DEVICE FOR READING AN INFORMATION CARRIER, INCLUDING DISCRIMINATING MEANS FOR DETERMINING A TYPE OF INFORMATION CARRIER

摘要

A device according to the invention is suitable for playing different types of information carriers, such as a CD and an MMCD, on which the information is recorded in a track pattern that has various physical parameters. The processing of the read signal for information reproduction, and the servo means such as the drive motor and the servotracking, are to be set to the particular type of information carrier. For determining the type of information carrier, the device includes discriminating means. During a discrimination process a read signal is generated without the servo tracking facility being in operation. Signal properties related to the physical parameters are then derived from the read signal, based upon which properties the type of information carrier is determined.