Does it matter??

[Ry]

I was just wondering when you make backups of your PS2 games, does it matter what type of CD-R you use. I tried using the COMP USA ones and it copies but my playstation has a hard time reading it. I just tried the TDK CD-R and it seems to work fine. Also, my method of making backups is using CDRWIN to extract and fireburner to record. When I extract the game to my harddrive do I need to go a 1X? Or can I go faster?

[Charlie]

I posted this on another Forum:

Many people think that burning at 1x or 2x is best; others report good results at higher speeds. Here is something fairly technical that I posted in the DVD-R Swap Forum. I hope you find it useful.

I'll use Verbatims as the CD-R example. They come in three subtypes within two types of photosensitive dye:

Cyanine
Datalife Plus
Metal AZO

Pthalocyanine
Datalife

Cyanine CDs have a Long Write Strategy and so burn best at 1x or 2x. They have a longer shelf life if exposed to light, especially AZOs.

Pthalocyanine CDs have a Short Write Strategy and so burn best at 4x or on the best burners 8x (Laser power matters at higher speed). They have a shorter shelf life if exposed to light - say 10 years.

With CDRs it's all about ensuring that the burned opaque bit doesn't splay so as to make it difficult to read; burn a Short Write Strategy CD-R for too long and that's what happens. Pressed CDs have clean pits and ridges and it's the transition from one to the other that counts as a 1 bit.

Bottom Line
If you were aware of the above and burned at the said speeds, then you would be satisfied with the results. PC World (UK) "unbranded" media are the same fabrication as Verbatim Datalife, and these both are the ones I rate best.

As ever, my advice is taken at your own risk!!

[Ry]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it a lot!!