A method includes: producing a bit detection signal in response to a plurality of islands located in a plurality of zones of a bit patterned media, processing the bit detection signal to produce a synchronization signal, wherein the processing is dependent on characteristics of the islands in the zone containing the plurality of islands, and using the synchronization signal to control timing of writing to the bit patterned media. The synchronization signal can also be used to control timing of reading from the bit patterned media.