Today's fastest rated discs can burn at up to 52x speeds on 52x capable writers. The most popular write speed purchased in today's market is the 48X rated CD-R (2004). Today's fastest write-speeds are usually 48X, but 52X rated discs are also available. A 2X speed means that the disc can be BURNED or recorded in 1/2 the length of the disc total runtime or 40 minutes for an 80-minute disc, an 8X disc at 1/8 the runtime, or 10-minutes - on down to as little as 2 minutes or less at 48X speeds!ĬD-Rs are tested and certified by their factories to be properly recordable at the rated speed. Both of the discs are the same physical dimensions or measurements - 120mm (12cm) in outside diameter, with a 21mm center hole.ĬD-Rs are also described by their write-speed certification. However, some of the very old CD burners do not recognize the 80-minute CD-Rs, so the short 74-minute discs are still offered by some makers. The actual cost of making the discs is about the same. Today most CD-Rs are sold in 80-minute lengths, but you will see some brands that offer both 74 and 80 minute sizes. You can buy both 74-minute and 80-minute CD-R discs. (2) What do disc "write speeds" mean? (32X, 40X, 48X, 52X, etc.)ĬD-R discs are described by their recording capacity or runtime length. We discuss CD-RWs in detail under question #12 below. They are for data storage and editing uses in computers. Unlike CD-Rs, CD-RWs cannot be played by most CD players. CD-RW discs are sometimes called "write-many-times" discs, and can be fully erased and re-written up to 1,000 times. There are also erasable "re-writable CD-RW" discs. Therefore CD-Rs are sometimes called "write-once" discs. Once fully recorded or burned, a CD-R disc cannot be erased and used over.
#Best software for recording music from computer to cd manual#
See the manual for your CD creation software for more details.
After you make a few optional decisions, the actual recording of a CD-R is usually quite simple. CD creation software lets you select the final format of the disc you're creating. CD-R discs can be burned in the same formats as CD-ROMs, and played the same simple, easy way. CD players are made to be able to read or decode each of these CD-ROM formats so you can easily use the disc, without knowing much about its contents. On each of these types of CD-ROMs, the data is formatted differently. You have probably heard of several types of CD-ROM discs, including those that contain music, software, video, photos, and games. (A few CD players may have difficulty reading CD-R discs, but playback problems are usually caused by scratches, poorly applied or too-heavy off-center CD labels, and discs that have been exposed to heat or UV light - discussed below.) CD players read CD-R and CD-ROM discs equally well in almost all cases.
Later, when the CD-R is played back, the CD-R is now actually a CD-ROM. The burner's laser blinks rapidly on and off, heating tiny areas of the bottom of the disc which expand into bubbles that closely resemble the stamped pits of a CD-ROM. In a similar way, your CD-R burner uses laser-light bursts during your recording sessions to create tiny bubbles in the tracks around the CD-R. Store-bought pre-recorded CD-ROMs use tiny pits or holes arranged in the tracks of the disc to encode the music, video or game software that you play. Instead they were mechanically stamped or pressed, like the old-fashioned vinyl LP albums. The CD-ROMs you buy in stores are not recordable.
However, the music or software CD-ROM is a "compact disc - read only memory". (1) How are CD-Rs different than store-bought CDs?Ī CD-R is a blank "compact disc - recordable". Will airport security scan X-Rays hurt my CD-R discs?.What about making CD-Rs for cars and portables?.What about 90-minute and longer CD-R discs?.Are gold CD-R discs better than silver?.Why are some CD-R discs called "Improved"?.What do "disc write speeds" mean? (32X, 40X, 48X, 52X, etc.).How are CD-Rs different than store-bought CDs?.It contains the latest information and advice we have available on - CD recordable discs, labeling and printing issues, and packaging options. Here is our "CD-R Frequently Asked Questions" or FAQ page for your information. The variety of CD recordable discs in today's market is enough to confuse all but the most experienced user. Subscribe to our weekly e-mail list to get savings news.ĬD-R, CD-RW, CD-DA, Music CD-R, Audio CD-RĪnswers to 14 Common CD Recordable Questions Customer Support Hotline: 80 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm PT Cart & Checkout | Questions? | Front Page | Order Tracking