Tech: CDs vs. CD-Rs

Subject: Tech: CDs vs. CD-Rs
From: Cool Beans
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:56 PM

I'm in post-production, having recorded my first CD. I've had several quotes from companies that can reproduce and package my recording. What are the advantages/disadvantages of CDs vs. CDRs? I'm told that CDRs sometimes don't work on older equipment. What about durability? Sound quality? There's a significant difference in price.
The recording is just my voice and guitar and I'm looking to make only 300 to 500, for friends and family, maybe sell a few.
Thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: Tech: CDs vs. CD-Rs
From: NicoleC
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:05 PM

When they say CD vs. CD-R, are they asking about PRESSING a CD or BURNING a CD?

If they are using a CDR burning process (like mass duplication), it's much less stable and short-lived than pressing, but much cheaper. For your purposes, that is probably fine. But when you buy a commercial CD, it's made with a different process. Details of the different types have been discussed in threads in the past.

Subject: RE: Tech: CDs vs. CD-Rs
From: Cool Beans
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:07 PM

Thanks. They're talking burning, not pressing. Do you know the keywords to find those threads?

Subject: RE: Tech: CDs vs. CD-Rs
From:
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:15 PM

See up above, where it says Lyric & Knowledge Search. I put CD-R in there, and found a number of the threads. Here are three out of them.

Replication vs Duplication

How long do CDRs last?

CD Duplication- Omnidisc

Subject: RE: Tech: CDs vs. CD-Rs
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:43 PM

CD-R's are NOT less stable and "short lived" than pressed CD's.   CD-R's ARE prone to damage from scratches and damage from sunlight, but there is nothing inherent in the medium to make it inferior to a manufactured CD if handled and stored properly. They will last just as long.

CD-RW's - the rewriteable kind - will have problems in some players. CD-R's will play in MOST decks, but as you mentioned some of the early CD players may have problems reading them.

There are several advantages to CD-R's, but it is always the case of "the buyer beware".   As an artist, you are probably saving considerably by pressing CD-R's. Most replicators will not handled "pressed", or manufactured CD's, for runs of under 1000 pieces. If you are honest with your "clients", and replace any that may have issues playing, you should do fine with CD-R's.

One consideration is airplay. SOME radio stations will not accept CD-R's. This is mainly due to the issues with scratches and mishandling that is common at radio stations.

You may wish to shop it around a bit.   Prices vary greatly, and you might find some companies that will do runs of 500 copies for a reasonable price.

Ron