Take Pictures Further
Service and Support Banner
Service & Support Main | Frequently Asked Questions Main

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information on KODAK CD-R Media

Contents

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were last updated 28 March, 2002

Capacity

  1. How much data can I store on a 74 minute CD-R?
    Although the stated capacity of a 74-minute CD-R is 650 MB, keep in mind that the exact amount of information that can be stored on any disc depends on the mode of recording, the length of individual files, and the number of tracks recorded, etc. The overhead associated with these variables uses up some of the available capacity. The official capacity of a CD-R disc is determined by its Maximum Start of Lead Out (MSLO) time. The MSLO of a Kodak 74 minute disc is 74 minutes, 5 seconds and 1 frame.

  2. How much data can I store on an 80-minute CD-R?
    You can store 700 MB of data on an 80-minute CD-R. However, keep in mind that the exact amount of information that can be stored on any disc depends on the mode of recording, the length of individual files, and the number of tracks recorded, etc. The overhead associated with these variables uses up some of the available capacity. The following calculation may be useful:
    • In a standard (Mode 1) CD-ROM, there are 2048 bytes of user data per sector.
    • There are 75 sectors per second.
    • There are 60 seconds per minute.
    • There are 80 minutes per disc.
      This equates to 737,280,000 bytes of user data per disc. If you define a megabyte as one million bytes, then there are 737.28 MB of storage per disc. If you define a megabyte as 1,048,576 bytes (1024*1024), then there are 703.125 MB of storage per disc.


  3. How is the additional capacity achieved between KODAK 74-minute (650 MB) media and 80-minute (700 MB) media?
    The 6% increase in capacity is obtained by decreasing the track pitch by 6%, from 1.6 um to 1.5 um. 80-minute media was always allowed in the Orange Book specification, as was the reduced track pitch. CD-R media with record times longer than 80 minutes are not compliant with industry standards for CD-R media.

  4. Are there any compatibility issues when using 80-minute media instead of 74-minute media?
    As long as you are running the most up-to-date firmware in your writer, there should be no issues at all. If you have an older drive, and you have verified that you are running the most up-to-date firmware, contact your drive manufacturer or visit their Web site to determine whether they are working on firmware that enables 80-minute recording.

  5. Does Kodak 80-minute media cost more than the 74-minute media?
    80-minute media is priced at industry-competitive prices, similar to the pricing of 74-minute media.

  6. Can you get CD-R's with greater than 80 minutes capacity? Does Kodak make them?
    The maximum capacity CD-R media Kodak produced conforms to the maximum capacity allowed by the official specification: 80 minutes. The Maximum Start of Lead Out (MSLO) of a KODAK CD-R Ultima 80-minute disc is 79 minutes, 59 seconds, 74 frames (364,499 sectors). The grooves on KODAK CD-R Ultima 80 media end at 83 minutes, 13 seconds. How much of the disc you can use beyond the nameplate 80-minute capacity depends on your system and your application. Kodak doesn't warrant anything beyond 80 minutes.

    You will find good responses to your first questions here:



General Product Information

  1. How do I know what my writer's most recent firmware version is?
    Visit your writer manufacturer's website or you can check at http://www.ahead.de/en/firmware.htm.

  2. How do I know what version of firmware is running on a writer?
    You can find the firmware version for your writer by accessing the writer's properties through the Control Panel.

    Your computer may have a slightly different procedure, depending on the MACINTOSH or Personal Computer you have. This is a generic procedure, to be used as a guide to finding firmware versions.

    1. Click to open My Computer > Control Panel > System.
    2. Select the Device Manager tab.
    3. Double-click CDROM.
    4. Highlight the CD writer and right-click.
    5. Select Properties.
    6. Select the Settings tab.
      The firmware version is listed here.


  3. Does Kodak make a CD-R disc with a three-inch form factor? What about the "business card" style CD-R?
    No, Kodak offers only 120 mm. (diameter) CD-R media.

    Media is available from other sources in an 80 mm. diameter circular format and a variety of custom shapes. An Internet search will provide numerous sources.

    NOTE: Some high speed recorders will not accept these smaller CD-R formats, or will restrict recording to very low speeds because of the lower mass of the disc. They do so because the drive spin motor control circuits are designed for operation with a 120 mm. disc; the lower mass discs cause spin speed control problems at higher data rates.

  4. Do X-rays in airport scanning units affect Kodak CD-R's?
    No, CD-R media is insensitive to X-ray radiation.

    CD-R recording is heat driven. The use of a laser for recording allows high power to be delivered to a very small spot. The dye in the recording layer converts the laser light to heat which actually causes the recording to occur. In contrast, the energy in X-ray systems is quite diffuse and causes no significant heating to occur.

  5. What is the difference between the human readable code and the bar code on an Ultima CD-R?
    A unique 12-digit human-readable code is printed on each KODAK CD-R Ultima disc. On discs with bar code, this number is laser-scribed onto the disc in a bar code format so that the number is machine-readable as well. It uses an interleaved 2 of 5 type form barcode. The PCD series CD-R recorders sold by Kodak are capable of reading this barcode. This product line has been discontinued.

  6. What kind of data can I store on CD-R media?
    You can record audio, text, images, graphics and drawings on CD-R media.

  7. Can I erase data written on CD-R media?
    Once recorded on a CD-R disc, data cannot be erased.

  8. What is the difference between the No Brand CD-R media and KODAK's Ultima CD-R media?
    KODAK Ultima media features the INFOGUARD Protection System, which includes one of the most stable dye layers available and a super-tough overcoat to help protect the surface of the KODAK CD-R discs from scratches and fingerprints. The reflective layer of every disc contains real gold to provide superior stability. Kodak has run many accelerated incubation tests on CD-R media from a variety of suppliers (including a number of no brands) that confirm that no other media surpasses KODAK CD-R Ultima media for stability.

    KODAK Ultima media's design meets all Compact Disc specifications. Interchange testing involving dozens of varieties of CD recorders and players assured that KODAK CD-R media has the highest level of interchange possible.

    These test results show that you can't get the same reliability and longevity from no-brand media.

  9. Where can I get catalog numbers for KODAK Ultima CD-R, KODAK Digital Audio Gold, and KODAK CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RAM products?
    Please call the Kodak Digital Imaging Support Center at 1-800-235-6325 and a customer support representative will assist you.

  10. What is the "Orange Book"?
    The 'Orange Book' is the common name for the industry specification document for CD-R media issued by Sony and Philips. Its complete title is "Compact Disc Recordable System Description". In its 100 or so pages all the requirements for CD-R media are spelled out. Only media that meet these requirements should bear the 'CD Recordable' logo. All KODAK CD-R Ultima media is compatible with this specification.

  11. What does INFOGUARD mean?
    INFOGUARD represents a set of features unique to KODAK CD-R media including one of the most stable dye layers available today, and a super-tough durability overcoat to help protect the surface of the media from scratches and fingerprints. In addition, the silver-gold alloy in the reflective layer of KODAK'S CD-R Ultima media provides enhanced stability compared to media that has a reflective layer of pure silver. In a Kodak non-printable product, the InfoGuard Protection System is comprised of a single durability enhancement layer. In the printable products, the InfoGuard Protection System is comprised of two layers: a durability enhancement layer and, coated on top, the printable layer.

  12. What does Ultima mean?
    KODAK Ultima products are those that have a silver-gold alloy as the reflective layer. This silver-gold alloy provides enhanced stability compared to media that has a reflective layer of pure silver.

  13. What does 'KSP' mean?
    KODAK KSP (KODAK Screen Print) products are screen printed with the Kodak logo, the name of the media and lines for the user to write information on.

  14. What does 'NSP' mean?
    NSP (No Screen Print) describes KODAK products that are not screen printed with the Kodak logo, etc.

  15. Is the gold color of your media due to the presence of actual, metallic gold (Au)?
    The reflective layer of every KODAK CD-R disc contains real, elemental gold. In our KODAK CD-R Gold Ultima products and our KODAK CD-R Digital Audio Gold product, the reflective layer is pure gold, 24 karat. These products look gold because the reflective layer is gold.

    In KODAK CD-R Ultima products, the reflective layer is a gold/silver alloy. This alloy, by itself, is silver-colored.

    Retail KODAK CD-R Ultima products look light gold because the durability overcoat used on them contains a gold tint. This durability overcoat does not contain real gold. However, the discs appear gold because of it.

    Commercial KODAK CD-R Ultima products look silver because the durability overcoat used on them is clear (transparent). The discs look silver because the gold/silver alloy used as the reflective layer is silver-colored.

  16. How thick is each layer on a CD-R?
    The reflective layer is typically between 50 and 100 nanometers thick. The same is true for the dye-recording layer. The lacquer protective layer applied to all CD-R media is significantly thicker, usually in the range of 3 to 10 micrometers. Many CD-R manufacturers, including Kodak, apply an additional protective layer to improve resistance to handling damage or to allow thermal or inkjet printing. This layer can be 5 - 20 micrometers thick. For more information abut CD-R construction, see:

  17. If metallic gold is used, approximately how much is coated on each disc?
    The reflective layer on a CD-R disc is pretty thin, on the order of 100 nanometers. That's thinner than a wavelength of light. If you laid 10,000 of these layers on top of each other, you'd have less than a millimeter thick layer of gold (for our KODAK CD-R Gold Ultima products). The amount of gold in a Gold Ultima disc reflective layer is approximately 75 nm*100cm^2*19.3g/cc=14mg. In KODAK CD-R Ultima products, the reflective layer is a gold/silver alloy with a gold content of approximately 5%. Therefore, the amount of gold in an Ultima disc is <1 mg.

  18. How is the metal, gold or not, coated onto the media?
    Both the gold and the gold/silver alloy are applied using a vacuum vapor deposition process referred to as sputtering.

  19. What dye is used on KODAK CD-R media?
    Kodak uses their version of phthalocyanine dye in all their general purpose and hybrid media. Kodak uses a metal-stabilized cyanine dye in their audio media to enhance low-speed recording performance.

  20. Do KODAK CD-R Gold Ultima and KODAK CD-R Ultima media use the same dye?
    A phthalocyanine dye is used in all KODAK general purpose and hybrid media.

  21. Are the materials used to manufacture CD-Rs hazardous? Are they recycled?
    Kodak is very concerned about the environment and about the impact our products have on it. Our CD-R discs are manufactured under strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact. There is very little waste generated in CD-R manufacture as most materials are recycled and reclaimed. A CD-R disc is not considered a hazardous waste; by far the largest component is the substrate, which is made from polycarbonate, a rather universal material. Any Gold Ultima product that is returned from distribution channels to Kodak in Rochester is sent out for gold reclamation. Other products that are returned through distribution channels are sold at low cost for use as fuel.

  22. Does Kodak sell its rejected CDs?
    Kodak does not sell its 'rejected' CDs. Kodak prefers to keep rejected CD media out of any type of circulation.

  23. What is the warranty on your CD-R products?
    Kodak offers a lifetime warranty on its INFOGUARD products. If any disc is found to be defective in manufacture or packaging, it will be replaced.

  24. What is the declared Block Error Rate (BLER) for KODAK CD-R media?
    BLER is not just a media property. BLER depends on the speed and condition of the recorder and on the test system used to measure it. For this reason, Kodak does not quote a BLER specification for its media. Kodak bench marked its CD-R media against the major industry brands on multiple occasions. These studies were conducted using the same recording conditions and test equipment for each brand. In these tests, the BLER of Kodak media ranked among the leaders.

  25. Does each CD-R disc have a unique serial number that could be used with programming to prevent duplication?
    Conventional CD-R discs do not have unique serial numbers recorded on them. Some discs have unique identification numbers printed on them and/or barcoded on them. However, a standard reader or recorder cannot read these numbers and so they are not useful for copy protection.

Packaging

  1. What packaging options are available for bulk media?
    Kodak commercial bulk packaging configuration consists of 100 discs stacked with a blank substrate at each end, shrink-wrapped. This configuration allows easy loading of writer system spindle feeds. Case quantity is 4x100.

    Kodak retail bulk packaging configurations consists of 25, 50, or 100 discs stacked on a spindle with endcaps, shrink-wrapped. Case quantities are 12x25, 6x50, 4x100.

  2. Are individual bulk units (i.e., 1x25 or 1x100 pack) shippable?
    Although cases are shippable, individual bulk units are not shippable. If cases are broken up into individual units, they must be carefully and thoroughly overpacked to prevent damage during shipment. Kodak only warrants media shipped in its original cases, packaging and case quantities.

  3. Does Kodak recycle or reuse beehives (50 count bulk containers)?
    No, Kodak has no program in place to accept back and recycle or reuse CD-R beehives.

    The beehive bases, covers and nuts all have the universal recycling code/icon of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) molded onto them. This material is widely accepted in city/town recycling programs.

Recording Speed

  1. What does 'recording speed' mean?
    Recording speed is used to calculate how long it will take to write your data. For example, it takes 74 minutes to write 650 MB of data at a 1x recording speed. But, if the recording speed of your drive is 12x, you can write 650 MB of data in about 6 minutes. If you have half the data, it will finish in (about) half the time. You have to add a minute or two to 'finalize' your disc as well.

  2. What recording speeds is your media compatible with?
    You can currently record at speeds of 1X to12X to create discs that comply with the following standards: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA and CD-I. Kodak most recently released CD-R Ultima 80 product that is 24X compatible.

  3. Was KODAK CD-R Ultima media certified for 12X recording?
    Yes, when writer manufacturers develop higher speed drives, Kodak sends media to them for certification. The following web sites illustrate Kodak's 12X certification by a few major writer manufacturers for your reference.

  4. Why does some of the older KODAK CD-R Ultima media packaging state the media only compatible with 1X to 8X recording?
    Kodak made no changes to its media to make it 12X compatible.

    Before 12X writers were developed, the packaging reflected our media's compatibility with all recording speeds available at the time.

    Kodak chose to deplete its supply of 1X-8X packaging before printing new packaging even after being certified as 12X compatible.

  5. Can I record KODAK CD-R Ultima 80 at 24X?
    The manufacturing plants began producing 24X-compatible KODAK Ultima 80 media during the latter part of 2001. Because there was a significant quantity of 1X-12X packaging materials in inventory, the new 24X media was shipped out labeled as 12X. Eventually, the old packaging materials were used up and new, 24X-marked packaging was used.

    If you own some KODAK Ultima 80 media in 12X packaging, you can run a program like CDR Identifier to read the ATIP code molded into each blank CD-R. The distinguishing feature between Kodak's 12X and 24X-compatible media is the ATIP start-of-lead-in. Kodak's 1X-12X media had a start-of-lead-in code of 97m27s45f. Kodak's 1X-24X media has a start-of-lead-in code of 97m27s46f. The final and most recent version of CDR Identifier can be downloaded as freeware from: http://www.gum.de/it/download

    * Kodak makes no representation with respect to the freedom to use this product with inkjet printers in the U.S.A.

Kodak and InfoGuard are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

Frequently Asked Questions provide information of limited or specific application. Responsibility for judging the applicability of the information for a specific use rests with the end user.

FAQ1630