An optical disc apparatus for recording test data on a predetermined area of
an
optical disc under varied recording powers to determine an optimum recording power
based on the quality of a signal obtained by reproducing the recorded test data.
The test data is recorded under adverse recording conditions so as to evaluate
the amount of change in quality of the reproduction signal. In order to create
adverse recording conditions, the optical disc is tilted or the laser is defocused.
A recording power for which the change in signal quality due to the deteriorated
recording conditions is sufficiently small is determined as an optimum recording
power capable of providing adequate recording margin.
