Knowledgebase - FAQ - CD Questions
Open Status CDs
When a software program writes a CD, the program has the option or default setting to finalize the CD. Finalizing a CD allows the written CD to be read by other CD players with near universal compatibility.
Finalizing a CD writes the 'Table of Contents' to the CD.
A CD that has not been finalized is referred to as having an 'Open Status'. When a CD has an 'Open Status' other CD players will often have a problem reading the data.
There are variances in when 'Open Status' CDs can be read. These variances are related to UDF (Universal Disc Format) or system resident packet writing software. For universal readability we strongly recommend against relying on UDF or packet writing software.
Some CD writing programs automatically finalize the CD. On other programs the finalize step is an option that has to be selected by the user. There are also variances between versions of the same CD software writing program. You should check the settings and options of the CD writing software you are using to insure that your CD is finalized (or closed) and then it will be ready for distribution.