Standard CD
In
the past few years CD-ROM technology has transformed the landscape of
information conveyance, raising expectations of what we can do and see
in the
computer environment. Capable of holding 650 megabytes of data,
compared with
1.4 megabytes for a high-density 3.5" disc, the CD-ROM has opened the
door
to an exciting realm of possibilities and is now the standard for
cost-effective data and audio
storage and distribution. Not only are compact discs a great storage
medium for
a multitude of uses, it's an excellent data carrier for any application
requiring large capacity and high reliability. So, virtually any
business can
take advantage of CD-ROM technology.
Disc Structure
CD-ROM originated from the audio compact disc, and thus its physical
dimensions
and characteristics are the same. The main difference between CD-ROM
and CD
Audio is that CD-Audio contains only audio data, while CD-ROM may
contain
audio, computer, and video/picture data. The molded plastic compact
disc
incorporates a continuous spiral of pits, which contain the data. An
aluminum
reflective layer allows a laser in the compact disc drive to read the
encoded
information. Data integrity is protected by a lacquer coating on one
side and a
plastic substrate on the other side. Compact disc information or music
is
encoded with efficient error detection and correction codes so that
drives can
correct errors if they occur.
Standardization
All media and drives with the compact disc logo must meet international
specifications. This worldwide standardization assures publishers and
consumers
that a properly manufactured compact disc will function in any CD-ROM
drive or
audio player, making media portability very easy.
-
650
Megabytes
-
4.75Ó
DIA
-
Holds
200,000 Pages of Text and Graphics
- 74 Minutes of Audio
-
34 Minutes
of Video
-
Plays
on any CD-ROM Drive
-
Windows
95/98, NT, MAC, OS
-
Weight:
1.4 Ounces
