MPEG encoder 3 generates VOBUs from broadcast waves and writes them to HDD 5. Record controlling unit 10 controls MPEG encoder 3 and HDD 5 to repeatedly perform this writing process for achieving a continuous recording function. Record controlling unit 10 also judges if there are points of time at which, by a broadcast station, (i) a service period is switched to an out-of-service period, and (ii) an out-of-service period is switched to a service period. Record controlling unit 10 suspends the writing to the HDD 5 at a point of time at which a service period is switched to an out-of service period, and resumes the writing to the HDD 5 at a point of time at which an out-of-service period is switched to a service period.