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CD Recording FAQ
2. The CD Recorder
2.7. The interface
A cd recorder has to be connected to the computer via an interface. Since computer interfaces were not created equal, each one has its own advantages -and often disadvantages too. Since performance-compatibility issues and price differences are very important, you have to be very careful with its selection.
2.7.1. SCSI
The SCSI interface was the first viable choice and still forms the optimal interface for a cd recorder. It provides excellent speed, is less CPU intensive and relies less on system resources and capabilities. SCSI recorders are easily supported under various platforms and operating systems and enjoy the advantages provided by the superior SCSI interface, including the ability to connect more than one recorder on the same or different SCSI controller and write multiple copies at once.
SCSI advantages don't stop here. A SCSI recorder can often act as a high end cd reader thanks to its interface. Also, if you don't have many spare IRQs, you can use a single IRQ for a SCSI controller and use it to connect not only a cd recorder, but also other hardware devices like scanners, more cd recorders, cd readers, magneto-optical drives and so on.
Installation, provided you know about SCSI IDs and termination, is as simple as plug'n'play.
Finally, a SCSI recorder is safer as a long term investment, since you can easily transfer it to another SCSI enabled system without having to worry about incompatibilities. You can even use a SCSI enclosure to convert an internal unit to an external and portable one.
However, to enjoy all these advantages you need a SCSI controller, which can be an extra expense, though a quality PCI SCSI controller can be found for less than $50.
2.7.2. IDE
IDE recorders are the most affordable, albeit most popular. Since all modern computers come with at least 2 IDE channels or 2 devices each, usually you won't need extra equipment to connect the recorder. Since IDE recorders are the cheaper on the market, the cost is kept at a minimum.
Though the IDE interface is capable of handling hard disks and cd readers, it is not ideal for cd recording. However, with modern powerful computers and improved speeds, many problems of the past have been extinguished, but many problems still exist, especially concerning compatibility problems, problems when copying from an IDE cd reader on the fly and problems with CPU utilization.
2.7.3. USB
Using the USB interface means that you can connect an external recorder to any computer with USB support using a simple plug and without even having to turn off the computer.
This is the basic idea behind USB recorders, however there are two serious problems. The first has to do with sped, since USB recorders can't achieve high speeds due to limitations of the interface. The second problem has to do with installation, since not all operating systems support USB, and even under Windows installation can be troublesome.
2.7.4. FireWire
An import from the Mac world, the FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface enjoys many advantages, including a a speed capability of up to 400Mb/sec, a simple plug and instant connectivity, all these using a simple 4-wire copper connection. On the negative side, FireWire controllers can add a significant cost and not all operating systems support FireWire.
The main strength of FireWire is that it is ideal for multimedia applications, because it is an isochronous interface which delivers a steady data flow. FireWire shares many of SCSI virtues.
2.7.5. Parallel Port
Since all computers have a parallel port, there was an age when parallel port recorders were quite popular as an easy to connect external device. Low speed and troublesome operation are the most serious drawbacks.
2.7.6. PCMCIA
Intended for notebooks, PCMCIA devices are usually slim and light with
low power consumption, so they can be easily transported, and come at
often very expensive prices.