Yamaha CRW3200IX Technical Notes, IEEE1394, Buffer Underrun Protection Function, Test writing

Technical Notes

IEEE1394

IEEE1394 is a global standard approved by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The serial interface has a broad bandwidth and is fast enough to transfer large amounts of digital video and audio data bi-directionally between electronic devices including computer peripherals. Defined as FireWire or i.LINK, the IEEE1394 interface enables units to transfer data or various controls over a single IEEE1394 cable. IEEE1394 enables a daisy-chain of devices (serial connection) to transfer data between any two devices in the chain. IEEE1394 also supports a tree (parallel) connection of devices. In addition to this flexibility, IEEE1394 also eliminates the need for complicated settings such as device ID and termination as found with SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) type interfaces. As of this writing, IEEE1394 supports three different data transfer rates: 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps.

Buffer Underrun Protection Function

CD-R/RW drives are equipped with a buffer memory, which temporarily stores data that is being transferred. When the buffer memory becomes empty due to a delay of data transfer for any reason, a writing error happens. Such condition is defined as buffer underrun, and such an error is defined as a buffer underrun error.

Buffer Underrun Protection is featured in the CRW3200IX drive.

When buffer underrun almost happens, Buffer Underrun Protection temporarily suspends the writing process. Writing resumes when enough data has accumulated in the buffer memory. Buffer Underrun Protection in the CRW3200IX drive is extremely accurate, resulting in seamless recording before and after suspension.

Test writing

Test writing is a function to check for the possible occurrence of buffer underrun in your computer environment. When Buffer Underrun Protection of the CD writing software is activated, the test writing function cannot be operated. Buffer Underrun Protection should be deactivated to operate the test writing function.

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