Re: CD-R Media

["C.Cimino" <ccimino@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Now, I know that media is somewhat of an issue, but not as big as you
> may think. I have a spindle of CMC Magnetics cd-rs here, 100 of them to
> be exact. Basically, they are generic, and cheap. $90 for 100. I've used
> about 65 of them, and haven't had any bad burns with them. What do
> I credit my success to? The fact that I burn in Linux as opposed to
> Windows. Everyone I know who has problems with generic media burns in
> Windows, yet I get no problems with them. Just consider that.

It's good that you are having success with your burns but this is hardly
proof positive that generic media is as reliable as some known brands. Also,
the recent discussions regarding cdr media had to do with media specific
issues and not operating systems or software. Perhaps your system is more
suited for cdr than the others you are comparing to. There are also several
other system factors that could be affecting the buffer (usually the root of
the problem) on those Win o/s systems you are referring to. These would
include processor speed, ram, hard drive space, defragmentation, etc. I do
know that on the few occasions where I have had a "bad" disc it was indeed
due to media (as verified by pro audio software) and not system related
problems... although, I've experienced those, too.

Also, a successful burn does not always mean a "successful" disc. There are
many other factors to consider in the disc itself. For instance, type of
dye, thickness of the layer, reflectivity, compatibility with cd player or
cdrom lenses, light sensitivity, oxidation of the dye, resistance to
scratches, etc., are some of the things to consider when choosing a disc. It
is very possible, and sometimes probable with certain generic brands, that
the disc itself will survive the burn process and be useless in many players
immediately or become unreadable later on. I think there are several people
on this list that can attest to that. I've got a stack of generic discs that
won't play on most of my top notch cdrom or stereo cd players. I've got
others that play fine.

Of course, I'm not saying that all generic media is lousy, nor am I saying
that all name brand media is great. What I am saying is that there are often
several factors that go into a successful burn but no burn can be successful
if your discs have errors or peter out over a short time. Also, I'll be the
first to admit that the Windows o/s is not the most favorable for burns.
You've really got to make sure that all the ducks are in order or you get a
nice coaster. It may be that Linux is better suited for cdr but this doesn't
have anything to do with media. Bad media is bad media on any system,
generic media or otherwise. Sure, I use generic media from time to time.
Mostly on data transfers that will outdate themselves. On audio burns,
however, I stick with the more reputable brands that have a proven
reputation and guarantee of lasting reliability.