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Frequently Asked Questions

KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold Media

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were last updated on 14 February, 2002.

1. What is KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media?
   Our CD-R Digital Audio Gold media is built with the same durability and long-lasting quality as our other KODAK CD-R Ultima products. Our Digital Audio Gold media is designed to record better at lower speeds (1X-4X) than our general purpose CD-R products. It is optimized for this speed range to match the recording speeds used in consumer audio recorders.
   
   
2. Why should I purchase KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media to record music?
   If you are using a consumer audio duplication system, the only discs the unit will accept are audio CDs. These systems look for a code that is stamped on audio discs during their manufacture. This code is not stamped on general-purpose CD-Rs. This code cannot be written or altered with a CD recorder.

   Some portion of the price of an audio CD-R is a levy that is distributed among recording artists. Since audio CD-Rs are used to duplicate copyrighted materials, it is appropriate to compensate the artists for this capability by buying audio CD-Rs sold for this purpose.

   KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media has our proprietary SOUNDGUARD Protection System. We use a uniquely formulated dye to enhance low-speed recording and use a pure gold reflective layer to enhance environmental stability. And, our tough durability overcoat protects KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold discs from fingerprints and scratches.
   
   

3. Will KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media work in all consumer audio duplication systems?
   KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media is fully compatible with popular home audio CD recorders. A home audio CD recorder is a device that connects to your existing audio equipment and can record sound and music from both digital and analog sources.
   
   
4. What recording speeds can I use for KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media?
   All currently available home audio CD recorders record at 1X, 2X or 4X. These are the speeds for which KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media was designed.
   
   
5. Once I've recorded my own audio CD-R, what equipment do I need to play it?
   After you've recorded your own audio CD-R, you can treat the disc as you would any other professionally made CD, playing it on any compatible playback device. For example, you can use your audio CD player, portable CD stereo, car CD player, computer CD or DVD-ROM player, or the CD audio recorder itself. Keep in mind that CD audio players generally do not support multisession discs.
   
   
6. How much can each disc hold?
   A KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold disc holds a maximum of 74 minutes of audio. Actual capacity depends on the mode of recording, number of tracks, length of each track, etc.
   
   
7. What does SCMS stand for?
   Serial Copy Management System (SCMS) protects owners of copyrights as well as the rights of the home recordist. An owner of copyrighted material is entitled to make a perfect copy—a digital copy—of the original for personal use. SCMS prevents the copy from being perfectly duplicated. A digital copy of a digital copy of copyrighted material is not allowed.
   
   
8. How reliable are KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media?
   CD-Rs are among the most durable of recordable media. With proper care, handling, and storage, KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media has a projected data life of over 100 years.
   
   
9. What am I allowed to record with audio CD-R media?
   Unauthorized reproduction of a copyrighted sound recording is generally a copyright infringement. However, the Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 grants consumers immunity from lawsuits for copyright infringement for analog and some digital recording. That immunity does not include recording by means of general-purpose digital recording devices, but your SCMS-compliant CD audio recorder is not considered a general-purpose digital recording device. Because laws regarding digital recording are subject to change, Kodak encourages its customers to remain aware of the latest legislation.
   
   
10. Do I have to record audio on Digital Audio discs?
    KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold media can be used for any storage application, however here are two precautions:
    1. This media is targeted for use on consumer audio recorders that typically record at low speed (1X - 2X). Kodak does not recommend recording on this media at speeds faster than 4X.
       
    2. Some authoring software and drive firmware will refuse to record anything but audio on Digital Audio CD-R media. Because Digital Audio CD-R media typically costs more than general purpose CD-R media (to compensate the artists for duplication of their work), the software may be attempting to stop you from inadvertently using Digital Audio media for a non-audio application.