CompuServe Thread

CDROM Forum · CD ROM Production

#Writing to CD

8 messages in this thread

#49257From: Steve McDonnellMay 26, 1993 11:20 AM

Hi there – Anyone know what's involved with writing out data (big databases) from a Mac hard disk to CD ROM? Questions I have include: What kind of equipment is needed? How much does it cost? Is the hardware an attached SCSI device? What's the current data storage limit for CD's? 500meg? 1gig? Steve McDonnell

#49281From: Paul PhillipsMay 26, 1993 8:25 PM

Answers to some of your questions — You need a combination of hardware and software to make write once CDROMS. Various manufacturers make CD- ROM recorders. Beware of Pinnacle Micro's drive, which, although is the cheapest at ca. $4,000 also only allows writing to the lower capacity discs. We recently bought the Sony CD900E drive – pricey, but works great for our needs which are both CDROM and CD audio. The software can also be expensive. Quick Topix seems to be the most widely used, and is ca. $2,500. Yes, the CD recorder attaches to the SCSI port of a Mac. (I presume you are talking Mac? You can get them to work under windows with PC's). Data storage is dependent on format and disc size, but the maximum limit is roughly 580 or 650 meg, depending on which disc you use.

#49326From: Steve McDonnellMay 27, 1993 9:18 AM

Thanks for the reply, Paul. We're initially talking Mac because of our client (Mac – only). Steve McDonnell

#49337From: Duane BurghardMay 27, 1993 3:12 PM

Paul, >>Beware of Pinnacle Micro's drive, which, although is the cheapest at ca. $4,000 also only allows writing to the lower capacity discs.>> I just got off the phone with Pinnacle Micro. Their TS people tell me you are mistaken … the RCD-202 works equally well with both low and high capacity disks. >>We recently bought the Sony CD900E drive – pricey, but works great for our needs which are both CDROM and CD audio.>> If the implication here is that the Pinnacle Micro unit is incapable of doing this, I'm sorry, but this is incorrect too. The RCD-202 is capable of recording CD-audio as well (I didn't need Pinnacle to tell me that as I have a client who uses his RCD to do just that.) I'm certain that the Sony CD900E is an excellent drive capable of standing on it's own merits (not needing to rely on misrepresenting it's competitors.) The RCD-202 is also an excellent drive worthy of consideration by anyone who wants to make their own CDs. Sincerely, Duane Burghard Mardun Software Ltd. (a Pinnacle Micro dealer)

#49363From: Paul PhillipsMay 27, 1993 9:43 PM

Thanks for the clarification. I was under the impression that the Pinnacle only worked with the 63 minute discs because of their advertising. I guess I misunderstood…

#49470From: Duane BurghardMay 29, 1993 5:27 PM

Paul, Glad I was here to clarify. Actually, you make an excellent point which I will forward to Pinnacle's advertising gurus. *All* of the pictures of the RCD-202 (in the ads I have seen) *do* have the 63 minute discs on top. In the future, however, I am told that Pinnacle will ship and sell only 74 minute discs (though the drive will still support both formats.) 🙂 Sincerely, Duane Burghard Mardun Software Ltd.

#49303From: The One-Off CD ShopsMay 26, 1993 10:59 PM

Steve, You're asking for exactly what my company does. You can find more information about us on the CDVEN forum (try GO ONEOFF). I'd be more detailed, but I'm at COMDEX this week, and time is really crunched. Kathy Cochrane The One-Off CD Shops

#49880From: Walter J. RadzyminskiJun 4, 1993 2:37 PM

Steve, are you aware that Kodak has a line of Writable CD products and can give you enormous help? Call 1-800-242-2424 ext. 53 or see the Kodak CD public forum.