An apparatus and method for look-ahead data detection are provided, the apparatus including a boundary function generator, a boundary decision unit in signal communication with the boundary function generator, a next state generator in signal communication with the boundary decision unit, and a sample value generator in signal communication with the boundary decision unit; and the method including receiving a pickup signal sensed from an optical disc, providing a boundary function value responsive to the pickup signal, comparing the boundary function value with a programmable register value, generating decision outputs responsive to the boundary function value with combinational logic, generating a next state and detected data responsive to the decision outputs, and generating a detected sample value responsive to the decision outputs.