  Recording experiments and decoding algorithms are presented for evaluating
the bit-error-rate of state-of-the-art magnetic bitpatterned media. The
recording experiments are performed with a static tester and conventional
hard-disk-drive heads. As the reader dimensions are larger than the bit
dimensions in both the down-track and the cross-track directions, a
two-dimensional bit decoding algorithm is required. Two such algorithms are
presented in details together with the methodology implemented to accurately
retrieve island positions during recording. Using these techniques, a 1.6
Td/in$^2$ magnetic bit pattern media is demonstrated to support 2D bit error
rates below 1e-2 under shingled magnetic recording conditions.
