CD-R

CD-Recordable. Recordable CD’s are used where small quantities are required. CD-R’s allow data to be written either once only or in sessions for a multi-session disc. This allows the data to be ‘updated’ and/or ‘added to’ until the disc is full. The data on a CD-R disc cannot be erased or re-written, hence their alternative name WORM (Write Once Read Many) disc.

Unlike CD-ROM where the data is pressed into the product during manufacturing, the CD-R discs have a writable layer where data is ‘burnt’ with a CD-R writer.

The CD-R has a recording surface that uses a special dye that can be ablated by the laser in the writer. When writing to the CD-R disc, the laser burns the pattern of data into the dye on the recording side of the CD-R. There is a special grooved, spiral track that the laser follows when writing the data. Once copied, the CD-R disc functions exactly like a replicated CD-ROM disc.

The benefits include:

• Perfect for small quantities (from 100)
• Very fast turnaround times (1-3 days) up to 5,000 discs
• High quality finish with a professional UV lacquer coating
• Full design service available
• HDC can print and burn your discs for you, or choose to have discs supplied blank so you can either write your own data or print your own design.

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CD-ROM
(see also CD-R, Glass Mastering)

A replicated CD-ROM is manufactured using an injection moulding process that stamps the spiral track and data into the polycarbonate material at the same time. A reflective layer of aluminium is then spin coated onto the disc to allow for the laser in a standard reader to identify the spiral track and data layout. Once manufactured, the CD-ROM disc functions exactly like a duplicated CD-R disc.

HDC replication options:

• standard CD-ROM and audio
• mini CD-ROM
• creative CD-ROM (standard size CD with a clear outer and mini CD silvered date area).

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Channels

The term used to split a colour image into its separate colour components ie CMYK channels and RGB channels.

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CMYK

Printing that is done in four standard colours Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black on a commercial printing press. Combining these four colours creates all the colours we see on most printed pieces.

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Coated

Paper which has received a coating to achieve a special finish.

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Compact Flash (CF)

CompactFlash (CF) is a type of Flash memory that was developed as a type of data storage device used in portable electronic devices. For storage, CompactFlash typically uses flash memory in a standardized enclosure. This form was first specified and produced by SanDisk in 1994. The physical format is now used for a variety of devices. An example of a Compact Flash card is shown below.

For more information, see our product page on Flash memory.

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