Data encoding and decoding scheme

Digital data formatted on a data storage medium, in which the medium has a plurality of bit cells and the data format is such that groups of n data bits of an N-bit data word are stored over n consecutive bit cells, respectively, and a clock information bit is stored between the groups at every n+1 bit cell. A decoding apparatus includes circuitry for reading the digital data and producing an analog signal corresponding to the n data bits and the clock information bit, circuitry for reconstructing the digital data in response to the analog signal, and circuitry for producing data-ready pulses at a time corresponding to the bit cells storing the n data bits and for inhibiting the data-ready pulses at a time corresponding to the bit cell storing the clock information bit.