An audio and video recording and reproduction apparatus and method is described, which uses a movable storage memory such as a memory card, so that audio and video signals are easily accessed without separate editing devices. The apparatus uses a separable memory so that a deck is unnecessary, allowing small, lightweight constructions, and a compression algorithm results in longer playing time, while read/write operations robust to noise are achieved. Also, data desired by the user is easily accessible, and applications as a substitute for magnetic or disk media are also possible.