What Is a CD?

The abbreviation, "CD," stands for, compact disc. CDs are becoming popular for storing information and playing music. CDs hold more storage and are easier to use than their counter part the cassette tape. CDs are simple to use, and can be purchased in bulk for affordable pricing. Continue reading to learn more about the uses of CDs and where you can purchase them.

History

CDs have been available for purchase since 1982. Sony and Phillips were the engineers who came together to develop the product. Phillips created most of the design of the CD as Sony had already been using digital recording 10 years prior to it's release to the market. On October 1, 1982, Sony released the first CD player. Billy Joel's album, 52nd Street, was the first commercially recorded CD in the world. In 1983, Sony and Phillip came together to create the, "Yellow Book CD-ROM Standard," which was used for storing data only.

Identification

A CD or compact disc is made of 1.2 mm of pure polycarbonate plastic. It weights about 16 grams, consists of a thin layer of aluminum and is protected by a film of lacquer. On top of the lacquer surface is usually the label which is either created by offset or screen-printing.

Size

A compact disc is somewhere between 650 to 703 MB (megabites) in size and can hold about 80 minutes of music. A mini CD holds about 210 megabites and lasts 24 minutes.

Types

There are a few types of CDs that are available on the market. There are CD-RW which are re-writable and CD-R which can-not be rewritten. Computer users also may purchase CDs to store data on. CDs are also popular for recording and playing music as well. Individuals who own a "CD burner" can create their own music CDs by saving or "burning" their music choices onto a CD, making it playable on personal computers and CD players.

Benefits

CDs are beneficial for storage because they can hold large amounts of data for a long period of time. With proper care and storage, CDs can store your favorite photos, documents, and even household documents such as taxes, checking statements, wills, and insurance statements for years. By keeping a CD free of scratches and dust, you can listen to your favorite oldies just as if they were released yesterday. Blank CDs can be purchased at retailers such as Wal-Mart or electronic stores like Best Buy. CDs can also be purchased online too.

Resources

• The History of the CD
• Buy CD-R and CD-W's