A data recording medium, such as a magnetic recording hard disk, has data tracks with pseudo-random binary sequences for the servo information used to control the position of the recording head in the disk drive. A first pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) and a second PRBS identical to the first PRBS but shifted by a portion of the period of the first PRBS are located between the track boundaries in alternating tracks in a first region of the servo pattern and between the track centers in alternating tracks in a second region spaced along the track from said first region. A servo decoder in the disk drive has two correlators, one for each PRBS. Each correlator outputs a dipulse when its PRBS repeats. The difference in amplitude of the dipulses represents the head position signal. The dipulses also control the amplifier for the signal read back by the head and the timing of the track identification (TID) detector.