How to Buy Recordable CDs

Audio CD-Rs, which are required for most audio recorders, cost more than computer CDs. CD-RW (ReWritable) discs are more expensive than CD-R discs (which can only be "written" once). Some brands of recorders/burners and players have problems reading some brands of recordable discs. Make sure you test a brand carefully before you buy a lot of discs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CD Jewel Cases
• CD-R Discs
• CD-RW Discs

1. 

   Buy CD-R discs for your audio deck unless the manufacturer specifically claims the audio deck will recognize and record CD-RW discs.

2. 

   Buy blank discs that can be used at your drive's fastest speed(s).

3. 

   Only buy computer CD-R discs for your CD-R drive.

4. Buy CD-RW discs for your CD-RW drive to back up your hard drive.

5. Buy CD-R discs for your CD-RW drive for archival use or for permanent recording of music.

6. Compare block error rates (BLER) of different discs to find the highest-quality discs.

7. Buy blank CDs in jewel boxes unless you use another type of protective case.

8. Ask about manufacturer's rebates before buying a quantity of discs; sometimes discs are almost free after rebates.

9. Make sure you test a brand carefully before you buy a lot of discs' some brands of recorders/burners and players have problems reading some brands of recordable discs.

Tips & Warnings

• Blank audio CDs are more expensive because the Recording Industry Association of America gets a royalty from each disc sold. The only difference is encoding.
• As of late 1999, most blank discs worked at 1X, 2X, and 4X player speeds, but couldn't take advantage of the even faster recording speeds new drives allow.
• Check your owner's manual for recommendations of media brands.
• If you experience problems with one brand of discs, try another brand.
• If you experience problems with gold, green, or blue discs, try a different color.
• If you experience problems when using a disc on other playback units, try re-recording at a different speed.
• Before buying a quantity of discs, try individual blank discs to make sure they are compatible with your burner and your playback unit (CD-ROM drive, home or portable CD player, or car deck).
• You can alter an audio CD recorder to get it to use computer media, but doing so might be considered a violation of U.S. law.
• Media sold on spindles may be scratched and unusable.