Thermo-Balanced Writing
The standard for Pit and Land length is represented by an intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines. The plots,
representing the individual measurements of each Pit and Land, in ideal circumstances (no “cross-talk” as example),
should be located on the intersections themselves.
The black “dots” in the illustrations represent the average of the measurements of Pit and Land length, and optimal
writing would place the black dot on or very near each intersection.
The two charts, one without TBW writing, and one with, clearly demonstrate an improvement in writing accuracy with
TBW technology especially at the 3T up to 5T pit combinations. (The 3T up to 5T pit combinations are used for approx.
70% of instances of writing data to disc).
The new Philips 12x8x32x CD-RW is the first product to have been introduced utilising TBW technology and
from now, all Philips 8x4x32x CD-RW drives have this feature.
To summarise
TBW intelligent drive technology, developed and patented by Philips, is a powerful new feature that adds
significant End user benefit. End user confidence in recording CD-R discs is assured by a state-of-the-art drive
that can create recordings on previously questionable discs. Data integrity is assured by physically testing each
disc and then tuning the output of the recording laser and choosing the recording speed to suit each individual
disc. Even if the drive determines to use a recording speed lower than the maximum possible, it will always
choose the maximum speed which can safely be used for the disc inserted. New discs are likewise
characterised and then written to in accordance with their measured characteristics.
These methods result in an "intelligent" drive, which adapts its behaviour to suit the precise requirements of
each individual disc, ensuring the best possible recording quality on all media. It provides a very high success
rate even when recording on discs of a quality below the internationally recognised standards.
The TBW technology is developed, qualified and already in production.
fig 3a: Without TBW
fig 3b: With TBW
Land bef
or
e pit
Land bef
or
e pit
Pit
Pit
Fig.3 (Fig. 3a & 3b),
Thermo- Balanced Writing:
Thermal “cross-talk” is
reduced by TBW.
62200223-TBW 21-02-2001 16:15 Pagina 12
