A method and system for providing enhanced editing capability of media data. Media data arriving in a continuous stream is saved in a buffer. When a user enters record mode, some data received before record mode was entered is designated for permanent storage. Similarly, all data received while in record mode is designated for permanent storage. Once the user leaves record mode, additional data received after leaving record mode is also designated for permanent storage. In due course all data designated for permanent storage is stored to a mass storage device. Any data in the buffer not designated for permanent storage will be overwritten without being stored to the mass storage device. In this manner, a media file having record handles is created. The record handles permit a user to slide the nominal entry and exit from record mode to accommodate timing and synchronization errors.