Recording and reproducing apparatus

A recording and reproducing device in which recording and reproducing can be carried out using blocks on a recording medium, formed by dividing tracks on the recording medium and each of which includes a block header area and data area, said recording device comprising:

• first means for reading from/writing to at least one information recording track, divided into a plurality of blocks, each of said blocks including at least a block header area and at least an encode data area;
• second means, coupled to said first means, for accepting data from said block header area which includes a plurality of preheader areas, said second means receiving:
• (a) address data indicative of each of said blocks of said one information recording track from each said preheader area, and (b) a block-synchronous code data, said block-synchronous code data formed by code-converting a particular code to form a code-converted particular code, then partly modifying said code-converted particular code to form a modified code-converted particular code such that a predetermined number of continuous same bits are included in said modified code-converted particular code;
• and
• third means, coupled to said first means, for reading from/writing to said encode data area using said first means, said third means accessing a plurality of data frame areas, each said data frame area storing recording data and a data frame-synchronous code, said data frame-synchronous code including a code pattern substantially different from said modified code-converted synchronous code, thereby enabling said block-synchronous code and said frame-synchronous code to be distinguished.