A recorder / reproducer for recording and reproducing signals such as video and audio signals has first and second recording media. When an input signal is recorded on the first recording medium, it is once recorded on the second recording medium, and a certain time later it is transferred to the first recording medium, thus recorded thereon. During this certain time, other signal processings are made, such as recording / reproduction of other signals and discrimination of commercials from the program itself. In addition, when a signal is reproduced from the first recording medium, the signal is once recorded on the second recording medium, and a certain time later reproduced and supplied, and thus similarly other processings can be made during this certain time.