CDs 101

Posted by: BigH47 on 12 October 2005

Can anyone give me a brief outline of how the tracks etc are set out on a CD?
Does the laser scan out to in like an LP or vice versa?
Where is the table of contents?

I was trying to ascertain where some damage may be on a certain CD. Thats the reason for asking, plus an annoying sense of curiosity.

Howard

Posted on: 12 October 2005 by Tony Lockhart

They track from in to out, and, from what I remember, the toc is the first thing it reads, at the beginning.
The rotational speed of the disc lowers as the laser moves further toward the outer edge to keep the linear speed the same.

Tony

Posted on: 12 October 2005 by BigH47

Thanks Tony.

H

Posted on: 12 October 2005 by Tony Lockhart

More info here: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cd.htm

This is the 'bit' that impresses me: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cd7.htm

Tony