1 − Introduction
TASCAM CD-RW901 7
In this manual, we use the term “recordable” disc to
describe a CD-R or CD-RW disc that has not been
finalized, i.e. further recording is possible on the disc.
“Recordable” discs
About CD-R and CD-RW discs
CD-R discs can be recorded once only. Once they
have been used for recording, they cannot be erased or
re-recorded. However, if space is available on the disc,
additional material can be recorded. The pack-aging of
CD-R discs will include one of the following logos:
By contrast, a CD-RW disc can be used in much the
same way as a CD-R disc, but the last track or tracks
recorded can be erased before the disc has been “final-
ized”, and the space on the disc can be re- used for
other recordings. The packaging of CD-RW discs will
include the logo one of the following logos:
High Speed
However, you should note that an audio CD created
using a CD-RW901 disc may not play back satisfactori-
ly on every audio CD player. It will, naturally, be play-
able on the CD-RW901. This is in no way a limitation
of the CD-RW901 itself, but of the difference between
the different types of media and the methods used to
read them.
There are precautions that you should take when han-
dling CD-R and CD-RW discs.
Avoid touching the recording (non-label) side of a
disc on which you will be recording. Recording on
a disc requires a cleaner surface than playing back,
and fingerprints, grease, etc. can cause errors in the
recording process.
•
CD-R and CD-RW discs are sensitive to the effects
of heat and ultraviolet rays. It is important that they
are not stored in a location where direct sunlight will
fall on them, and which is away from sources of heat
such as radiators or heat-generating electrical devic-
es.
Always store CD-R and CD-RW discs in their cases
to avoid dirt and dust accumulating on their surfaces.
When labeling CD-R and CD-RW discs, always use
a soft oil-based felt-tipped pen to write the informa-
tion. Never use a ball-point or hard-tipped pen, as
this may cause damage to the recorded side.
Always keep the recording sides of the discs away
from grime and dust to avoid a reduction in sound
quality. To clean a disc, wipe gently with a soft dry
cloth from the center towards the outside edge. Do
not use thinner, gasoline, benzene or LP cleaning
fluid, as these will damage the disc and cause the
disc unplayable.
Do not put labels or protective sheets on the discs
and do not use any protective coating spray.
If you are in any doubt as to the care and handling of
a CD-R and CD-RW discs, read the precautions sup-
plied with the disc, or contact the disc manufacturer
directly.
•
•
•
•
•
•
About finalizing
Although audio data may be written on a CD-R or
CD-RW disc, a standard CD player will not be able
to read the data (i.e. play back the audio) until a final
*TOC has been written at the start of the disc.
*TOC:Table of contents
Information of recorded data, which contains titles, starting
and ending addresses, and etc..
The process of writing this table of contents is known
as “finalizing”. Once this has been done, no further
data can be written to the disc. See “Finalizing” on
page 31 for details. In the case of a CD-RW disc which
has been finalized, the whole of the disc may be erased,
or the disc may be “refreshed”, and the disc re-used.
In addition, a CD-RW disc that has been finalized may
be “unfinalized”, i.e. only the TOC is removed. This
allows further tracks to be recorded to the disc, provid-
ed that there is space on the disc.