Searching method and device for a recording medium having overlapped time address

An area determining method for a recording medium having an overlapped time range between two areas on the recording medium, the method comprising:

• (a) reading a time address from a current position on the recording medium;
• (b) obtaining additional information from the recording medium or from recording medium driving means if the read time address belongs to the overlapped time range;
• and
• (c) determining, based on the obtained additional information, to which one of the areas the current position belongs.

An area determining device for a recording medium having an overlapped time range between two areas on the recording medium, the device comprising:

• first means for reading a time address from a current position on the recording medium;
• second means for obtaining additional information from the recording medium or from recording medium driving means if the read time address belongs to the overlapped time range;
• and
• third means for determining, based on the obtained additional information, to which one of the areas the current position belongs.