A disc recording device has a mode control unit for switching the device either to a read mode or to a write mode. Reading and writing can be alternated for simultaneous recording and reproducing of video. A rotation speed control unit sets the rotation speed of the record carrier, and has a speed selector for selecting one of at least two speed settings for the read mode in dependence on an actual rotation speed of the record carrier during the write mode when switching from write mode to read mode. By setting the read speed to one of a limited number of settings the difference in rotation speed between said actual rotation speed and the speed in the read mode is limited. Due to the limited differences power dissipation is limited, while the performance of access time and playability of real-life discs is at a high level.