mmc_format — format optical media
Contents
Bugs
mmc_format could be merged with scsictl(8) but that tool is very hard disk oriented. Debian May 9, 2008 MMCFORMAT(8)
Description
The mmc_format utility formats optical media conforming to the MMC standard. This includes CD, DVD, and
Blu-Ray (BD) media.
The options are as follows:
-B Blank media when possible before formatting it.
-bblockingnr Explicitly select packet size in sectors (for CD-RW only). It is not recommended to
change this from its default of 32.
-ccert-num Certify media for DVD-RAM / DV-RE. The argument cert-num specifies:
0 no certification
1 full certification
2 quick certification
-D Debug mode. Print all SCSI/ATAPI command errors.
-F Format media.
-G Grow last CD-RW/DVD-RW session.
-H Show help and print formatting choices for the inserted media.
-h Show help and print formatting choices for the inserted media.
-I Show help and print formatting choices for the inserted media.
-M Select MRW (Mount Rainier) error correcting background format.
-O Old style CD-RW formatting; recommended for CD-RW.
-p Explicitly set packet format.
-R Restart previously stopped MCD-MRW or DVD+RW background format.
-r Recompile defect list for DVD-RAM.
-S Grow spare space DVD-RAM / BD-RE.
-s Format DVD+MRW / BD-RE with extra spare space.
-w Wait until completion of background format.
Examples
mmc_format-B-O/dev/rcd0d
Blanks and then formats a CD-RW disc using the “old style” format command. It is recommended to use this
“old style” command unless your drive reports that it's not supported; in that case, resort to the
default -F. Note that a CD-RW disc can be reformatted without being blanked. Blanking switches between
sequential and fixed packet writing by erasing the disc. This can also help to revive old discs.
mmc_format-F-M/dev/rcd0d
Format a CD-RW or a DVD+RW to use MRW (Mount Rainier). This format tries to hide media flaws as much as
possible by relocation.
History
The mmc_format command first appeared in NetBSD 5.0.
Name
mmc_format — format optical media
Notes
Due to the enormous varieties in optical media, mmc_format is made as generic as possible. This can
result in confusion.
See Also
scsictl(8)
Synopsis
mmc_format [-BDFGHhIMOpRrSsw] [-bblockingnr] [-ccert-num] special
