What is CD-Recordable?
CD-R stands for compact disc recordable. It
is at technology through which a blank compact disc, a CD-R, is converted into an audio CD
or a conventional CD-ROM which can be read in the CD drive of your computer.
CD-R is governed by the Orange Book standard. This means that all CD-Rs, regardless of the
manufacturer, must conform to a specific set of standards.
How is data recorder to a CD-R?
The blank CD-R is placed in a CD writer or
recorder which uses a laser to write to the disc. The laser creates a series of holes in
the disc's dye layer called "pits". The spaces between the pits are called
"lands". The pattern of pits and lands on the disc encodes the information and
allows it ti be retrieved on an audio or computer based CD player.
How long does it take to write to a
CD-R?
It depends upon how much information you
are writing. To completely fill a 74min/650mb disc using a 1X writer takes 74 minutes. If
you use a 2X writer, the same job would take about 37 minutes. A 4X writer would do the
job in about 19 minutes.
Is cost the only reason to choose
CD-R?
At approximately Kn 0.02 per megabyte, CD-R
has substantial cost advantages over alternative storage devices. However, CD-R presents
other advantages to the end user which are equally compelling:
Compatibility: CD-R is not a propietary technology. Since CD-R is governed by the
Orange Book standard, users can choose from a large selection of compatible media,
writers, and software from many different vendors.
Installed based of drives: At the present time, there is an installed base of over
50 million CD drives in the market. The penetration of CD drives in new computers now
approaches 100%. No competing media remotely approaches the level of popularity of the
compact disc.
Comfort Factor: CD-R is fast, low maintenance, and reliable. Unlike restrictive MO
products, CD-R users are assured that their data is accesible to everyone. Unlike tape,
CD-R stores well wuth no required maintenance. CD-R represents the state of the art in low
cost, high performance optical media.
How are CD-R discs different from
CD-ROM discs
CD-R discs are quite different from
conventional CD-ROM discs. CD-ROM discs are mass produced using specialized equipment and
are projected to last for about 20 years. CD-R discs can be written at your desktop using
an inexpensive CD recorder and, in the case of Mitsui Gold media, are projected to last
for well over 100 years. The layering structure of a CD-ROM is shown below: 
The polycarbonate serves as
the base of the disc and is physically stamped with the appropiate pits and lands to
convery the required information. A layer of aluminium is added for reflectivity.
The lacquer coating is applied as a protectant. In comparison, CD-R discs are more
sophisticated and robustly constructed. The information on a Mitsui Gold disd is projected
to last for well over 100 years. The layering structure of a Mittsui Gold CD-R is
diagrammed below:
As in a conventional
CD-ROM, polycarbonate is used as the fundation. However, CD-R uses a special dye which is
etched by laser to create the pits and lands. This dye will be covered in the next
section. A layer of lacquer is then applied, followed by Mitsui's patented Data Shield
Surface which provides additional protection against environmental hazards and rough
handling.
Does it matter what
dye is used to make the CD-R?
The dye formulation used in a CD-R is
perhaps the most critical factor in the disc's performance. Mitsui Gold discs utilize a
patented Phthalocyanine dye (thal-o-sy-a-nene) which offers substantial performance
advantages. You can recognize a Mitsui disc by turning it over and looking at the color of
the writable surface. A Phthalocyannine disc is gold colored with a slight greenish tint.
Other manufacturer's discs come in a variety of shades ranging from blue-green. Both
varieties of discs will be gold colored on the top, or non-writable surface.
Mitsui Gold Phthalocyanine-based discs offer substantial performance advantages over other
discs in two key areas; longevity and compatibility with high speed CD recorders.
Longevity on the order of 100 or more years is derived from the inherent stability of
Phthalocyanine dye. Phthalocyanine-based discs can withstand environmental conditions that
could render other discs useless. This is because Phthalocyanine resists ambient heat,
light, and humidity better than other dye formulations even after the disc has been
written to.
Phthalocyaine is aslo more compatible with high speed writers. Mitsui was the first
manufacturer to be certified by Yamaha to work with their 4X writers and is also certified
for use with the Kodak 6X system. This accuracy is due to the precision with which laser
light is able to create pits in the Phthalocyanine dye.
Advantages of the Mitsui Gold
CD-R
1. Because Mitsui makes all of its own
discs, and in fact makes most of the component materials which go into its discs, Mitsui
Gold media benefits from a consistency and process control which no other manufacturer can
equal. Since we don't rely on third-parties to provide our technology, production
facilities, or raw materials, Mitsui Gold customers know that each component and each step
in the manufacturing process has been subjected to the most rigorous quality controls in
the industry.
2. Every Mitsui Gold disc is warranted for life. No other CD-R media manufacturer offers a
warranty of this strength.
3. Every Mitsui Gold disc is certified for use with all high speed recorders whether they
be 4X or 6X. There are two reasons for this; First, Mitsui's stamping process results in
discs that are flatter than the competition's. While all discs are slightly warped, if
they are warped beyond a certain tolerance they cannot be used for high speed recording.
The second reason for Mitsui Gold's superb performance in high speed recorders stems from
the unique characteristics of the Phthalocyanine dye. Phthalocyanine simply works better
in high speed writers than other dyes.
4. Mitsui Gold discs last longer than competing media. The information recorded on a
Mitsui Gold disc will last for well over 100 years with some accelerated aging tests show
longevity of over 200 years.
Why is Mitsui Gold your best
choice?
High Speed, Perfect Compatibility
Phthalocyanine is more sensitive to powered
laser light and more conductive to high speed recording than other dyes. It is altered
more quickly and sharply by the laser. Therefore it guarantees very precise recording at
1,2,4, and 6X speed, with any type of recorder. And can, of course, be read by any type of
player ( see Speed Recording Specification).
Long Lasting Archivability
Mitsui Gold's projected longevity was
tested by employing the Orange Book Standard for Block Error Rate (BLER) set by the
industry for CD-Recordable media. The Phthalocyanine based Mitsui Gold was subject to the
equivalent of more that 100 years under normal use. The Mitsui Gold CD-R was consistently
able to retain data and outperform the Orange Book Standard (seeDamp Heat Test).
Excellent Performance
Unlike some CD-R dye formulations, which
show degeneration from continuous exposure to light and heat. Phthalocyanine based Mitsui
Gold remains durable and remarkably stable (see Light Fastness Test).
Maximum Safety
The difference between Mitsui Gold and all
the other CD-R discs, is our unique Data Shield Surface (DSS). Our exclusive exterior is
designed to better safeguard against abrasions, scratches and peeling that can be caused
by repeated use or bad handling.
Life Time Warranty
Both the Data Shield Surface and patented
Dye demonstrated overwhelming evidence of Mitsui Gold's extreme durability, reliability
and longevity against heat, humidity and light. Additionally, intensive research and
documentation have given us the ability to provide a limited Lifetime Warranty on our
Mitsui Gold CD-R disc (see Life Time Estimation chart). |
A Guide to
Mitsui Gold CD-R Media