Cd-R; Cd-Rw; Problems - Sony XM-1502SX Training Manual

AppendixC - CD-R and CD-RW
Appendix C - CD-R and CD-RW
There are two types of CD writers ("burners"): CD-R and CD-RW. They both place music (CD) or computer data
(CD-ROM) onto a 5" polycarbonate disc. CD-R drives can write or "burn" the CD-R disk only once so the
CD-R disk contents are permanent. CD-RW discs are ReWritable.

CD-R

The first type called a "CD-R" for CD-Recordable, uses a write-once medium. CD-R drives can write or "burn"
the CD-R disk only once; the CD-R disk contents are permanent. The blank disks (media) are cheap, at less
than $1.00 per 640MB disk. CD-R burners are also fast with write speeds up to 8X (about 1200 kilobytes/sec).
Computer CD-R burners can also read (play) any normal CD-ROM.

CD-RW

The second type is the CD-RW, which stands for CD-ReWritable. CD-RW drives can write to (burn) the same
disc repeatedly more than 1000 times. Since the erasing step adds a little time to the writing process, CD-RW
drives are slower than CD-R drives (about half the speed). CD-RW media is also more expensive than CD-R,
(about $10.00 each). CD-RW drives can also readDisc Comparisons
Table C-1 compares the popular audio and video discs.
any CD-R or CD-ROM disk, and can be used to write CD-R discs as well. However, CD-R discs are still write-
once even if you write them with a CD-RW drive.

Problems

Although CD-R and CD-RW media are very convenient for exchanging data or music, there is no guarantee that
a CD-R or CD-RW disk will be readable in another CD-ROM drive or audio CD player. Some CD media may
play fine in one CD-ROM, but not in another.
The differences are in the disc's dye formula and production quality. Some discs are less expensive for
this reason. There is no standardization because makers hold their own patents on the formulation.
DVD-ROM drives have the same problem.
Standardization
To address this problem, Hewlett-Packard and Philips agreed on a new specification for CD-ROM drives called
the Multiread standard. CD-ROM drives that comply with the Multiread standard should be able to read all
recordable CD media, without any concern for what kind of dye it uses.
Current Solution
Choosing a CD-R or CD-RW blank disk means you will have to try several popular brands of CD-R media to find
out which work in your own CD players. Buy one blank CD-R or CD-RW disk and write to each. Then test the
resulting disks against your CD-ROM or audio players and see which ones work with the least problems (skipping,
stalling, reading noises, etc.).
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