So what's the real deal with audio, data CD-R's?

[aldus4]

For some time now I have observed different shops sell CD-R's claiming to be especially made for data or audio. Is this another gimmick or is there any truth in this statement? If there is a difference between the media, can anyone explain what the actually difference is? And which would be overall better for VCD's, SVCD's etc.?

[wildcatfan]

It's a little of both. Standalone Audio CD recorders MUST (without some quick switcheroo tricks) use the audio cd-r's because of some bits of information pre-written on them. On the other hand computers cd-writers can use either. usually the data cdr's are cheaper so use those (and yes you can make perfectly fine audio cd's with the data cdr's IF use you use a computer burner). So Yes they technically are different, but also yes it is a gimmich to get the people with audio only burners to buy the more expensive blanks.

Michael