What is a CD-R?
CD-R means Compact Disc-Recordable where data is burned directly to the blank disc one at a time. CD-Rs are most cost effective in low runs.

What is a CD-ROM?
CD-Rom means Compact Disc Read Only Memory where data is stamped using a high speed plastic injection molding process. CD-ROMs are most cost effective in larger numbers.

What are the common terms and formats for CDs?
ISO9660: the original file CD data format uses a DOS file format of 8 characters followed by a dot and a 3-character extension.

JOLIET: is based on ISO9660 but allows additional characters, including spaces, and names up to 256 characters long. You should still include only one dot immediately before the 3-charcter extension.

HYBRID (PC/Mac): uses MAC HFS format and PC ISO9660 or Joliet on the same CD, allowing the one CD to be played in either a PC or a Mac.

MULTI-SESSION: Data is recorded to a single CD-R in several sessions. A CD-R recorded in a multi-session format can not be used as a master to replicate CD-ROMs.

MODE 1: uses 2048 bytes for user data plus a third layer of error detection. This Mode provides the highest integrity for computer data.

MODE 2: uses 2336 bytes for user data with no third layer of error detection. This mode was designed for multi-media graphics and video. The most common format is CD-ROM-XA.

PRE-GAP/ POST-GAP: empty lengths of track which are placed before and after the data track.

Why do I need a white flood coat when silk-screening in process 4 colors?
The short answer is to avoid a color shift. Graphics programs such as Illustrator or Quark are preset to produce films based on the assumption that the art is going to be printed on white paper. CDs and DVDs are plastic, not paper, and silver, not white.