Feurio Questions & Answers - Explanation of
Terminology:
Buffer-Underrun
When writing a CD, the data has to be written continuously, i.e. there may be
no breaks in the data flow. At e.g. 2x burn speed this means that the data is
written at 352 KB / second.
As of course the computer can not supply a constant stream of data (as it transfers
it block by block), the CD recorders have got a buffer which temporarily stores
the data sent by the computer and then sends it on to the writer at the correct
speed.
Depending on the recorder, the buffer is between 512 KB - 4 MB large (See: Device-Properties
/ Recorder-Properties).
If the computer does not manage to keep refilling the buffer during the write
process (i.e. the buffer is emptied completely), then the write laser does not
have any more data to write so the write process has to be interrupted. This
situation is called a "Buffer Underrun".
Unfortunately it is not usually possible to "restart" the write laser (unless
the recorder is "Burn-Proof"-capable), which
means the CD can not be written on any more after a Buffer-Underrun, it is defective.
(the parts which have already been recorded can usually be played)
You will find tips on how to avoid a Buffer-Underrun under: "Particular information
on CD burning "!
See also:
Questions and Answers - Explanation of terminology
Questions and Answers - Main Page
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