Multi-Read Devices & Blank Media

Multi-Read is a specification for CD and DVD Drive Manufactures, PC Manufactures and software developers in assisting with making any drive to have the ability in reading CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW media. The Multi-Read specification is compiled by OSTA, Optical Storage Technology Association, their objective being to promote market demand for optical recording products.

For any drive such as a CD-ROM, CD-Burner, DVD-ROM, DVD Player or DVD Burner that is designed with the multi-read specifications should have the ability to read any audio CD, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW Discs. These drives that do have the ability to read any audio CD, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW discs, in other words is a multi-read device which will have the multi-read logo on the drive usually on the front bezel of the device.

Why is Multi-Read Important?

If you burn data onto a CD-RW Disc and need to read the disc on another PC it is important the Optical Drive has multi-read capabilities or it may have difficulties trying to recognize the CD-RW discs - this can also be said for CD-R Discs.

Even DVD Players can have the Multi-Read function and can also carry the Multi-Read logo which is useful for when you wish to play CD-R Discs or CD-RW discs that have either video or audio burned onto them.

Before purchasing either a CD-ROM, CD Player, DVD-ROM or even a DVD Player check and make sure that it is Multi-Read compatible, again the Mutli-Read logo will be on the drive.

Download Multi-Read Specification (PDF FILE) from the Optical Storage Technology Association.