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How to Buy Recordable CDs

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)
Buy Recordable CDs
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. Step 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. Step 2

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

  3. Step 3

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

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 5

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

  6. Step 6

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

  7. Step 7

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

  8. Step 8

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

  9. Step 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.

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