Do free newspaper CDs/DVDs damage machines?

I have several freebie cds and dvds from various newspapers (Sunday Times, News of the World etc) but i vaguely remember hearing years ago that these can damage the cd player.

Does anyone know if this is really the case as I would like to be able to play some of them but have been afraid to in case I wreck the cd/dvd player. Many thanks.

Can't see how they could damage players. From your vague recollections what allegations were made about them in this context?

Yes! Audio manufacturers secretly sponsor these CDs to increase sales on replacement hardware. Some "free" CDs even come with special anti-piracy software to destroy players that have been used with copied CDs.

But seriously, in general, no. There is nothing special about "free" CDs. Playing any CD will lead to mechanical wear and tear over time (years), but there is no way to avoid that, so I wouldn't worry about it.

What you might have heard about a problem is with "mixed-mode" CDs that contain computer data and normal audio tracks. Some older players try to play the data track as if it was audio, which could (reputedly) damage or overload your speakers. But I've never met anyone this has happened to! This 'problem' isn't specific to free CDs. Most CD players wouldn't be affected by it, and certainly no DVD players would be.

MugsGame said:

Some "free" CDs even come with special anti-piracy software to destroy players that have been used with copied CDs.

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Actually some commercial CDs do or did come with such malware - doesn't destroy the player but can screw up your PC!

What you might have heard about a problem is with "mixed-mode" CDs that contain computer data and normal audio tracks. Some older players try to play the data track as if it was audio, which could (reputedly) damage or overload your speakers. But I've never met anyone this has happened to! This 'problem' isn't specific to free CDs.

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See Wikipedia for some info on "CD" (quotes because non Red Book compliant "CDs" are not strictly CD Audio and most copy protected media are not) copy protection mechanisms.

ClubMan said:

From your vague recollections what allegations were made about them in this context?

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I heard or read somewhere that the disc was of such poor quality that it could damage the playing mechanism (sorry not very technical!) - this was some years ago.

Rois said:

I heard or read somewhere that the disc was of such poor quality that it could damage the playing mechanism

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Very unlikely.

You can test the quality by first.

I heard or read somewhere that the disc was of such poor quality that it could damage the playing mechanism (sorry not very technical!) - this was some years ago.

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Irregular shaped promotional (freebie) CD's have been known to damage machines. I had one in the shape of Australia that got stuck in the CD tray when trying to play it....

Hi everyone, thanks for your advice. I will microwave Johnny Cash later on and let you know how I get on...

Rois.

Rois said:

I will microwave Johnny Cash later on and let you know how I get on...

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Ring of Fire?

This track should play particularly well in a microwave.

Too slow!

funnily enough I remember reading that freezing your audio CDs increased their sonic clarity..I wonder has anyone ever proved this??

d