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Back to IndexCD-R Faqs

In response to many questions we have been asked by our customers, we have created a Beginners Guide to CD-Rs in a Frequently Asked Questions format.

If you have a question, please contact us on: faqs@hereandnowdistribution.co.uk

1:0 What is a CD-R & CD-RW?

1:1 Can I record onto my music CDs?

1:2 What is the capacity of a CD-R?

1:3 Can I record onto a CD-R just like I have been recording onto a Floppy Disk?

1:4 I've heard the term 'burning a disc'. What does this mean?

1:5 You sell many different types of CD-R 80s. Which one should I buy?

1:6 What is the difference between Inkjet & Thermal Printable CD-Rs

1:7 Do I need a specially designed Inkjet printer in order to print CD-Rs?

1:8 I bought a pack of unbranded CD-Rs from you. How do I tell which side is which?

1:9 How do I clean my discs?

1:10 How long does it take to burn a disc?

1:0 What is a CD-R & CD-RW?

A CD-R is a Compact Disc which is Recordable, hence CD-R. The discs are also known as WORM media which stands for Write Once, Read Multiple. A CD-RW is a Compact Disc which is ReWritable. This disc allows you to erase the data you have previously recorded (written) and then re-record (re-write). However, CD-R writers cannot write eraseable CD-RWs unless they are designed to do so.

1:1 Can I record onto my music CDs?

No. The CDs you buy from a music store are pressed from a mould. CD-Rs are burned with a laser.

1:2 What is the capacity of a CD-R?

A CD-R is generally stated as 80 minutes / 700MB (there are other capacites).This means you can achieve 80 minutes of audio recording or 700 Mega Bytes of data. Compare this to a standard Floppy Disk, which can hold 1.44MB, you can see the advantages of a CD-R.

 1:3 Can I record onto a CD-R just like I have been recording onto a Floppy Disk?

Yes and no. Unlike a floppy disk, when the CD-R is full you cannot re-write any data. However, this is where a CD-RW comes in. You can erase and re-write with this type of disc but your Drive must be able to support CD-RWs.

1:4 I've heard the term 'burning a disc'. What does this mean?

A laser within your cd-r drive burns the information onto the disc.

1:5 You sell many different types of CD-Rs. Which one should I buy?

It all depends on what you are using the media for. For general data, photographs & back-ups Verbatim, TDK, Prodisc & Intenso are all suitable. Verbatim & TDK are supplied with a Jewel Case whereas Prodisc & Intenso are supplied bulk wrapped & unbranded which means the discs are shrink wrapped & without a case. Unbranded means there are no markings on the disc eg. manufacturers name etc.

If you are making a presentation, try the coloured discs. They make an instant impact.

1:6 What is the difference between Inkjet & Thermal Printable CD-Rs?

The surface. Inkjet printable discs have a special coating which is suitable only for inkjet printers. As a general guide, if the disc has a shiny surface then it can be used for thermal printing. You cannot use an Inkjet printable disc in a thermal printer & vice-versa.

1:7 Do I need a specially designed Inkjet printer in order to print CD-Rs?

Yes. Even though the Inkjet technology is the same as your paper printer, you need a printer which has a Caddie. A Caddie will hold the disc in place as it passes through the printer.

1:8 I bought a pack of unbranded CD-Rs from you. How do I tell which side is which?

Run your finger over the disc at the hub. The top surface is smooth whereas the read/write side has a ridge.

1:9 How do I clean my discs?

Use a dry, clean,soft, lint-free cloth. It is not reccommended to use any alcohol based cleaning agent. Wipe from the centre out.

1:10 How long does it take to burn a disc?

It will depend on your how much data you are going to burn & how fast your drive is. Burning 700MB of data at 1x will take approx 80 minutes, at 2x 40 minutes, 4x 20 minutes & so on.