CD-R & CD-R/W FAQs and Tutorials

This page  was gleaned from CD-Rom Guide.com. It was put together by Hoss who is one of the moderators for the CD-R & CD-R/W Forum.

Common Terminology

DAO = Disk At Once; This is by far the preferred method of burning all CDR disc's. Especially audio, you will need to have an entire CD ready for burning and this will finalize the disc so that no more data or audio can be burnt to the disc.
This allows all CD readers to be able to read the CD.
Remember you must finalize/close a CDR in order for it to be read in most CD readers!

TAO = Track At Once; This is similar to DAO but writes only one track ay a time instead of an entire disc.
This option is used primarily when you want to normalize audio volume or delete the 2 second gap on audio copying.

Multi-Session Recording
Allows you to record more than once to a CDR or CDRW disc. However it should be used for data only, as audio recorded in this fashion will not be able to be played in any but a PC type CD reader.

Buffer Underrun
This is the most common error you will see. And is caused by the CDR not recieving data fast enough to supply a steady burn.
Solve this by slowing down the burn speed or copying the image to your Hard Drive first.
On the fly copies will result in errors and audio noise, skips, chirps, etc, much of the time due to this. So use the HD for imaging.
Learn more here-> Cyrus-troy's BufferUnderun

ASPI = Well, let's just say it's a virtual SCSI driver that makes your CDRW work right.
And you need to update it once in a while.
Check here for the latest and the Utility to check your current version-> Adaptec Support Files-ASPI

Win2k also presents it's own set of problems when it comes to ASPI layers. So read here for an Essay on what to do by Yaa-> Yaa's Win2k ASPI Essay

AIN = Auto Insert Notification; This is what notifies Windows that you have inserted a CD into one of your drives and runs it auotmatically.
It is a very good idea to disable this function when a CDRW has been installed. Especially once you have several burning apps installed on your PC. It can and will cause problems.
Find out how to do this here-> Cyrus-troy's DMA, AIN, Article

DMA = Direct Memory Access; This has to do with how Windows communicates with your drives.
And it is a tricky one to deal with. Some burners and systems will function better with it disabled, some have to have it enabled, such as the new Plextor 12/10/32.
If you are having problems burning try changing the current setting on your PC.
Find out how here-> Cyrus-troy's DMA,AIN Article

Firmware
This does several things in relation to how a device works. It will control support for 80 minute CDR's, software and many more things.
So update it as neccesary. You will usually find updates at your burner manufactures' website in the support area.
However make sure yu get the one made specifically for your CDRW!
Learn more here-> Cyrus-troy's Firmware Explanation

And here are a few of the other places you can look. -> Farzeno Firmware Page
Firmware.com
CD Freaks IDE Firmware

DAE = Digital Audio Extraction; This is the term that refers to how fast your CDROM or CDRW can process and extract audio.
The faster the better.
Some drives are much better at this than others.

Hints

Defragment your Hard Drive frequently when burning.

Record in DAO or TAO Mode.

Image to your Hard Drive first.

Attempt On the Fly Audio Copying only if your CDROM is capable of high DAE.
Data is not so tricky.

Close all other Apps when burning.

Set burn speeds relatively slow, 2x-4x and work up from there. Find out what works best for your system and setup.
Generally the slower the better results you will obtain.

Correct installation for a CDRW.
Read here-> How to Install a CDRW by Yaa

Media

Use only good branded CDR's and CDRW's.
Might cost a tad more but beats making coasters.

What works best for some may not for you!
This is one area you may need to experiment in. Some CD players are very particular on what brand and colour they like best.
And CDRW burners seem to have better results with one brand vs another.

80 Min CDR vs. 74 Min CDR
For the most part 80 min's will work fine. However your drive needs to support them.
And some readers will have a more difficult time starting and finding audio tracks with 80 min's.

I wish to extend a special thanks to Cyrus-troy and Yaa for the use of thier essays and help.

Burning

Andy McFaddens FAQ
The Burners Bible and Handbook
Loads of Info Here!

PKer Home Page
A Great Site with Good Tutorials on most Major Burnware.
PSX Help and Info, DreamCast, Mod Chips, and More!
Definitely Check This One Out!

CD-RW Central
Great info site

Cyrus-troy's CdrWin and Nero help site
Brought to you by Our M8 Cyrus-troy
You will find many different forms of help here.
Including His New Real Time Online help.
Talk to the Man Himself in Real time, Ask Questions and Get Answers!

Cd-R Resource-Simple Net's Site
A Very Good Primer for the New to Burning Types

Game Copy World
Good Resource for Questions on How to Copy Games

FAQ for How to Make a Bootable CDR
Speaks for itself I think

Tips for Recording Lp's to CDR

Media

Cd Media World
The Best Place for Info on CDR Media Quality and More

The New Dyes Cast
Good Article on CDR Media, Types of Dyes Used, etc...

Misc

Disc USA
Lots of Technical Info on CD Related Topics

How Stuff Works
Want to Know How Something Ticks? Go Here!

The Speed of Sound
Article Entitled; How Safe is High-Speed CD-Audio Recording?

How to Clean Your CDRW