A recording apparatus for recording digital audio/video signals on a removable rewritable disc like recording medium has been proposed. The apparatus comprises writing means (21, 22, 25) for recording the digital information signals and control means (20) for controlling the recording. The apparatus is capable of performing initialization, formatting and defect management of a rewritable medium. Further, the apparatus is capable of storing data in replacement areas instead of defect areas, which have been determined to be defective according to rules of the defect management. The control means (20) are adapted to re-record data from the replacement areas in the defect areas in order to improve playability of digital audio/video signals stored on the medium.