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Frequently Asked Questions

KODAK CD-RW Media

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were last updated on 11 March, 2002.

1. What is CD-RW?
   CD-RW media is rewritable (RW). You can write to CD-RW discs more than once if you have a CD-RW recorder and a CD-RW-compatible authoring software package. The disc space of deleted files is reused (if the disc was written in UDF format using packet writing) and the disc can be erased.

   NOTE: CD-R discs can only be written to once.
   
   

2. What makes it possible to rewrite CD-RW media?
   Instead of using dye to record the marks made by the writer's laser during writing, CD-RW media uses a metallic phase change layer that can be restored to its original condition after writing, and this allows rewriting.
   
   
3. Is KODAK CD-RW media KODAK Ultima media?
   No, KODAK CD-RW media is not Ultima media and it does not have the KODAK INFOGUARD Protection System. CD-RW media is typically used for short-term storage of information, such as monthly back-ups, so the additional protection applied to CD-R media is not so critical for CD-RW media, considering its role.

   Additionally, CD-RW media, because it is fabricated from layers of vacuum-deposited materials, is not as sensitive to mishandling as dye-coated CD-R discs.
   
   

4. Is KODAK CD-RW media preformatted?
   No. This media must be formatted if packet writing (UDF format) is desired. Authoring software that supports packet writing will also format the disc. Formatting will account for some portion of the disc's capacity. Therefore, for a 74 minute disc, a full 650MB will not be available for data storage. In fact it is normal for formatting to take 100-200MB of disc capacity.
   
   
5. Does KODAK CD-RW media have to be formatted before I use it?
   No, if your authoring software supports the ISO format (and not the UDF format), the discs do not have to be formatted before you write to them.
   
   
6. What recording speeds can I use with KODAK CD-RW media?
   You can record KODAK CD-RW media at 1X to 4X to create titles that comply with CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, and CD-I standards.

   CD-RW media comes in two types:

   • Standard speed
     Records from 1X to 4X and can be used on standard speed CD-RW drives. Newer, high-speed CD-RW drives should support 1X-4X CD-RW media, however you will be limited to 4X recording speed. NOTE: There may be compatibility issues when high-speed writers try to write to standard speed CD-RW media.
   • High speed
     Records at 4X-10X. This media is only compatible with high speed CD-RW drives, The official industry specification for high speed CD-RW media requires that it be incompatible with all low speed CD-RW drives.
   
   
   
7. What is the capacity of KODAK CD-RW media?
   The capacity of KODAK CD-RW media is 650 MB / 74 minutes.

   Note: When writing CDs in the ISO format, some amount of capacity is used for formatting the disc.
   
   

8. Does Kodak offer 4X-10X CD-RW media?
   No, Kodak does not offer high-speed CD-RW media.
   
   
9. Does Kodak offer a CD-RW Digital Audio product?
   No, Kodak does not offer CD-RW discs coded specifically for the digital audio application.
   
   
10. How many times can you rewrite KODAK CD-RW media?
    It is our understanding that the behavior of CD-RW media is that it degrades very little up to a point (~1000 rewrites) and then very rapidly after that. If you would like to be very cautious about your data, you may want to limit your use to 500 rewrite cycles
    
    
11. Do you need anything special to use KODAK CD-RW media?
    Yes, you need an Orange Book compatible CD-RW drive or a MULTIREAD drive.

    You can read CD-RW media using a CD-RW drive or a MULTIREAD drive.

    There are two types of CD-RW authoring software:

    • Software that supports the UDF format, such as Direct CD Software*.
      If a disc is written in the UDF format, sector headers are written prior to data (the disc is formatted). This allows individual files to be deleted and their space reused.
    • Software that supports the ISO format, such as Easy CD Creator Software*.
      If a disc is written in the ISO format, the disc is not formatted with sector headers. Therefore, in order to reuse space on the disc, you must erase the entire disc. You can delete individual files, but their space will not be rewritten until the entire disc is erased.

    * Kodak provides these names as examples, it does not endorse these products.

    NOTE: All CD-RW authoring software is not compatible with all operating systems. Check the software manufacturer's web site for compatibility information.
    
    

12. What reflective layer is used for KODAK CD-RW media?
    Silver is used as the reflective layer. KODAK CD-RW media does not use the KODAK CD-R Ultima added-gold reflective layer.
    
    
13. How long will data last on KODAK CD-RW media?
    At this time, Kodak does not make a lifetime or archival claim regarding its CD-RW media, but many manufacturers of CD-RW media are specifying at least 30 years.
    
    
14. What is the warranty on KODAK CD-RW media?
    The media will be replaced if it is found to be defective.
    
    
15. Can CD-RW drives (writers) write CD-R media?
    Yes, CD-RW writers can write to CD-R media and to CD-RW media.
    
    
16. Can a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive read KODAK CD-RW media?
    Only MULTIREAD CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives can read CD-RW media. Standard CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives cannot read the low-reflectance media used in CD-RW discs.
    
    
17. What is a MULTIREAD drive?
    MULTIREAD is a compatibility standard. Because CD-RW media reflects less laser light than CD-R or DVD-R media does, MULTIREAD drives must be able to adapt to different reflectivities in a standard way. MULTIREAD drives must also be able to interact with their host computer systems in a standard way. This standard ensures that CD MULTIREAD drives support CD Audio, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW media. The same can be said for DVD MULTIREAD drives.
    
    
18. Can I play my KODAK CD-RW discs in my CD player?
    Yes, you can. However, there are some CD players that are not compatible with CD-RW media because of its lower reflectivity. Check your player's user guide for compatibility with CD-RW media.
    
    
19. Can I play CD-ROMs on my CD-RW drive?
    Yes.