data managing method for an optical disc drive writing data into an optical disc having defects is provided. The optical disc has a user data area and a spare area. The optical disc drive includes a first buffering space and a second buffering space. The data managing method includes: when the first buffering space receives a data corresponding to a defect, not suspending the first buffering space from receiving the user data, and transferring the data, corresponding to the defect and in the first buffering space, to the second buffering space; and when data amount in the second buffering space reaches a predetermined value, suspending the optical disc drive from writing data in the first buffering space into the user data area, and driving the optical disc drive to write data in the second buffering space into the spare area.

Abstract: A standard reproduction model for ensuring real time reproducing on a disk-shaped information recording medium, includes a pickup (102) that reads the real time data from the information recording medium, a buffer memory (103) that temporarily stores the real time data read by the pickup, and a decoding module (104) that reads the real time data from the buffer memory (103) and processes the read real time data. An access time Tacc of the standard reproduction model is expressed by the following formula, Tacc=A·dN+Trev+B where dN is a difference in rotational speed of the disk-shaped information recording medium, Trev is a rotation waiting time at a target access position, A and B are constants.

Abstract: Audio data recorded on a hard disk is stored in a memory by a CPU. The audio data stored in the memory is stored in units of channels to be output, in corresponding storage areas within an audio data storage portion by the CPU. As such, in the audio data storage portion, the audio data is stored in different storage areas for respective channels to be output. The audio data stored in the audio data storage portion is converted to analog data by a D/A converter, and output to a prescribed device.

Abstract: In order to perform simultaneous recording of a plurality of pieces of real time data, a large capacity of buffer memories were required. In addition, it was difficult to reproduce data which was recorded by a different apparatus. The present invention has an objective of providing an information recording medium, a simultaneous recording method, and an information recording and reproduction apparatus which guarantee simultaneous recording. The simultaneous recording is guaranteed by reproducing data in each of areas having at least a minimum size fulfilling the simultaneous recording condition which allows for the number of access operations which is twice the number of pieces of real time data to be recorded, and when the data amount in the buffer is empty, switching the current recording operation to another recording operation to continue recording.

Abstract: A standard reproduction model for ensuring real time reproducing on a disk-shaped information recording medium, includes a pickup (102) that reads the real time data from the information recording medium, a buffer memory (103) that temporarily stores the real time data read by the pickup, and a decoding module (104) that reads the real time data from the buffer memory (103) and processes the read real time data. An access time Tacc of the standard reproduction model is expressed by the following formula, Tacc=A·dN+Trev+B where dN is a difference in rotational speed of the disk-shaped information recording medium, Trev is a rotation waiting time at a target access position, A and B are constants.

Abstract: A memory controller for a disk controller comprises a first memory that receives first and second write operations in a first order and that stores the first and second write operations and corresponding write operation data. A second memory stores a corresponding address for each of the write operations, wherein the corresponding addresses identify a location of the write operation data stored in the first memory. Controller logic determines whether the first write operation and the second write operation write data to a same track of a disk and transfers the write operation data from the first memory to a third memory in a second order when the first write operation and the second write operation write data to the same track, wherein the second order is different from the first order.

Abstract: An optical storage reconditioning module extends the life of re-writable optical medium, such as DVD+RW optical storage disks, by writing random information to recondition commonly used portions of the optical medium before re-writing information to those portions of the optical medium. For instance, a stored file system structure of an optical medium, such as a Universal Disk Format (UDF) random writable file system, is updated by reading to a buffer the structure from the optical medium, over writing the structure with random information recondition transitions between data points of the structure, updating the file system structure in the buffer and writing the updated file system structure over the random information.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide a type of data processing device and a type of data recording/reproduction device that can restart data write processing correctly from an interruption position after data write processing on a recording medium is interrupted. When write is interrupted, prescribed information that indicates the tail of the data written before said interruption is obtained from the written data. When write is restarted, first, data read processing is started. From the read data, the tail of the write data before said interruption is determined based on said obtained information. Then, data write processing is restarted and connected to said determined tail of the write data. In write clock signal generating part (45), write clock signal CK3 locked to the phase of read clock signal CK2 is generated. Consequently, it is possible to suppress discontinuity in the connection of write in company with switching from read processing to write processing.

Abstract: An optical disc drive is provided, mainly comprising a buffer, a processor and a driving module for accessing an optical disc. The optical disc drive receives a plurality of write commands. Each write command comprises a data block and a destination address. The buffer buffers data blocks to be recorded to the optical disc with corresponding write commands in either a random mode or a sequential mode. The processor schedules a recording operation based on the write commands, and selectively switches the buffer to the random mode or to the sequential mode based on arrangements of data blocks buffered in the buffer. The driving module is controlled by the processor to perform the recording operation, whereby the data blocks are recorded to the optical disc when a start recording condition is met. Specifically, the start recording condition varies with the random or sequential modes.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: An optical disc reproducing apparatus comprising: a buffer memory configured to store data read from sectors of an optical disc when information is reproduced; a controlling unit configured to cause the buffer memory to store first data read from a first sector and second data read from a second sector other than the first sector when the first sector of the sectors is designated; and an output unit configured to output the first data stored in the buffer memory to a processing circuit configured to reproduce the information when the first sector of the sectors is designated, and thereafter output the second data stored in the buffer memory to the processing circuit when the second sector of the sectors is designated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring speculative data in lieu of requested data in a data transfer operation. First data are transferred in response to an execution of a first pending command. Speculative data are transferred instead of second data associated with a second pending command during a next available latency period for the second data, preferably when the speculative data are adjudged as having a utility greater than a utility of the second data. The first and second commands are preferably received in a queue and a command execution algorithm identifies the second command as a next best command to be executed after execution of the first command. The above steps are preferably carried out by a controller of a data storage device.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus records new information related to the ROM information into RAM at a position linked with the ROM information of an optical information storage medium while continuously regenerating the ROM information of the optical information storage medium. At least the ROM signals are read at n (n>2) times of the information regeneration velocity V, which is a reference, and stored in a buffer memory for reading, then the stored information is output at a velocity of the information regeneration velocity V. And while the stored information is being output from the buffer memory for reading, the input information is stored in the buffer memory for writing, then the optical head is accessed an address position that is managed so that the time relationship of the output information and the input information link for recording.

Abstract: Stable playback performance is assured and data loss due to out-of-step synchronization is reduced even when playback signal quality deteriorates due to such cause as a recording medium defect. The playback method applies to a recording medium to which data is recorded in block units containing multiple fixed-length frames together with block address information. The data and the block address information are acquired from the recording medium. The recording position of each frame in a block is then predicted from the acquired block address information. Synchronization is then set to the frame level based on the acquired data, and the memory address for storing the acquired data is determined based on the predicted recording position. The acquired data is then stored at the determined memory address.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing high-quality read and write operations through a simple operation without being affected by an interruption even when the interruption has occurred in the course of a read/write operation between information storage media. When an interruption occurs in the course of reading program information stored on an optical disc to write the program information onto a hard disk, the write status of the program information which has encountered the interruption and the information for identifying the program information are stored on the hard disk. After the recovery from the interruption, read and write operations are restarted. Then, the program information capable of ensuring the continuity with the program information which has been properly written on the hard disk prior to the interruption is determined in accordance with the write status of the program information which has encountered the interruption and the information for identifying the program information.

Abstract: A data processing method of a virtual optical disk applied in an optical disk system is provided. The method includes steps as follows: Firstly a sound source determining procedure is executed. If the sound source is not from a virtual optical disk, a pre-processing and a buffer playing process are executed, and also a state changing process is executed while the buffer playing process is executed. According to a result of the state changing process, one of the following three steps is executed: the sound source determining procedure, the pre-processing procedure, and an idle determining procedure. If the system is not idling when executing the idle determining procedure, the buffer playing process is thus executed. Otherwise, a state assessment process is then executed. In accordance with the state assessment process, a storage capacity planning procedure, a write process or the state changing process is then executed.

Abstract: A controller for controlling interruptions and restarts when writing data to a recording medium by emitting a laser beam against the recording medium. The controller prevents buffer underrun errors. The laser beam is emitted at a high power level when writing data on the recording medium and at a low power read level when reading data from the medium. The writing of data is interrupted when there is a possibility of a buffer underrun error. When restarting data writing from where the interruption occurred, the laser beam is shifted from the read level to the write level before reaching the location at which the interruption occurred. This guarantees that the laser beam has the required power level when writing is restarted.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A disc recording device has a rule based extent allocation strategy. Real-time information like audio is to be reproduced continuously via a rendering system having predefined properties: a buffer, a minimal read-out speed Rdisc, and a maximal seek time Tseek. The information is arranged in files that have a maximal data rate Rfile, and a maximal size of header information Sheaders that precedes and/or follows the real-time information in the file. The information of the files is recorded in contiguous parts of the track at least having the size of Sextent. The device has an allocation unit (35) for determining a minimal size of an extent Sextent that is a continuous recording unit at least taking into account the properties Rdisc, Tseek, Rfile and Sheaders, in particular according to Sextent=((Tseek+Sheaders/Rdisc)*Rfile*Rdisc)/(Rdisc?Rfile).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading multisession discs in which both standard CD-DA format and compressed music formats, such as MP3, may be utilized on the same disc. High speed reading of data into shock proof memory, analysis of available memory and storage of analyzed record structures are used to provide playback of music in both formats and, if desired, in a random playback order.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument enables a phrase that is stored as audio waveform data to be played back at an arbitrary tempo. The instrument includes an operator that allows the performer to change the readout position of the waveform data manually, enabling the performer to increase, decrease or reverse the speed of waveform data playback temporarily. Upon ceasing use of the operator, the playback of the waveform data returns to synchronization with the previously set tempo at a readout position that would be the current readout position had the operator not been used by the performer.

Abstract: A sub-code providing method that provides correct sub-code data when sub-code data is requested from a host when a reproduction mode is performed in an optical disc drive. In a method providing sub-code data to a host computer in an optical disc drive formed so that data from a pick-up is reproduced through a buffer, the method includes the operations of setting sub-code data whenever data of a predetermined unit is output from the buffer, and transmitting the set sub-code data to the host computer when the sub-code data is requested from the host computer during the reproduction mode. Therefore, it is possible to provide more accurate sub-code data to the host computer and to thus prevent the reproduction of unnatural screen during operations such as automatic reproduction or game CD reproduction.

Abstract: When data recording is interrupted, a location at which data have been last recorded is accurately detected and a seamless restart of the recording is achieved even if reproducing errors occur due to scratches or the like on an optical disk. A pattern data that indicates a pit pattern of data to be recorded or having been recorded is compared to a pattern data that is reproduced within a predetermined range (window) of clock cycles, and when a match is obtained, a recording restart signal is output to restart the recording operation.

Abstract: A buffer memory controller comprises a first memory configured to buffer write operation data between a write head and a second memory that stores write operation data corresponding to first and second write operations. A first memory location identifies a location of write operation data that corresponds to the first write operation stored within the second memory. A second memory location identifies a location of write operation data that corresponds to the second write operation stored within the second memory. Controller logic determines whether the first write operation and the second write operation write data to the same track. The controller logic transfers the data of the first write operation and the second write operation in an order other than the order in which the second memory received the first and second write operations when the first write operation and the second write operation write data to the same track.

Abstract: A method for the reproduction of data, such as digital audio data and/or video data, stored on a storage medium, for example, on an optical storage disk, in a playback device, in which an accelerated selection may be possible of storage media to be reproduced or to be rejected by playback device. In a first operating mode, data are filed in, for example, a nonvolatile memory during a play-back process of the storage medium. In a second operating mode, the storage medium is selected, for example, for a playback process and a reproduction process. Within a timespan during which the selected storage medium is brought from a magazine into a playback position, in which the data stored in the storage medium may be read out by a read device, or into an eject position, from which the selected storage medium may be retrieved, at least a part of the data filed in the memory is played back and reproduced.

Abstract: An information record and playback apparatus has a user information acquisition unit for acquiring user information of the user using the apparatus at present; a record unit for recording the acquired user information and playback stop position information on a record medium in relation to each other; and a playback start control unit for selecting the playback stop position information corresponding to the acquired user information from among the playback stop position information read from the record medium and resuming playing back the record medium based on the selected playback stop position information.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A media player permits multiple compressed media files to be concurrently stored in memory interval to the media player. By concurrently buffering more than one compressed media file at a time, any mechanical disturbance that occurs during the playing of a file or between files will not cause a cessation of audio. Further, skipping ahead or in reverse is advantageously expedited.

Abstract: A controller of a data recorder that records data on a recording medium such that the occurrence of buffer underrun errors are prevented. Data encoded by an encoder is recorded on the recording medium. A decoder decodes the data recorded on the recording medium. The data recorder interrupts the recording of data when a buffer underrun is likely to occur. The controller restarts the recording of data when the decoded data and the encoded data are synchronized. When the decoded data is delayed from the encoded data, the controller stops the encoding until the decoded data catches up with the encoded data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reading and writing data from and to a data storage device is provided. One method of practicing the present invention comprises placing, or leaving an unused track, row or column adjacent to a medium track containing apparatus information. Another method of practicing the present invention comprises placing, or leaving an unused track, row or column adjacent to both sides of the medium track containing the apparatus information.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing performance of a read buffer and a write buffer in a disc media having a feature requiring apparently simultaneous reading and writing. The method includes alternately writing data to the disc media from the write buffer during a write time tW and reading data from the disc media to the read buffer during a read time tR. The read time and the write time are generally separated by a jump time tJ. The write time is selectively controlled so that it is optimized in accordance with respect to the front end read speed, the decoding bit rate, the front end write speed of the recordable media device and the encoding bit rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: A disk recording/reproduction device ideal for processing audio-visual data streams requiring real-time characteristics. A disk device has an operating mode ideal for recording and reproduction of motion image and audio data requiring real-time continuity by limiting the time needed for error processing, and the host incorporating the disk device can easily monitor the real-time continuity. The host can specify the urgency of individual recording and reproduction instructions to the disk so that control of real-time continuity can be actively implemented in better detail. A means for assigning a total number to a plurality of simultaneously recorded or reproduced data streams as well assigning individual data stream numbers allows informing the disk device of the throughput required by the host.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention allow the playback of recorded data as the data is being recorded. Data is read from a source location, converted into an encoded format and stored in a database. At the same time, the stored data is read from the database, and played as the data is being recorded.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: The optical disk player is capable of correctly restarting to write data. Data protection means returns an optical pick-up from an interruption address to a synchronization starting address. The data protection means reads data from the synchronization starting address to the interruption address at a reading velocity equal to a former writing velocity. The data protection means restarts writing data from the interruption address if a phase of data read is synchronized with a phase of data to be written. The data protection means returns the optical pick-up to the synchronization starting address and reads data from there to the interruption address at a reading velocity slower than the former writing velocity so as to synchronize the phases if the synchronization is failed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a file tree in a compact disc player from the file system of a compressed audio CD is disclosed. After determining the target sector for building the file tree of the CD player, the CD player reads into the memory of the CD player the target sector and a number of contiguous sectors following the target sector. After identifying a target sector, the CD player first determines if the target sector is cached in the memory of the CD player. If the target sector is cached in the memory of the CD player, the sector is retrieved from the CD player. If the target sector is not cached in the memory of the CD player, the target sector is retrieved from the file system of the CD, together with a number of sequential contiguous sectors following the target sector.

Abstract: A data recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus. The apparatus may include one or more buffer memories, a recorder, a controller, and/or a reproducing unit. Continuous picture and/or speech data may be stored, recorded, and/or reproduced. The size of a recording unit may be controlled such that it corresponds to the amount of picture and/or speech data recorded by the recorder.

Abstract: A hard disk unit includes a disk, controller microprocessor, host bus interface, buffer memory, buffer memory controller and disk formatter. The bus interface receives write operations, and the corresponding write operation data is stored in the buffer memory. The buffer memory controller also includes a set of address registers and a set of block count registers. The microprocessor loads the address registers with the buffer memory addresses of data of multiple write operations and loads the block count registers with the size of the corresponding data. The microprocessor then issues a single command to the buffer memory controller to transfer the data from the buffer memory to the disk formatter. The address registers and block count registers enable the data of multiple write operations to be transferred and written to a disk in an order other than the order in which the write operations were received at the bus interface.

Abstract: An optical disc system with improved signal regulation capabilities and a method for implementing several improvements in the capabilities are disclosed, in that the signals containing information regarding the position of an objective lens in the tracking direction can be acquired accurately and the access to optical discs can be carried out. In the method for acquiring with high precision the signals containing information on the position of the objective lens in the tracking direction, these signals are regulated in response to an access request specifying an access target region on the optical recording disc provided thereon with tracks in the shape of spiral or concentric circle, corresponding to a zone to be regulated including the access target region to be regulated out of a plurality of regulating zones formed by dividing a plurality of the tracks utilizing regulation information acquired previously.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reading and/or writing data on a disk (1) storing data in a continuous spiral form (2). The data is simultaneously read from or written to N tracks (4-8, 12-20) by N spots, N being an integer larger than or equal to 2. The reading and/or writing is performed by alternating between reading/writing and actuator jumps. In order to increase the efficiency of such multi track disk drives a next jump decision is calculated dynamically on the basis of a real-time analysis determining a next position of a unit (23) for reading/writing data relative to the disk (1).

Abstract: An information playback apparatus which can perform random access playback, reverse playback, shuttle playback, etc. quickly and seamlessly. A signal processing unit stores audio data read out from a disc into a buffer memory, and performs information processing for audio playback based on the audio data in the buffer memory. Audio data of certain time durations respectively corresponding to a past and a future with respect to the audio data currently being subjected to audio playback is replenished and stored into the buffer memory. When a jog dial is manipulated, reverse playback, shuttle playback, etc. are performed quickly and seamlessly based on the audio data in the buffer memory.

Abstract: A ring buffer region is divided into a plurality of ring regions. Information is recorded in (or reproduced from) the ring regions from one end of the ring buffer region to the other end of the ring buffer region and from the other end to the one end in the predetermined order. The predetermined order is determined such that the recording (or reproducing) takes place skipping over at least one ring region every time.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.