An encoding controlling apparatus is disclosed which includes: offset holding means for holding an offset equivalent to a time period by which to start encoding an audio signal earlier than a video signal upon recording of a chapter; recording mode determining means for determining whether a seamless connection is possible between the preceding chapter and the following chapter in order to set an initial value of the offset depending on an outcome of the determination; offset updating means for updating the offset in keeping with progress in encoding the video signal and the audio signal; and recording controlling means for giving an instruction either to start or to stop the encoding of the video signal and the audio signal in accordance with the offset. The inventive apparatus controls the encoding process in keeping with the offset between the audio and video signals, thereby achieving seamless connection between chapters without incurring discrepancies between the video and audio signals.