Q : What is BURN-Proof ?

Q : Where do I get BURN-Proof software?

Q : Can a CD Player play a disc processed with BURN-Proof ?

Q : How can we obtain information about BURN-Proof certified drives ?

Q : What is the function of the buffer in a CD-R/CD-RW drive ?

Q : What is Buffer Under Run Error ?

Q : How to avoid Buffer Under Run Errors.

Q : The merit for users by BURN-Proof function.

Q : Key parts for BURN-Proof functions.

Q : Requirements of OPU for BURN-Proof.

Q : Is the Sanyo brand drive available on the market ?

Q : What are the Sanyo's actions for BURN-Proof technology.

Q : The drive does not work correctly. Is it due to trouble with the drive ?

Q : What is disc spacer ?

Q : Is the Flash up Tool for Windows 2000 available ? 　

Q : Will a Flash Up Tool which supports Windows 2000 work on Windows NT ? New!

A : This technology helps the users to protect against Buffer-Under-Run Error. BURN-Proof stands for Buffer-Under-Run Proof.

A : BURN-Proof is a combination of hardware and firmware that is resident on the drive control electronics. It is expected that, through the year 2000, a large number of drive manufacturers will adopt BURN-Proof technology and incorporate it into their next generation offerings, most particularly 12x and higher. This is because the occurrence of "Buffer Under Run" becomes more pronounced as recording speeds increase. Because of BURN-Proof supports most popular recording application software vendors also provide support between the operating system and the recording device.

A : This technology helps the users to protect against Buffer-Under-Run Error. BURN-Proof stands for Buffer-Under-Run Proof.

A : Information about the BURN-Proof certified drive is available on the home page of SSCT (System Solution Center Tochigi), which is the official certification center.
http://www.ssct.co.jp/bpcenter/en/list.html

A : CD-R/RW drives record data on a disc at CLV (Constant Linear Velocity). Once the drive starts recording, the host computer should send the data to the CD-R/RW drive faster than the disc recording
Example: In case of a 12x speed recording, the expected data rate is 2352 X 75 X 12 = Approximately 2Mbytes, because 1 block is 2352bytes and 1 second is 75 blocks.
The data transfer speed of the personal computer is not stable, because of the change of PC's job-load.
Therefore, the CD-R/RW drive first stores the data from the PC into the memory. This memory is called buffer (D-RAM).
This buffer adjusts the time difference between the CLV recording data on a disc and the unstable data from the PC.

A : Ideally, the buffer (refer to item 2.) will always store the data needed to record. Therefore, ideally, the drive itself will have a 650MB capacity buffer, but that is not realistic. The buffer memory is usually 2M-4Mbytes. Buffer Under Run Error will never happen when the drive records data less than the buffer size.
When the drive records more data than the buffer size, the drive needs to be able to continue receiving the data from the host PC after starting recording. However, when the data-receiving is delayed, the drive cannot continue with the right recording procedure, because the drive cannot hold any data for recording. We call this "Buffer Under Run Error".

A : After starting recording, the CD-R/RW drive always monitors the status of the buffer using its inside micro-controller. If the drive judges that a Buffer Under Run Error may happen, the drive will then pause and record in the appropriate location, according to the EFM pattern.
While the recording is in the pause position, the drive continues to receive the data from the host PC. It will then prepare to restart recording by accessing the previous recorded area. To restart recording, the drive compares the recorded data with the data in the buffer to enable their synchronizing. The drive restarts recording when it detects the last recorded point.
Because the micro-controller in the drive stores the location where the recording address paused, it will control the status of the buffer and the servo. This allows the drive to restart the recording at the point of the initial pause so that no data is lost.

A : New technology now enables many CD-R/RW drives to record data seamlessly between the end of one recorded point and the start of another recording point, even though the data transfer may be suspended due to a Buffer Under Run Error.

1. BURN-Proof technology helps the users to prevent the creation of a useless disc (coaster disc).
2. BURN-Proof technology allows the user to multitask on their PC. Previously, a user couldn't do any other work on the PC while recording data. With BURN-Proof technology you do not have to suspend your work while you are recording data.
3. Lower performance PCs may also perform high-speed recording. Actual recording speed depends upon the data transfer rate of the PC and the PC's performance..

[NOTICE]

The BURN-Proof feature is effective only for Buffer Under Run error. Therefore this feature does not cover the following cases.

1) Power outage or power disconnection

2) Malfunction or abnormality in the PC / Application software

3) Impact on the drives or inferior condition of the media

4) Standstill of data from the source (example: CD-ROM drive and so on) under abnormal conditions

A :

• The encoding and decoding DSP (LC898023K, LC898093K) for CD-R/RW. These LSI are able to control the signals to suspend and restart recording.
• The circuit know-how which controls the high speed switching of laser power.

A : Basically, normal OPU can be used for Burn-Proof technology. However, some know-how will be needed for the control of the laser when the drive restarts recording.

A : Our drives are sold on the market only under the OEM brand. So, please ask each store whether they have our drive when you want to purchase Sanyo drive. We are now studying the possibility of a Sanyo brand.

A :

• Standardization for BURN-Proof technology:
  Sanyo is seeking to standardize BURN-Proof technology at Orange Book.
  It is under consideration now. The key points are as follows.
  *The timing for suspending and restarting to record
  *The GAP length
  *The time error on the disc
• License for other makers:
  We are now preparing a general license agreement which includes the basic patent for Burn-Proof, the right of using the logo and technical support. In addition to the above, we are also preparing BP Center which will qualify and grant Burn-Proof operation.
  Public relations activity for writing application for makers and users:
• We are introducing Burn-Proof technology to each application maker in order to make this technology a necessary function for CD-R/RW drive. We will win the highest praise from them. Application makers will be able to conclude the contract with us so that they can use the Burn-Proof Logo, etc., at free.

A : Is there any foreign matter in the drive? For instance, when the disc spacer is accidentally inserted into the drive, the drive will not work correctly.

A : A disc spacer has a circular shape and is used for fixing the discs in the bulk package of the CD-R/RW media.　

A : Yes, the latest Flash up Tool supports Windows 2000. Please download it from the product information page for your drive.

A : We have confirmed that it correctly works on NT 4.0 SP5 or later.However it is necessary that you as an administrator have the authority to execute.

1. The BURN-Proof feature is effective only for Buffer Under Run error. Therefore this feature does not cover the following cases.
   1) Power outage or power disconnection
   2) Malfunction or abnormality in the PC / Application software
   3) Impact on the drive or inferior condition of the media
   4) Standstill of data from the source (example: CD-ROM drive and so on) under abnormal conditions

   The BURN-Proof feature connects the data seamlessly between the recorded point and the recording start point with this high technology. The accuracy of data reading can be affected by the media condition or quality. Therefore, in some cases, an error may occur because the BURN-Proof feature cannot connect the data correctly.

   “BURN-Proof” stands for Proof against Buffer Under RuN error, not for proof against burning.