Checking CD-R max writing speed.

[Zucarita9000]

Is there an app that would let me see which is the max writing speed of a CD-R? I have two cake-boxes of Verbatim CD-R media. One rated 1-32x and the other at 1-48x. I've a Samsung SW-252B CD-RW drive with JustSpeed, wich basically detects the CD-R media and applies the correct max writing speed in Nero 5.5.

The thing is, the 1-32x media is displayed as 52x!!. I did a test burn, I it wrote at 52x with no problems

Now, the 48x media. Nero displays 32x as the max. writing speed. WTF?!? This media is all messed up. I haven't had a single coaster or burn error of any sort. But I'm abit confused.

I know JustSpeed is working, because I have another bulk spindle of 40x media, and Nero reports the correct max speed.

 

[EeyoreX]

I think it is just a matter of media quality and what the manufacturer is willing to state is the max speed. I have a spindle of 32x media that burns at 48x without issue. Another spindle of 40x that burns at 32x.

\Dan

 

[Mark R]

The only way to find out the rating of a CD-R disc is to look at the packaging or label of the disc.

This information is not available in a 'machine-readable' form. The new high-speed burners will try and write at whatever speed you specifiy. During the burn they check the quality of the recording. If it is too bad, they will switch down to a lower speed until they find one that works.

It's not quite as bad as it sounds though, because the CD-R discs do have machine-readable manufacturer and techincal information built in. Modern drives and burning software come with a database of manufacturers and part-numbers which are cross referenced with rated maximum speed. This means that for old model discs from big manufacturers then drives do know the maximum speed. For new discs or discs from no-name manufacturers then it's down to trial-and-error as above.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Mmm... I see. So you think I should ask for a refound for the 48x media?