CD-RW
Type of rewritable optical disc
A CD-RW (Compact Disc ReWritable) is a type of optical disc that allows for data to be written, erased, and rewritten multiple times. It is an evolution of the CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) technology, which only allows data to be written once.
History[edit | edit source]
The CD-RW format was introduced in 1997 by Sony and Philips, building on the success of the CD-R format. The development of CD-RW technology was driven by the need for a more flexible and reusable data storage solution.
Technology[edit | edit source]
CD-RWs use a special phase change material that can change its state between crystalline and amorphous when heated by a laser. This allows the disc to be rewritten multiple times. The writing process involves a semiconductor laser that heats the material to a high temperature to change its state, while the reading process uses a lower-powered laser to detect the state of the material.
Capacity[edit | edit source]
CD-RWs typically have a storage capacity of 650 to 700 MB, which is equivalent to 74 to 80 minutes of audio. This is similar to the capacity of standard CD-R discs.
Compatibility[edit | edit source]
CD-RWs are compatible with most CD-ROM drives and CD players, although older devices may not support the format. The compatibility of CD-RWs is generally lower than that of CD-Rs due to the different reflectivity of the phase change material used in CD-RWs.
Applications[edit | edit source]
CD-RWs are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Data storage: Storing and backing up data files.
- Audio CD: Recording and re-recording music.
- Video CD: Storing video content.
Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
Advantages[edit | edit source]
- Reusability: CD-RWs can be erased and rewritten multiple times.
- Flexibility: Suitable for tasks that require frequent updates to the stored data.
Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
- Lower compatibility: Not all CD players and drives can read CD-RWs.
- Limited rewrite cycles: CD-RWs can only be rewritten a finite number of times before they become unreliable.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
