Variable length code recording/playback apparatus

A method of arranging high efficiency coded signals on a tape, comprising:

• positioning the high efficiency coded signals on both a forward trace line at a specific N-times high speed reproducing operation in the forward direction and a reverse trace line at a specific M-times high speed reproducing operation in the reverse direction;
• and
• arranging the high efficiency coded signals in specifically arranged areas along the forward trace line and the reverse trace line such that each trace line crosses more than one specifically arranged area.

A method of arranging high efficiency coded signals on a tape having a plurality of tracks, comprising:

• positioning the high efficiency coded signals on at least a first trace line at an N1-times high speed reproducing operation and at least a second trace line at an N2-times high speed reproducing operation, N1 and N2 being different integers;
• and
• arranging the high efficiency coded signals in specifically arranged areas along the first trace line and the second trace line such that at least the first and second trace lines which cross the same number of tracks also cross the same number of specifically arranged areas.