The present invention relates to an optical recording apparatus that provides improved writing speed. The apparatus has processing means (50) for processing an encoded data signal (NRZ) with a channel clock frequency signal (CLK). A first clock generator (52) derives a sub-sampled clock signal (CLKn) that has a lower frequency than the channel clock frequency signal (CLK). Furthermore, a modulator (MOD) modulates the sub-sampled clock signal (CLKn) with the encoded data signal (NRZ), and outputs a single, combined data and clock signal (NRZ_CLKn). This signal is received by the optical pick-up unit (OPU;20), where a second clock generator (24) extracts a retrieved clock signal (CLKr) from the combined signal (NRZ_CLKn), and a data demodulator (23) extracts the encoded data signal (NRZ) using the retrieved clock signal (CLKr). Thereby, a fast and reliable bandwidth in the communication between the processing means and the optical pick-up (OPU; 20) is obtained.