Music CD-R's vs. Data CD's - Any difference?
 

Hi Bit-Heads!

I have a simple question. What is the difference (if any) between recordable CD-R's that are titled MUSIC vs. those that are titled for DATA? I think they have got to the same right? Why are there two types for sale and is there a real physical difference between the two?

As far as I know the only difference is that the music cd's have a tax that go to the RIAA on them. The data cds don't.

As far as compatability there aren't any differences. Although all music cds I've seen have a fairly thick topcoat, where some cheaper data cds have little or none. Just buy good quality data cds and you'll be fine.

I didn't know that. I just figured it was for people that didn't know any better. That way a company could charge different prices for the same thing and get away with it. Kinda in essence of what is happening anyway

Agreed, simply the marketing company targeting the ignorant consumer. Same thing with the Celeron's, people just don't know better.

Exactly, I'm not sure what percentage they get but it's probably not the full price difference. As long as they can get away with charging more to people who don't know better they're gonna do it.

I went out to Verbatim to see what their website had to say. And...the tax is the correct answer. Here is their text:

Q. What is the difference in "Audio/Music" vs. Standard CD-R discs?
A. CD-R Audio or CD-R Music discs are for use with standalone recorders that hook up to your stereo, and the extra cost is a royalty to songwriters for the privilege of copying their CDs. These recorders check the blank CD's "Disc Application Code." If the blank is marked with the "for music" Application Code, recording is allowed. If not, recording is disabled. Computer-based recorders don't care about the "for music" code, so these more expensive blanks are unnecessary for use on a computer based recorder.


In other words: WTF??? Give me a break. The priveledge, eh? Priveledge this.

Wow, I didn't know about the compliance with standalone recorders. It's just another way the industry is screwing itself.

Yeah, it makes me laugh. If you think about Sony, for instance: they have a division which creates blank media like this, and then in another building they are creating CD players that will reject anything recorded with it! WTF? HAhahaha.

mwaaahahahahahahahaha

Some (note I said "some") music CDs have "higher" quality than "regular" data CDs. Remember when CDs used to have a dark blue/purple colored layer for writing? The green used nowadays is not as reflective or longlasting as the old blue/purple ones (although the green ones still last for a very long time). Some music CDs still use the blue/purple dye and what not. The gold color is the longest lasting, lasting about twice as long as CDs with blue dyes.

I had no idea about the music cd-r's having a tax on them.. That is insane. The RIAA is really starting to get on my nerves. I really want someone in power that cares about things like this, and I mean someone that isn't in their pockets, like G.W. probably is. Yeah, I am just ranting now.