CD SingleCD singles are standard CDs that contain only a few songs. Typically, but not always, CD singles include the album version of a song plus remixes of that same song. CD singles may also contain songs not included on the album. These songs are often referred to as B-sides.
Content/ Copy-Protected CDThis product limits your ability to make multiple digital copies of its content, and you will not be able to play this disc or make copies onto devices not listed as compatible. Content/ copy protected CDs should allow limited burning, as well as ripping into secure Windows Media Audio formats for playback with most compatible media players and portable devices. In rare cases, these CDs may not be compatible with computer CD-ROM players, DVD players, game consoles, or car CD stereos, and often are not transferable to other formats like MP3.
CutoutCutouts are bargain-priced CDs that may have a "cut" or hole punched through the packaging. The CDs are new, have never been played, and are covered by our standard return policy.
Extended PlayExtended-play discs (EPs) are CDs with a total playing time greater than that of a single but less than that of a full CD.
Extra TracksExtra tracks are bonus songs not included on the standard CD release.
SACDSACDs, or Super Audio CDs, offer much higher fidelity than regular compact discs, containing up to four times the musical information. SACDs will not play in traditional CD players, but SACD players are able to play both SACDs and CDs.
Hybrid SACDThe SACD layer of hybrid SACDs offers much higher fidelity than regular compact discs, containing up to four times the musical information. Hybrid SACDs are designed for CD-quality playback on conventional systems, including home and car stereos, portable CD players, computer CD- and DVD-ROM drives, and DVD players.
Gold CDIn place of the aluminum commonly used as the reflective coating on regular CDs, gold is sometimes used, which coats more evenly and reacts with oxygen slower, providing greater longevity. The higher fidelity associated with gold CDs is actually a result of the remastering process and not of the gold coating itself. Gold CDs can be played in any CD player.
DualDiscUnlike regular CDs, DualDiscs are double-sided. One side contains standard CD audio; the other features DVD content, often including the album in higher-fidelity stereo or a 5.1-channel surround sound mix; lyrics, photos, and computer files; music videos, interviews, and documentaries; and anything else one might find on a regular DVD. Though DualDiscs are slightly thicker than ordinary discs, the DVD side should play in all DVD players, and the CD side should play in all CD players.
EnhancedEnhanced CDs are music CDs to which data tracks have been added. Designed to be read by the CD- or DVD-ROM drive in your computer, these tracks often include music videos, photos, liner notes, Web features, and other such content. The music portion of enhanced CDs should play in all CD and DVD players.
Explicit LyricsThe "Explicit Lyrics" tag is equivalent to the "Parental Advisory" slug that appears on the cover of certain CDs. The slug is a label provided by the Recording Industry Association of America that denotes the presence of strong language or depictions of sex, violence, or substance abuse. The decision to label specific CDs is made by recording companies in conjunction with the artists.
Original Recording RemasteredRemastered recordings are typically older recordings on which the sound quality has been altered or enhanced. Remastered sound is often bigger and fuller than that on the original release. Discs can also be remastered to play new formats, such as SACD.
ReissuedReissued CDs are usually albums that were discontinued by a recording company and then subsequently rereleased to the public. Reissued CDs are often remastered, and sometimes include bonus tracks not available on the original release.
DVD-AudioDVD-Audio discs can hold up to seven times the data of a normal CD, which results in added features and better sound. Read more about DVD-Audio.
Box SetBox sets are collections of more than one CD, often packaged in something other than a standard jewel case. The typical box set is an artist or theme anthology. The quality of a box set is usually judged by the inclusion of rare and unreleased material, biographical information, photos, and video footage.
Collector's EditionLike limited edition and special edition CDs, collector's editions tend to be available in limited quantities and often include items such as bonus tracks, video footage, and extensive liner notes.
Limited EditionLike collector's edition and special edition CDs, limited editions tend to be available in limited quantities and often include items such as bonus tracks, video footage, and extensive liner notes.
Special EditionLike limited edition and collector's edition CDs, special editions tend to be available in limited quantities and often include items such as bonus tracks, video footage, and extensive liner notes.
Deluxe EditionDeluxe editions are typically reissues of historically important albums. They often contain bonus material in the form of extra recordings or video footage. Extensive liner notes are often included.
SoundtrackSoundtracks are CD releases of the music related to a particular film, television show, video game, or other media product. Typically, soundtracks involve a compilation of songs used in the film or show, whether recorded for that specific purpose or drawn from previously released albums.
Cast RecordingCast recordings consist of music--including all the songs of a show as well as important instrumental portions, such as the overture--recorded in studio conditions with the cast of a particular theatrical production. Original cast recordings document the performers of the work's first production.
KaraokeKaraoke is the popular form of entertainment in which amateur singers attempt impromptu covers of well-known songs to the accompaniment of recordings that have the vocal track missing or turned down. Some karaoke releases are in the CD+Graphics/CD+G format, which means that, in addition to featuring audio content, they can be hooked up to specially equipped TVs, karaoke machines, or even PCs to display graphics with lyric prompts.
ImportImports are CDs that are not produced or distributed domestically but have to be purchased from a foreign source or label distributor.
LiveLive CDs document musical performances in concert or, indeed, any context before a live audience. However, even a live release might involve some studio manipulation.
