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CD Recording FAQ
2. The CD Recorder
2.12. The software
A cd recorder connected to a computer acts like another reader. In order to use it to record data, the right software is needed. The software can be as important as the recorder itself.
CDR software takes data and transforms it into a form ready to be transferred on CD. To take advantage of all the features supported by your recorder, you need software supporting these features. For example, you can use CD-Text only if your recorder supports this feature and also your software allows you to add CD-Text information.
Apart from range of features, other factors are equally important. Stability is one of them, not to mention ease of use and the user interface.
Since cdr software needs to take control of a part of your machine during the recording process, it often needs to install system files which may cause problems to other programs, resulting in abnormal operation. Some programs will even include such dangerous drivers on purpose, so that you can't use other cdr software. Also, some cdr programs may function properly till you install a new update. So, though updating cdr software is important, you have to be careful with every new update.
2.12.1. Which cdr program is better?
Often people get confused when having to find cdr software suitable for their needs and the question that naturally arises is: "which cdr software is really the best?"
The simple answer is that there is no cdr software capable of doing everything better than any other alternative. Even when using a good program with many features, you may find yourself in need of another program when trying to accomplish certain tasks.
Apart from these issues, cdr software must support your recorder. Most software houses release updated drivers for their programs so that they support the latest models.
So, which cdr software is the best depends solely on your needs. Since a cd recorder may have many uses, there is a wide selection of programs which can have the tiltle of the "best".
2.12.2. Writing your own cdr software
If you feel that you have to write your own cdr software, you can find many useful examples and plenty of source code. Apart from documentation released by hardware manufacturers (or given to ambitious authors when requested), many programs for Linux offer their source code. This includes code in C, or even TCL and other scripting languages. Linux programs will also allow you to understand the processes that take place prior to the final recording process.
A good starting point is the CD building project for UNIX. You can also find documents about the cd specifications at ECMA.
Something that you need to know in advance is that it is much easier
to write software for SCSI drives that support generic MMC commands. Technical
documentation on MMC commands can be found at T10
Technical Committee, and you can browse the FTP
directory or prefer the web
page which contains descriptions of the documents.