Sony CD players manufactured in 2002 and later feature compatibility with CD-R and CD-RW discs. Those manufactured in 2000 and 2001 feature compatibility with CD-R discs, but not CD-RW discs.

Some CD players manufactured before 2000, while they don't feature CD-R compatibility, will play CD-R discs. Through trial and error, the following tips have been discovered to provide better performance in these models.

1) Start with a high quality blank. While we recommend Sony brand CD-R blanks, any of the name brands will offer good performance. We recommend staying away from "bargain" brands.

2) The closer to the maximum amount of content you try to squeeze onto the CD-R (typically 74 minutes), the more likely you'll encounter playability issues. We've found that 60 minutes or so seems to be the optimum time for best playability performance.

3) It seems that recording content on the computer's hard drive first, and then burning the CD-R from the hard drive, offers better results than burning a CD-R from another CD.

4) CD-Rs are much more susceptible to dirt, scratches, and finger prints than standard CDs. Take extra care in handling a CD-R. Even one small fingerprint can render a CD-R unplayable.

5) Writing the CD-R at '"1X" speed as opposed to "2X" or "4X", seems to offer better results. While it takes longer, this seems to be true, especially for units with electronic shock protection (ESP).

6) Always write the entire CD in one session. This ensures that the table of contents is closed properly, and offers the most efficient use of disc space. When writing in multiple sessions, reduced performance in playability is often experienced. Never leave the table of contents open, as that is where the player looks for disc information. If it's left open, the player can't read it, and an "ERROR" or "E-04" error message will result.

7) CD-RWs are not compatible with 2000 products, or any other previous model year products. You can use a CD-RW drive to successfully write CD-Rs however. Simply follow the manufacturers instructions for writing CD-Rs.

Please call our Technical Hotline with any questions you may have regarding CD-R playability, or any other product or installation issue, at 1-800-366-3460. Please have your access code handy. If any of your customers wish to speak with a Sony Product Representative for this or any other product issues, please have them call our Customer Information Service Center at 1-800-222-S0NY (7669).