| You wouldn't believe how many times I run | | | | difference in quality or what types of |
| across this question. Is there a difference | | | | information can be stored on the disk? |
| between music CD-Rs and traditional data | | | | |
| CD-Rs? I think what people really want to | | | | Not really. Both audio and data can be |
| know is if I buy a data CDR can I still put | | | | duplicated onto both music and data CD-Rs. |
| audio on it and vice versa. Well, hopefully | | | | I'll say it again. Audio and data can be |
| this article will shed some light on the | | | | burned onto music and data CD-Rs. However, |
| confusion and give you some insight into | | | | whether or not you can get data onto a music |
| which type of blank media best suits your | | | | CD-R depends on what type of hardware is used |
| needs. | | | | to burn the blank CD. |
| | | | |
| The simple answer to this question is yes. | | | | If you are using a PC to do all of your |
| There are differences between music and data | | | | burning, then it doesn't matter. PCs do not |
| CD-Rs. However there is a big neon green | | | | differentiate between music CD-Rs and data |
| flashing asterisk next to the yes that | | | | CD-Rs. They simply see a blank media and |
| indicates to the informed consumer, that no | | | | duplicate information on to it pertaining to |
| there is not a difference. Let me explain. | | | | the settings you have outlined in the |
| | | | software you are using to burn the CD. |
| Depending on where you gather your | | | | |
| information, there are some articles that | | | | However, if you are using a separate home CD |
| indicate minor differences between data and | | | | burner, it may or may not allow you to burn |
| music CD-Rs. For starters, there is the name | | | | data/music onto a generic blank data/music |
| difference, but that's obvious. There have | | | | CDR. Proprietors are funny like that. They |
| also been rumors that the recording industry | | | | really only want you to use blank media with |
| receives a very small percentage of each sale | | | | brand names that they have approved of. |
| of blank music CD-Rs. However, that rumor has | | | | |
| yet to be verified to my knowledge. | | | | So my advice is if you are doing most of your |
| | | | CD duplication on the computer, it doesn't |
| What is known is that there are technical | | | | matter which type of blank CDR you use. They |
| differences in what is embedded in blank | | | | both will work fine in most cases for storing |
| music CDs in comparison to blank data CDs. | | | | audio and data. However, if you are using a |
| These embedded differences center upon bytes | | | | CD writer outside of your computer for you |
| within the sub channels of the actual blank | | | | burning needs, check the manual and see what |
| music disc. But does that really make a | | | | they recommend. |