RE: [AV Media Matters] several new questions about digitalarchiving methods

[Robert Brian Levy <xernaut@yahoo.com>]

So if you've had problems with the HHB CDR-800, which burner would you, Mr.
Repka, recommend?
And which do others prefer now?  I thought the HHB was considered nearly
the best at this point?  Would a Tascam pro machine be better?

Brian Levy

>There is no difference in the manufacture or quality of Audio only CD-R's
>and "computer grade" CD-R's the only difference is a code placed at the
>inner diameter of the disc that allows the disc to be used in audio only
>CD-R burners.  You should be aware that the HHB CD-R 800 uses what is
>essentially a consumer mechanism made by Pioneer with some professional
>level electronic added.  I have client sending me master discs made on HHB
>burners and I have lots of problems with them.  Some of the problems
>include:  a pop at the very beginning of the disc.  This is caused by a
>burst of digital noise that is generated when the laser is first turned on.
>The noise burst is ignored by audio players but is read as data in a
>computer CD-ROM player so a copy made on a typical computer setup will have
>an audible pop.  This causes problems with some replicators. I have to check
>these master discs by loading the first track into my DAW and then expanding
>the opening few seconds on my editing screen.  If the glitch is there, I
>edit it out and then make a and image copy for dubbing.  As part of an ill
>conceived anti piracy scheme, the burns the machine serial number into the
>first 6 minutes of the disc using the unused "user bits" that are available
>in the CD format.  This causes problems with some players and some
>replicators and drives some CD testers nuts.  The 800 is a 1X burner only.
>The newer formulations are really optimized for higher burning speeds. Your
>should really make some test burns using the brands of you plan to use and
>get them tested for error rates.  The 800 is basically a "track at once"
>burner which means you can burn s few tracks, remove the disc, put it back
>later and burn a few more tracks and then finalize the disc.  This means
>that "bridge data" has to be added at the transition between the 2 sessions
>that the bridge data can cause problems during playback or replication.

Robert Brian Levy
Executive Director
Kiwat Hasinay Foundation
211 W Colorado Ave.
Anadarko, OK  73005 USA
tel (1) 405-247-5840
cell (1) 580-515-6011
kiwat@bigfoot.com