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Recording method of the CD-R/RW
As shown in Fig. 6, the recording areas of a CD-ROM and a CD-R/RW are different.
These discs use two recording areas in addition to the areas used for data recording by ordinary CD discs.
2 areas for CD-ROM
PCA
Inner direction
Lead-in area
This area records the TOC (Table Of Contents) including the number of tracks in the disc, track-start position
information, etc.
Data
This area contains the recording of actual audio signals, file data, etc.
The unit used in the data area is the track. Usually, music CDs use a track per song selection while the CD-
ROM discs basically uses only one track.
Lead-out
This area is used to indicate that the data in the disc has reached the end.
The combination of the lead-in, data and lead-out areas is referred to as a single session.
A disc containing multiple sessions is called a multi-session disc. The CD-EXTRA belongs to this kind of disc.
PCA (Power Calibration Area)
This area is used to regulate the laser power in data writing.
Its data optimizes laser power according to external factors such as the medium type, supply voltage and
operating temperature. The PCA provides an area for use in 99 times of test writing.
PMA (Program Memory Area)
This area contains the recording of the start and end positions of the tracks. When a disc is not finalized in
program recording, this area is used to obtain the preliminary TOC data.
Finalization
Finalization refers to writing the preliminary TOC data in the PMA into the lead-in and lead-out areas.
When a disc is not finalized, its TOC data is recorded exclusively in the PMA.
Since ordinary CD players cannot read the PCA and PMA, non-finalized discs can be read only with a
REC/PLAY machine such as the XR-D400. This makes possible addition writing on the disc.
When a disc is finalized, its lead-in, data and lead-out areas are written properly and the disc becomes a disc
complying with the Orange Book specifications.
Fig. 7 shows the finalization procedure.
Before finalization
Track rewriting
After finalization
PMA
Lead-in
[Fig. 6]
PMA
(Preliminary TOC)
PMA
PMA
Lead-in
TOC data
[Fig. 7]
Data
Lead-out
Track 1
Track 1
Track 2
Track 1
Track 2
XR-D400SL
CD-R/RW
CD-R/RW
Outer direction
Lead-out
1-5
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