This is a subcategory of media type that goes further to describe (or emphasize) the basic purpose or use of a particular MAM-A disc.
Standard CD Recordable: These discs are designed to work well with most CD recorders/writers/duplicators for general purposes. It will NOT work in recorders that require digital audio grade discs. These may also not perform well when recording (burning) at 1x (real time) speed.
Digital Audio: These discs are designed to work in recorders that require digital audio grade discs. They will also perform well in standard recorders and at low speeds.
DVD Recordable - Minus Format: These discs will work with DVD recorders that are compatible with the minus format. The vast majority of writers/recorders are minus compatible. If you have an older unit or any doubts be sure to check with the manufacturer.
DVD Recordable - Plus Format: These discs will work with DVD recorders that are compatible with the plus format. Most newer writers/recorders are plus compatible. If you have an older unit or any doubts be sure to check with the manufacturer.
Dual Layer - PLUS Format: These discs will only work in DVD recorders/writers that are specifically compatible with the dual layer plus format. If you have any doubts be sure to check with the manufacturer.
Medical Grade: These discs meet or exceed DICOM (Digital Information and Communications in Medicine) Standards.

The record surface is the side of the disc that the actual recording is burned into. We classify MAM-A discs into three different surfaces.
Premium Silver: The Premium Silver CD-R surface is designed to last a minimum of 100 years and are highly compatible with all writers and readers on the market.
Silver + Gold: This surface is found in select DVD-R discs by MAM-A. It has two reflective layers (one silver and one gold) that boasts a longevity in excess of 83 years.
24K Gold Archival: These are MAM-A's highest performance recordable disc, providing longevity and durability far in excess of conventional optical media. The estimated storage life of MAM-A Gold CD-R discs is well in excess of 300 years. MAM-A Gold DVD-R discs have a life expectancy rating in excess of 100 years

The top surface is the non-recordable side of the disc. This surface can come with the MAM-A logo on it, no-logo (blank face) or with a printable surface.
No Logo Top Surface: The top surface is completely blank. These are ideal for those who want to write extensive notes on the disc or apply an adhesive label. Some discs will have marking in the clear inner hub area.
No Logo Matte Surface: The top surface is completely blank. Unlike the No Logo Top Surface, these are more dull and not as smooth.
Printed MAM-A Logo: These surfaces contain the standard MAM-A logo and name. Some tops may also have lines for writing notes.
Printed MAM-A Medical Logo: The only difference between these and the Printed MAM-A Logo tops is that these have a logo that indicates they are Medical Grade media.
Inkjet Printable: These are designed to work in most inkjet CD or DVD printers. Be sure that the printer you plan to use is compatible before purchase. These are available in white, silver and gold colored surfaces.
Thermal Printable: These are designed to work in most thermal CD or DVD printers. Be sure that the printer you plan to use is compatible before purchase. These are available in white, silver colored surfaces.
Everest Printable: These are designed to work in most Everest Thermal CD or DVD printers. Be sure that the printer you plan to use is compatible before purchase. These are available in white, silver colored surfaces.
Prism Thermal: These are designed to work in most Prism Thermal CD or DVD printers. Be sure that the printer you plan to use is compatible before purchase. These are available in white, clear or gold colored surfaces.
Hub Printable: These surfaces provide a larger area that can be printed on compared to standard printable surfaces.
E2E Hub Printable: These provide the largest possible printable area - even more than hub printable discs.

Not all optical media can be recorded at the same speed. Check your device capabilities before purchase. Older duplicators and many stand alone recorders may not be capable of higher speeds. When recoding at 1x (real time) we suggest that you use the lowest speed media possible.
8x Speed: Capable of recording at up 8 times real time. Most MAM-A Gold and Dual Layer DVD media is rated for this speed. If your device is not compatible for 8x you will not achieve speeds any higher than what the device is rated for.
12x Speed: Capable of recording at up 12 times real time. All MAM-A Digital Audio and Professional CD-R media is rated for this speed. If your device is not compatible for 12x you will not achieve speeds any higher than what the device is rated for. If you are recording in real time it is recommended that you consider using discs rated no higher than 12x.
16x Speed: Capable of recording at up 16 times real time. Most MAM-A DVD media is rated for this speed. If your device is not compatible for 16x you will not achieve speeds any higher than what the device is rated for.
52x Speed: Capable of recording at up 52 times real time. Most MAM-A CD-R media is rated for this speed. If your device is not compatible for 52x you will not achieve speeds any higher than what the device is rated for. 52x media is not recommended for recordings being made in real time.

This is the maximum amount of information, data, music or video that a particular disc can hold. Single side, single layer DVD media will generally hold 4.7GB. Two side or dual layer DVD media will hold 8.5GB. MAM-A CD-R media is either 650MB (74 minutes audio) or 700MB (80 minutes of audio).

MAM-A discs come packaged in a variety of ways:
Jewel Case: Each disc comes packaged in it's own jewel case. Master cartons contain 100 discs. Within each master carton are 4 sub-cartons of 2 Most are individually shrink wrapped in 10mm standard thick cases.
25-Cakebox: These discs come in stacks of 25 discs in a cakebox (also called a beehive or deluxe spindle pack). Most master cartons (of 200) contain 8 shrink wrapped cakeboxes.
50-Cakebox: These discs come in stacks of 50 discs in a cakebox (also called a beehive or deluxe spindle pack). Most master cartons (of 200) contain 4 shrink wrapped cakeboxes.
50-Stack: These discs are packaged in shrink wrapped stacks of 50 discs. These do not contain a spindle or anything other than the outer wrapping. Typically master cartons contain 600 discs (12 stacks of 50).
100-Stack: These discs are packaged in shrink wrapped stacks of 100 discs. These do not contain a spindle or anything other than the outer wrapping. Typically master cartons contain 600 discs (6 stacks of 100).