1. What is a Music
CD-R?
2.
What is the difference between a Music CD-R and Regular CD-R?
3. Are audio CDs
compatible with DVD players?
4. Can use audio CD-R
for just recording data, back-ups, and digital pictures?
5. Why can't I play my audio CD-R in my car player?
6. Why can't I record
anything after recording 1 song on an Audio CD?
7. What is MP3 technology?
8. How does MP3 quality
compare to other media?
9. How do I transfer
an MP3 onto CD?
10. What is the best way to handle, store, and clean Audio
CD-Rs?
11. What is your recommendation for labeling Music CD-R
media?
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1. What
is a Music CD-R?
A Music CD-R is made exactly the same as a standard
CD-R in using fine layer of Cyanine or Pthalocyanine dye on a plastic substrate
and placing a corresponding reflective layer on the CD-R. Inserted into the
production programming of the Music CD-R is a Serial Copy Code stamp. The Serial
Copy Code allows the Music CD-R to Record on Home Audio CD Recorders. During
the beginning of the record process, the Home Audio CD Recorder analyzes the
inserted Music CD-R for Serial Copy Code. Upon confirmation by the CD Recorder
that the Music CD-R has the Serial Copy Code Information, the recorder then
enables the Home CD Recorder to record the music information.
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2. What
is the difference between a Music CD-R and Regular CD-R?
The difference is simple. The CD-R for music has a small
amount of header space in the format, that is used for encoding and allows the
CD-R to be used in the home recorder. The Standard media, which you can also
use for music, does not have this encoding. The computer can create it when
you record a CD. The special format of the music CD-R requires a different manufacturing
process, hence the increased cost of the music CD-R. The
extra cost is a royalty to songwriters for the privilege of copying their CDs.
Remember that CD-R data discs cannot be
used in audio CD-R recorders (like those from Philips and Pioneer that connect
to a stereo system). They can be used to record music, however, but only with
a computer based CD-R recorder/burner. CD-R Music Discs will work with both
Audio CD burners and Data CD burners. CD-R Data Discs will work only with Data
CD burners.
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3. Are audio CDs compatible with
DVD players?
Yes. All DVD players and computer DVD-ROM drives
will play audio CDs.
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4. Can use audio CD-R for just recording data, back-ups,
and digital pictures?
Using audio-specific CD-Rs for recording anything but music data isn't recommended.
They may or may not work with some CD-R data recorders due to the application
code bit that tells the recorder it is an audio disc. Assuming that the recorder
will accept the disc, it wouldn't make economic sense to use audio-specific
discs for data as they are currently more expensive.
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5. Why can't
I play my audio CD-R in my car player?
There are a few reasons:
1.
Make sure the disc is finalized. This writes the TOC (table-of-contents) to
the disc so the player can identify what's on it. If you don't finalize, the
disc will only play in the recorder on which the recording was made.
2.
Make sure there are no fingerprints or smudges on the disc. This can cause laser
focusing problems.
3.
100% compatibility doesn't exist between CD-R media and all car CD players.
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6. Why can't I record anything after recording
1 song on an Audio CD?
When you create a music CD and only put one or two songs
on the CD and then test it in the system you will not be able to record more
music on the same CD. This is due to the software finalizing the CD and or the
session. If the CD is finalized then you can no longer record on the CD and
it will tell you it is full with only a few items on the CD. If you just finalize
the session the CD may not play in the player due to it now being a Multi-session
CD. Most home stereos cannot handle a Multi-session CD. Please ensure that you
have compiled a Complete Track listing prior to recording to a CD. This will
eliminate the issue.
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7. What is MP3 technology?
MP3 is a file format that compresses digital audio so
it takes up less space while retaining excellent fidelity. In the uncompressed
CD format, each minute of music takes up about 10 megabytes of memory. With
MP3 compression, an entire 4-minute song eats up only about 4 megabytes. The
smaller size means that MP3 audio files can be transferred via Internet connections
in just minutes.
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8. How does MP3 quality compare to
other media?
A well-encoded MP3 file has what is called "near-CD"
audio quality. Like the ATRAC® compression used in MiniDisc recording, MP3
reduces file size by selectively removing information that is beyond the frequency
range of human hearing. Music compressed with MP3 at good quality (128 kb/s)
requires 10 times less memory than it would in the uncompressed CD format. That
means downloads are 10 times faster and MP3 players can hold 10 times as much
music in the same amount of memory space. When compared side-by-side with the
original CD, an MP3 file compressed at 192kps sounds very good, and for many
pieces of music the sound quality will approach or be perceptively equal to
the original CD recording.
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9. How do I transfer an MP3 onto CD?
First you need a CD-R drive, some blank CDs, and CD-writing
software. Then, you just need to convert your MP3 files into large .WAV or .AIFF
files so your CD player can read them. Once you have converted your MP3 files,
you're ready to copy the files.
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10. What is the best way to handle, store,
and clean Audio CD-Rs?
Nashua Media Products Audio CD-R media is labeled and packaged to provide maximum
product protection. To maintain the integrity of the disc and the data stored
on the disc, please use the following care and handling guidelines.
Handling and Care
1. Handle the disc only by the outer edge to
keep fingerprints from the surface.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth for cleaning the
disc to remove dust, or fingerprints.
3. Wipe from the center to the outer edges and
never wipe in a circular motion.
4. Don't touch the unlabeled shiny side of a
disc — that's the recording surface.
5. Don't set a disc down on hard surfaces that
can scratch the recording surface.
6. Don't use abrasive or solvent cleaners, audio CD disc cleaners, or conventional
vinyl record cleaning solutions on the disc. Chemical-based cleaners and cleaners
that are safe for audio CDs might not be safe for CD-Rs.
Storage
1. Store discs in their storage cases to avoid
scratches.
2. Store discs in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. The ideal storage
temperature is between 23° F - 86° F.
3. Don't leave the disc in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid environment.
4. Don't spill liquids or allow moisture to condense on the disc.
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11.
What is your recommendation for labeling Music CD-R media?
You
can write on the inner diameter or designated label area of the CD-R. Use only
soft-felt-tipped, permanent ink pens (such as Nashua
Media Products CD Writer Pens),
and write only on the designated areas. Water-soluble pens work best—their
ink dries quickly and minimizes smearing. Ball-point pens or other hard-point
writing utensils may damage the disc. Be careful when using adhesive labels.
Use only labels with high-quality adhesive designed not to corrode the reflective
layer of the disc. Be sure to apply it properly. Labels applied off-center or
with ripples can harm your CD player. If you misalign the label or don't
smooth the label down and there are air bubbles under the surface, then you
run the risk of your CD-R spinning out of balance, which could cause reading
and tracking problems. If you try to reposition the label after it is partially
stuck, then you run the risk of damaging the CD-R as you remove the partially
stuck label.
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