OSTA Publishes Understanding CD-R and CD-RW White Paper

The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) announced it has published a new 50-page white paper entitled “Understanding CD-R and CD-RW,” authored by Hugh Bennett.

For more information visit: www.osta.org


Unedited press release follows:

OPTICAL STORAGE TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION PUBLISHES “UNDERSTANDING CD-R AND CD-RW”

Complete, practical reference to recordable compact disc technology available free at www.osta.org

CUPERTINO, Calif., June 16, 2003 – The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) announced publication of a comprehensive reference guide, “Understanding CD-R and CD-RW,” on its website. The 50-page white paper seeks to answer basic questions about CD-R and CD-RW product technology in an understandable and accessible way.

This reference guide to recordable compact disc technology is a completely updated replacement for OSTA’s original “CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable Questions and Answers,” which has been a popular reference tool since it was first published in July 1997 and has typically received up to 10,000 visitors per month.

“Understanding CD-R and CD-RW is the first of several new guides commissioned by OSTA to further understanding and awareness of recordable optical disc technology,” said David Bunzel, president of OSTA. “A companion reference, ‘Understanding DVD-Recordable’ is in development, and is scheduled to be available later this year.”

The new guide covers a wide range of both basic and technical information about recordable compact disc technology. Highlights include an overview of recording hardware and software, recording speed, disc size and capacity, as well as information on recording audio and digital pictures on CD. Physical, logical and file system standards are also reviewed, along with physical compatibility. Additional chapters cover duplication, replication and publishing, disc labeling, disc handling, storage and disposal, longevity, testing and verification, and disc construction and manufacturing.

A practical and useful Appendix includes suggested further reading and resources, and provides links to storage industry periodicals, tradeshows, industry associations, and manufacturers by product category. The guide is available online at no charge, at www.osta.org.

About the Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA)
The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) was incorporated as an international trade association in 1992 to promote the use of recordable optical technologies and products. The organization’s membership includes optical product manufacturers and resellers from three continents, representing more than 85 percent of worldwide writable optical product shipments. They work to shape the future of the industry through regular meetings of DVD Compatibility, Commercial Storage Applications (CSA), Marketing, MultiRead, Planning and UDF committees. Interested companies worldwide are invited to join the organization and participate in its programs by contacting an OSTA representative at +1 (408) 253-3695, by fax +1 (408) 253-9938 or by addressing its Web site at www.osta.org.