Compact Discs

Ever wonder what's the magic behind CDs and how they are made?  Then here's some insight into the unbelievable world of compact discs including design, use and maintenance.  Simply put, a CD, also known as a compact disc, is a specific type of digital media.  In short, it is a device that can easily be encrypted with data.  

Forged into the top of the plastic lies a spiral track.  A very small layer of aluminum and occasionally gold is used on the surface of the CD to give it a reflective look.  The layer of shiny metal works to reflect the laser being used to either write or read the CD Rom.  Labels are typically screen printed or either offset printed directly.

CD repair kits do a great job of fixing scratches on the clear side of the disc.  You can find them at rock bottom prices with all the contents necessary to clean your CDs and keep them in the best possible shape for optimal use.  A CD repair kit can be used to polish the disc or fill the scratch with a material like the refractive index.  If you happen to get a scratch on the label side of the , you may not be able to repair it.   

Now, there are several different types of CDs.  Some are are to be used for playback.  You can purchase a recordable compact disc to record music or for data file storage.  There are even  recordable CD types that can be erased and reused to record new information.  For optimal performance you may interested in a Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD).  This type of format is designed for high performing audio playback and a heightened level of clarity.

You will need a CD-R to add music to a CD using a CD burner.  To record and erase you will need a CD-RW.  And remember, the kind of CD you choose will also be based on the kind of compact disc player you intend to use.  Because you now have a clear understanding about CDs purchasing the right form to save your music will be a breeze.

And, if you need to convert cassette tapes to CD, the discussion on our homepage can help you on that topic!