CD+G - Implementation

Implementation

In each sector there are 2352 bytes (24 * 98) of audio content data and 96 bytes of compact disc subchannel data.

The 96 bytes of subchannel information in each sector contain four packets of 24 bytes apiece:

• 1 byte for command,
• 1 byte for instruction,
• 2 bytes for parity Q,
• 16 bytes for data, and
• 4 bytes parity P.

Each of the 96 subchannel data bytes can be thought of as being divided into 8 bits. Each of these bits corresponds to a separate stream of information. These streams are called "channels", and are labeled starting with the letter P, like so:

Both the P and Q channels on a regular audio CD are used for timing information. They assist the CD player in tracking the current location on the disc, and to provide the timing information for the time display on the CD player. Note that same space is used for CD-Text as well.

Channel Q is used for control purposes of more sophisticated players. It contains position information the Media Catalog Number (MCN), and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). The ISRC is used by the media industry, and contains information about the country of origin, the year of publication, owner of the rights, as well as a serial number, and some additional tags:

Data

This track contains data (rather than audio). Can be used for muting in audio CD Players.

SCMS flag

Used by the Serial Copy Management System to indicate permission to digitally copy the track.

Four-channel compact disc digital audio

The track uses four channel audio. Was never used on Compact Discs.

Pre-emphasis

The audio track was recorded with pre-emphasis. Used very rarely on Compact Discs.

The CD+G format takes advantage of the channels R through W, which are unused in standard audio CD formats. These six bits store graphics information.

In the CD+G system, 16-color (4-bit) graphics are displayed on a raster field which is 300×216 pixels in size.