CD-ROM Replication

Several years ago, companies began releasing music discs with additional data files. These files included special tracks, music videos, and games. Although they were innovative and entertaining, some people had problems getting these "mixed mode" discs to play in traditional CD players due to the data files. There are two types of session formats on a CD-ROM of this type, single and multiple.

A single session format is defined as audio tracks plus 1 CD-ROM track. Many older CD players will attempt to read the data files contained on the disc without accessing the audio. Because of this, the discs cannot be played on these audio players. To get around this, it is important to know which type of disc is being used. This information can usually be found on the disc, on the case, or in an insert.

If the disc in question is a CD-ROM Ready disc, try skipping ahead to the first track before the audio player has a chance to read the data. In most cases, this will work. Be aware, though, that rewinding too far back can cause the player to venture back into the data track again. Another type of mixed mode disc is the CD-I Ready, which has the same problems in older audio players as the CD-ROM Ready disc. This problem can be averted by using the above measures, although there is less chance of success with a CD-I Ready disc due to the ambiguity of disc specifications. At any rate, single session discs are rarely used anymore, although they are found in older discs.

Multi-session discs have fewer problems than their single session predecessors. These discs typically have no problems playing in audio players, but CD-ROM drives tend to try to run both sessions at once. The discs are capable of being played in CD-ROM drives; just make sure to close other applications if the drive is attempting to run two at the same time.