Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
In 1991, Philips introduced the first 2x recorder (the CDD 521), which was about the size
of a stereo receiver and cost about $12,000. Sony in 1992 and then JVC in 1993 followed
with their 2x recorders, and the JVC was the first drive that had the half-height 5 1/4-inch
form factor that most desktop system drives still use today. In 1995, Yamaha released the
first 4x recorder (the CDR100), which sold for $5,000. A breakthrough in pricing came
in late 1995 when Hewlett-Packard released a 2x recorder (the 4020i, which was actually
made for them by Philips) for less than $1,000. This proved to be exactly what the market
was waiting for. With a surge in popularity after that, prices rapidly fell to below $500,
and then down to $200 or less. In 1996, Ricoh introduced the first CD-RW drive.
Two main types of recordable CD discs are available, called CD-R (recordable) and CD-
RW (rewritable). However, because the CD-RW discs are more expensive than CD-R
discs, only half as fast (or less) as CD-R discs, and won't work in all CD audio or CD-
ROM drives, people usually use CD-R media instead of CD-RW.
Note
Because of differences in reflectivity of the media, some older optical drives can't read CD-
RW media. Most newer drives conform to the MultiRead specification and as such can read
CD-RWs. However, due to differences in the Universal Disk Format (UDF) standards used
by CD-RW, a CD-RW disc created on one computer might not be readable on another com-
puter. Therefore, if you are recording something that many people or systems will need to
read, CD-R is your best choice for overall compatibility.
CD-RmediaisaWORM(writeonce,readmany)media,meaningthatafteryoufillaCD-
R with data, it is permanently stored and can't be erased. The write-once limitation makes
this type of disc less than ideal for system backups or other purposes in which it would
be preferable to reuse the same media over and over. However, because of the low cost
of CD-R media, you might find that making permanent backups to essentially disposable
CD-R discs is as economically feasible as tape or other media.
CD-RW discs can be reused up to 1,000 times, making them suitable for almost any type
ofdatastoragetask.Thefollowingsectionsexaminethesetwostandardsandhowyoucan
use them for your own data storage needs.
CD-R
Once recorded, CD-R discs can be played back or read in any standard CD drive. CD-R
discs are useful for archival storage and creating master CDs, which can be duplicated for
distribution within a company.
CD-Rs function using the same principle as standard CD-ROMs. The main difference is
that instead of being stamped or embossed into plastic as on regular CDs, CD-Rs have
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