A disk recording/reproduction device ideal for processing audio-visual data streams
requiring real-time characteristics. A disk device has an operating mode ideal
for recording and reproduction of motion image and audio data requiring real-time
continuity by limiting the time needed for error processing, and the host incorporating
the disk device can easily monitor the real-time continuity. The host can specify
the urgency of individual recording and reproduction instructions to the disk so
that control of real-time continuity can be actively implemented in better detail.
A means for assigning a total number to a plurality of simultaneously recorded
or reproduced data streams as well assigning individual data stream numbers allows
informing the disk device of the throughput required by the host.