what is the purpose of SubChannel reading?

[Aubie]

I've read that the new plextor and tdk cd-rw's don't support SubChannel reading. Why is this important, what is SubChannel data used for and should I try to find a cd-rw that does support SubChannel reading?

 

[Erasmus-X]

Subchannel data is the term given to the auxiliary data found primarily on multisession discs, which can be redbook audio, CD text, karaoke data, etc. The ability to read subchannel data is important in programs like CloneCD, where you're striving to make perfect CD copies.

For example, my Teac CD-R56S CD-R only works in SAO-RAW (session-at-once). One of the limitations of SAO is that not all subchannel data can be written. That is why you always want to look for a burner that can write in DAO-RAW (disc-at-once) if you plan on using CloneCD.

 

[Doomguy]

Aubie: Most of the people on this forum are clueless about the TDK and Plextor Subchannel reading issue. I did alot of research on it last night.

The problem affects certain revisions of plextor and tdk drives. The TLA number on the top of the drive is the revision/batch number. Revision #0000 work fine with SubChannel data/audio. Revision #101's are pretty horrible with Data/Audio SubChannels. Most of these drives will not work properly with it. Revision's #0202 and #0204 are much better. There's a 15% chance revision #202 and #204 drives will not be able to read subchannels though. The newest revision seems to be #0305 so far they seem better than the #0202's and #204's.

Of course this plextor biased forum never made any mention of this problem. I'm going to get the TDK 12x drive based on the plextor. Cheaper, cooler looking faceplate, and comes with more stuff in the box. Good luck.

 

[Noriaki]

<< plextor biased forum >>

/me hands Doomguy his spare flame-retardant suit.
You should watch what you say bad mouthing plextor like that...I think you are the only other person I've seen on the forums that don't think Plextor is the best damn thing since the PC was invented...
/me dons his own flame retardant suit.