What is the difference between a CD-R and a replicated CD-ROM?
A CD-R disc is manufactured to allow data to be copied (recorded) by a special device called a CD-R writer. The CD-R has a recording surface that uses a special dye that can be ablated by the laser in the writer. When writing to the CD-R disc, the laser burns the pattern of data into the dye on the recording side of the CD-R. There is a special grooved, spiral track that the laser follows when writing the data. A replicated CD-ROM is manufactured using an injection molding process that stamps the spiral track and data into the polycarbonate material at the same time. A reflective layer of aluminum is then spin coated onto the disc to allow for the laser in a standard reader to identify the spiral track and data layout. Once copied the CD-R disc functions exactly like a replicated CD-ROM disc.
