An information recording and playback device includes a recording and playback unit, and a controller. The controller divides a recording area of an optical disk into a first recording area which is at an inner circumference side, and a second recording area which is at an outer circumference side. The controller controls the recording and playback unit such that the unit records or plays back data in the first recording area at a first speed, and records or plays back data in the second recording area at a second speed slower than the first speed. The predetermined radius is set to a boundary between an area in which a control residual exceeds a predetermined reference value when servo control related to focusing and tracking is performed on the recording area of the optical disk, and an area in which the control residual does not exceed the predetermined reference value.

A method for providing tracking error signals in an optical data storage system includes a step of receiving a wobble signal having a first frequency from the wobble detection system. The wobble detection system includes an optical pick up unit that detects positions of the head relative to lands and grooves. Characteristically, the wobble signal is amplitude modulated for positions intermediate between the land and the groove. The method further includes a step of receiving a primary tracking error signal from the wobble detection system. The wobble signal is multiplied with a synchronous signal to about a product signal. The product signal is positive for a first direction of motion and negative for a second direction of motion that is opposite that of the first direction. The product signal is integrated to obtain a quadrature track error signal.

This recording/reproducing apparatus that records or reproduces information by radiating light to a recording medium is provided with: a medium rotating unit that rotates the recording medium; a moving unit having a movable unit that is capable of moving within a predetermined plane; a rotation angle detecting unit that detects a rotating angle of the recording medium using an angle detection mark that is provided on the recording medium; a position detecting unit that detects a position of the recording medium using an eccentricity detection mark that is provided on the recording medium; and a member for fixing the rotation angle detecting unit and the position detecting unit. With respect to the member, the movable unit relatively moves within a plane substantially parallel to the recording surface of the recording medium, and the medium rotating unit is fixed to the movable unit.